MUSKOKA - The 2010 Ontario Winter Games generated $4.9 million in economic benefits across the province, with $2.7 million of that occurring in Muskoka, according to the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance Economic Impact Assessment Report released Friday at a media conference in Bracebridge.
The economic spinoffs for Muskoka were the result of approximately 3,300 athletes, coaches and officials and an estimated 3,060 spectators attending the March 4-7 competitions.
The Ontario Winter Games is a multi-sport event that provides young athletes with development and competitive opportunities that prepare them for national and international competitions. The 2010 event was held primarily in Muskoka, with 88.2 per cent of the athletes competing within the region.
The economic benefits include money earned by hospitality and transportation employees who otherwise would not have been working that weekend, as well as spending by visitors and spectators on accommodation, food, fuel and other merchandise.
“It’s quite significant and the impact overall, I think, is truly tremendous,” said Scott Aitchison, chair of the games. “We’re very pleased with the results and see it not just as a great investment in our youth and in the communities, but as a great investment in business all across Muskoka as well.”
Also of note, the report determined expenditures during the games supported 30.1 existing year-round jobs and provided an increase of $1.1 million in net economic activity or gross domestic product (GDP) in the host region.
In addition to the overall economic benefits, the Ontario Winter Games committee announced the Bell Legacy Fund, originally estimated to be approximately $45,000, has instead amounted to $175,000. The difference is the result of over-budgeting for some expenses and an unexpected increase of in-kind services, which resulted in more revenue left over from the games than expected, explained Myke Malone, general manager for the games.
The legacy fund will be used to promote and enhance youth sport in the 2010 games communities. A committee has been formed to disperse the funds, taking into account the requirements of Sport Alliance of Ontario and the agreements between the partner municipalities.
“A fund of this substantial size can be invested and be used for years to come,” said Malone. “Obviously youth and sport is the primary guideline that they will be adhering to, but there are (other) guidelines the committee will be working with and they will determine exactly how those funds are going to be dispersed.”
The success of the games and the partnership between the area municipalities had many at the press conference suggesting Muskoka was ready to bid for another upcoming provincial or national sports event, such as the Canada games.
“We’re a proven sport destination,” agreed Malone. “There are lots of opportunities to partner, not just with the Sport Alliance of Ontario, but other sport organizations.”
In fact, Huntsville already has a bid in for the 2012 Ontario para games, confirmed Malone.
Huntsville district Coun. George Young suggested the success of both the winter games and the recent G8 has opened doors for Muskoka.
“Quite frankly, Muskoka’s name out there is golden right now,” said Young. “The opportunity I believe right now is not only for sporting events, but a lot of new stuff that we probably wouldn’t have thought about before. We have the infrastructure. We have the reputation … this is the time to pursue major events. We’re at a new level.”