Skip to content

$3.1M spinoffs from 55+ Games: Coquitlam staff

Businesses in Coquitlam saw approximately $3.1 million in economic spinoffs generated as a result of the 55+ BC Games last September, the city claims.
bc games
Businesses in Coquitlam saw approximately $3.1 million in economic spinoffs generated as a result of the 55+ BC Games last September, the city claims.

Businesses in Coquitlam saw approximately $3.1 million in economic spinoffs generated as a result of the 55+ BC Games last September, the city claims. 

According to a staff report, many local businesses saw an increase in sales activity and hotels and motels were sold out throughout the week, with many athletes showing up early and staying after the event concluded.

“The potential for return visitations was enhanced by both hosting the games and as a result of awareness generated by the games,” said the report. “The positive impression left by the games further enhances how people will view Coquitlam as a place to live or open a business in the future.”

The cost of hosting the event, which ran Sept. 20 to 24 and attracted more than 3,200 participants from across the province, was $405,200 in cash and in-kind services. 

Sports tourism is a competitive market, with many municipalities vying for large events in an effort to get their share of the $5.2 billion annually spent across Canada in the sector.

Recent events in Coquitlam include the LPGA Canadian Women’s Open in 2015 (an estimated $6 million in spinoffs) and the 2016 U19 World Field Lacrosse Championship ($4 million).

 

COQUITLAM 125 $68K UNDER

Coquitlam taxpayers received one last present from the city’s 125th birthday celebrations: a $68,000 budget surplus.

The city budgeted a net cost of $619,000 for the year-long program of events and legacy projects, including Lights at Lafarge and Neighbourhood Nights.

But when the actual price tag was announced this week at Coquitlam council, the final figure was $551,000. 

A report also noted the attendance numbers for some of the major events associated with the festivities, including Kaleidoscope, which attracted 9,000 people, and the Neighbourhood Nights program, which drew 2,350. The block party challenge, which took place around the city, had 6,862 participants at 128 parties.  

gmckenna@tricitynews.com

@gmckennaTC