The 2014 B.C. Seniors Games brought more than $6.3 million in direct and indirect economic benefits to the Langleys, a new study shows.
The economic impact study was carried out by the school of business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University on behalf of the BC Seniors Games Society.
It shows the Games “created direct economic impact of more than $3.1 million in the area” most of it from Games ‘participants paying for gas, food and lodging, with another $3.2 million in indirect benefits, mostly to suppliers of local businesses.
That is “nothing to sneeze at,” B.C. Seniors Games Society president Wayne Naka said.
“You just can’t underestimate the financial clout of our dynamic, energetic 55-plus B.C. population … and that translates into a tangible benefit for B.C. communities.”
An estimated 4,000 participants and “accompanying persons” attended the 2014 B.C. Seniors Games, which took place in Langley from Sept. 9 to 13.
Leading up to the games, cash-strapped local organizers asked for $60,000 from the Township and $15,000 from the City in the form of a cash advance. Those loans were paid back.
The B.C. Senior Games have been renamed the 55+ BC games.
North Vancouver will host the 2015 Games from Aug. 25 to 29, while Coquitlam will host the 2016 Games.