Sarah Mills: Saskatchewan's throne speech a blueprint for... what?
The Government of Saskatchewan has laid out its legislative plans for the year ahead, but Sarah Mills says families meas...
Sports and cultural events brought an estimated $23.2 million into Prince Albert’s economy in 2025, according to a new report that will be presented to City Council’s Executive Committee on Monday.
The report is the first time the City of Prince Albert has quantified the economic impact of hosting sporting and cultural events.
Read more:
- Large military presence expected to fill P.A. Armoury for Shaun Farrell’s funeral
- Grieving father receives 10-year sentence for running over son’s alleged killer
- Prince Albert mall rooftop could hold 500 modular homes
A total of 56 regional, provincial, national and international events were held in the city last year, generating an estimated 146,490 visits from people outside the community and 19,618 hotel room nights.
The City also invested $557,400 through its Destination Marketing Fund to help support local event-hosting committees.
The report points to sports tourism as an important part of Prince Albert’s economy, with the city continuing to attract tournaments and major competitions that bring visitors, teams and spectators into the community.
The Prince Albert Raiders are also making a significant economic contribution.
A recent Canadian Hockey League economic impact assessment, conducted in consultation with its member clubs in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Western Hockey League, estimates the Raiders generate $12.8 million annually for the Prince Albert and area economy.
Of that amount, approximately $5.76 million comes from out-of-market attendees, while opposing teams account for another $601,965 in economic impact.
The Raiders themselves raised $75,000 for local charities and community organizations and supported approximately 2,000 youth with sports partnerships and development initiatives.
The City said visitors attending regional and provincial events typically spend between $100 and $150 per day, while those attending national and international events can spend up to $250 daily.
That spending is done at local hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses.
The report emphasizes the importance of the City’s investment in event hosting, including support through the Destination Marketing Fund and subsidized services provided by the Parks, Recreation and Culture department.
City officials say those investments are integral to attracting events and generating economic activity.
However, the $23.2 million figure does not capture the entire economic contribution of sport and culture in Prince Albert.
Further work is underway to quantify the economic impact of Cooke Municipal Golf Course and the City’s Arts and Cultural services. Those figures are expected to be incorporated into future annual reporting.
The report also recognizes the contribution of community volunteers, whose work helps make major events possible and contributes to Prince Albert’s reputation as a destination for sports and cultural tourism.
The City plans to use the findings to promote Prince Albert’s event-hosting capabilities, support future funding applications for infrastructure and help assess priorities for municipal services.
The report identifies sport and cultural tourism as a leading industry for Prince Albert, with continued investment in facilities and event-hosting capacity expected to support future economic opportunities.
Read more:
