Fort St. John works on sport tourism plan for ‘numerous’ social and economic gains

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John is working to draft a plan to promote and support sport tourism in the region. 

During the November 24th committee of the whole meeting, the council reviewed a report and presentation from staff about the ongoing development of a sport tourism plan for the city. 

Major sporting events attract tourists to the region’s local businesses, hotels, restaurants and cafes as a side effect of attending or competing in the event itself. 

Staff noted in their presentation the economic impacts were significant for the region, and helped to attract long-term investment in hotels, facilities and public amenities, increase residents’ exposure to sports and recreation, build community pride and social connection and enhance community visibility as “a desirable location for events and investments.” 

Background review by the municipal government on a formal plan focusing on promoting and supporting sport tourism began in March 2025, with local engagement starting in September.

Staff explained the plan was built upon the city’s “strong reputation” for hosting a variety of successful recreation events at its various facilities, such as the Pomeroy Sport Centre and its long track speed skate oval alongside the city’s ice rink arenas and ball diamonds. 

“These assets have enabled the community to welcome regional and provincial competitions, training camps, and major events such as the BC Winter Games, World U17 Men’s Hockey Challenge, World Masters All-Round Speed Skating Games, Canadian Neo Junior and Junior Long Track Championships, which have contributed significantly to local economic activity and community pride,” staff stated in the report. 

A major sports event in Fort St. John typically takes one to three years to organize, in part due to the development of documentation and set deadlines for expression of interest bids, according to staff. 

Estimates included in the report noted economic impact assessments of major events hosted in recent years. The 2015 World U-17 Hockey Challenge generated an estimated $1.2 million in economic impact, and the 2020 BC Winter Games generated approximately $1.8 million, according to the assessments. 

“A municipal investment to coordinate and support the ability to host events would have numerous positive social impacts and economic gains for the community,” staff said. 

After reviewing the presentation and report, the council voted to continue the development of a sport tourism plan for the city.

Staff will return to the council in a future meeting with a formal plan, which will include bid document templates with the assistance of Sport Tourism Canada, which will assist with organizing major events.