Economic impact larger than anticipated
ANTIGONISH, N.S. — How is this for economic impact: $8.7 million for the Town of Antigonish and Municipality of the County of Antigonish, $10.7 million for Nova Scotia and $12.6 million for Canada.
Those were the numbers announced by Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games organizing committee co-chairman Carl Chisholm, former mayor of Antigonish. He recently presented councils for the town and county with a framed photo, medals and pins as reminders of their contributions to last year’s Games in Antigonish.
Chisholm made the presentations, put together for the municipalities as well as St. F.X. by Special Olympics Nova Scotia, during a joint town and county council advisory committee meeting last week at Antigonish town hall.
“That’s air flights, restaurants, car rentals, gas stations ...” Chisholm said, pausing and gesturing to indicate the list of economic spin-offs goes on and on.
“It’s above what we had hoped for so … kudos to everyone who was involved. The 850 plus volunteers, without them, it wouldn’t have happened, but with them it was a tremendous success.”
Chisholm said the organizing committee has heard accolades from across Canada.
“Two provinces and the Yukon asked us if we would put in to host again in 2022; that’s quite a compliment for the town and county to get that and, of course, St. F.X. who was a major part in hosting it,” he said.
Warden Owen McCarron thanked Chisholm and co-chairman Marc Champoux for their work.
Mayor Laurie Boucher noted the organizing committee, led by Chisholm and Champoux, started a long time before the more visible signs of the Games coming to Antigonish were seen.
As for the economic impact, she said it’s great news.
“Our community has shown we’re able to host events of this magnitude …
once again, it shows strong partnerships are better for our community economically.”
As for attracting other major events, Boucher said the town will “try our best.”
“Now that we’ve showcased our community on a national stage; there is no reason why we can’t continue to do so,” she said.