City of Kelowna reaping the economic benefits brought on by the Brier Cup
Earlier this year, the Canadian men's curling championship brought over 89,000 spectators to Kelowna.
The event delivered a direct economic impact of $15.2 million and a total impact of $22.7 million, far exceeding expectations.
'On that particular event, we were at the high end of our expectations — and actually a couple hundred thousand dollars beyond that,' said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
For city leaders and tourism officials, the success of the Brier is about more than just impressive numbers.
'The numbers from the Brier really solidified that Kelowna can host these major events successfully,' said Lisanne Ballantyne, CEO of Tourism Kelowna. 'But it's not just about the numbers — it's about the legacy it leaves behind.'
Story continues below advertisement
That legacy continues to grow, with two more national events on the horizon. The Canadian Country Music Awards are set to take place in September, followed by the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026.
Kelowna is aiming to match or surpass the economic performance seen in other host cities.
'When the CCMAs were in Hamilton, the economic impact was $11 million and over 2,000 hotel room nights,' said Ballantyne. 'With Kelowna's destination appeal, we believe we'll match or even exceed that.'
The city is also thinking long-term. A new Economic Prosperity Task Force has been launched to build on this momentum and explore other opportunities beyond events.
'It's not just from an event standpoint,' said Dyas. 'The task force is looking at what else we can bring to Kelowna — whether it's industry, manufacturing, or anything that creates lasting economic impact.'
As Kelowna continues to attract attention, city leaders are working to ensure it's ready for what's ahead.
'We're considered a small city, and things like infrastructure, venues, and even how many volunteers we can mobilize become important factors in deciding what events we can host in the future,' said Ballantyne.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Bragg Gaming Group Announces Cyber Security Incident
Article content TORONTO — Bragg Gaming Group (BRAG:CA) ('Bragg' or the 'Company'), a leading content and technology provider to the online gaming industry, today announced the Company learned of a cybersecurity incident early Saturday morning, August 16, 2025, CEST time. Article content Bragg has taken immediate steps to mitigate any potential impact. Additional independent cybersecurity experts have been retained to assist the Company in dealing with the matter in accordance with industry best practices. Article content Based on preliminary investigations, the Company believes that the data breach was limited to Bragg's internal computer environment. At the present time, there is no indication that any personal information was affected. Additionally, the breach has had no impact on the ability of the Company to continue its operations, nor has it been restricted from accessing any data that has been subject to the breach. Article content Bragg is committed to data safety, is taking the matter very seriously and asks its customers and partners for their patience as it seeks to remediate the situation. Article content The latest information regarding the incident will be made available on and updated as further developments occur. Article content This news release contains forward-looking statements or 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ('forward-looking statements'), including, without limitation, statements with respect to the following: the Company's plans to address the cyber security incident and its expected impact on Bragg's operations and the safety and security of its customers and partners data. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and allowing readers to get a better understanding of the Company's anticipated financial position, results of operations, and operating environment. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate', or 'believes', or describes a 'goal', or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved. Article content All forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect the Company's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company's forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements. Specifically, the forward-looking statements herein are subject to the risk that the investigation of the cyber security breach is in its initial stages so the assessment of the potential impact could change over time as more information gathered. Article content Forward-looking information, by its very nature, is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and is based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from the Company's expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking information and no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including but not limited to the timing for the investigation and recovery process, the impact on Bragg's business operations, future plans, activities, objectives, operations, strategy, business outlook and financial performance and condition of the Company. Article content Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Article content About Bragg Gaming Group Article content Bragg Gaming Group (NASDAQ: BRAG, TSX: BRAG) is an iGaming content and turnkey technology solutions provider serving online and land-based gaming operators with its proprietary and exclusive content, and cutting-edge technology. Bragg Studios offer high-performing and passionately crafted casino game titles using the latest in data-driven insights from in-house brands including Wild Streak Gaming, Atomic Slot Lab and Indigo Magic. Its proprietary content portfolio is complemented by a cross section of exclusive titles from carefully selected studio partners under the Powered By Bragg program. Games built on Bragg's remote games server (Bragg RGS) technology are distributed via the Bragg Hub content delivery platform and are available exclusively to Bragg customers. Bragg's flexible, modern, omnichannel Player Account Management (PAM) platform powers multiple leading iCasino and sportsbook brands and at all points is supported by expert in-house managed, operational, and marketing services. Content delivered via the Bragg Hub either exclusively or from the Bragg aggregated games portfolio is managed from a single back-office which is supported by powerful data analytics tools, and Bragg's award-winning FuzeTM player engagement toolset. Bragg is licensed, certified, approved and operational in many regulated iCasino markets globally, including the U.S., Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Malta and Colombia. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Company Contacts Article content
Calgary Herald
2 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
Abigail Strate up blossoming on grand prix ski-jumping circuit after another bronze Sunday
Article content WISLA, Poland — Canada's Abigail Strate is not shy to admit that she enjoys the summer sun but has never found her mojo on ski jumping towers around the world when the flowers are in full bloom during the Summer Grand Prix season. Article content That has all changed over the last two weeks as the 24-year-old ski jumping rockstar is blossoming herself in the air. Article content The Calgarian landed on the bronze-medal step of the podium in Wisla, Poland with 116.4 points on Sunday. Article content Article content 'I'm a summer person, for sure,' Strate said. 'I like the sun and have always liked jumping in the summer. The last time I jumped well in the summer, it carried into the whole year, so hopefully this is a good omen for me.' Article content Article content Slovenia's Nika Prevc completed the golden sweep in Poland, winning with 126.2 points. Japan's Nozomi Maruyama topped Strate for the silver with 117.5 points. Canada's Nicole Maurer placed 26th. Article content The world's best women's leapers have competed in a new spectator-friendly format each of the last two Sunday's. In the first round, athletes jumped in groups of five with the top two in each group advancing to the second round. Each of the top 20 competitors who headed back to the top of the hill started with zero points for the second round. Article content No matter the format, Canada's Strate is prepped and ready to soar. Article content 'Right now, it feels a bit similar to when I got the (three straight) World Cup podiums, but it doesn't feel as unexpected,' she said. 'I know the jumps are good and I feel confident they will keep being good. It's not just happening in competition. I'm also always in the top three or four right now in official training and qualifications.' Article content Article content Strate has flown into a new stratosphere over the last two weekends while racking up four straight podium finishes including her first-ever victory, to go along with three bronze medals. She is only the second Canadian ski jumper to ever medal in two straight events on back-to-back weekends. Her 2022 Olympic bronze medal-winning teammate, Alex Loutitt, rattled off four straight bronze medals on the 2023 Summer Grand Prix. Article content 'In my heart, this is so fun, and I have many positive emotions,' added Strate. 'It feels great for me now, but I know this isn't when I want to be great. I really hope this can last until the start of the winter and through the season.' Article content Strate's new approach into her flight path this season towards the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February is paying off. Article content 'I feel like I'm approaching the jump in a different way. I'm seeing the jump as a whole now, so it is a different mental approach. I do lots of visualization and mental preparation, so by the time I attempt the jump I feel like I have done it 10 times already,' said Strate.
Globe and Mail
4 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Amber Kanwar's Weekly Setup: Canadian inflation and big box retail earnings
This is the first time all summer that my husband and I have gotten away, just the two of us. It is not really for leisure: He's on a work trip and I'm typing on a beach. There is also fallout from Air Canada's labour dispute that could mean navigating a hellscape of travel upon our return. It's funny what passes as a vacation these days. Here are five things to know this week: (CP)I of the storm: With few earnings reports in Canada, inflation will be the main reason for traders to show up to work this week. The Bank of Canada will get its second last look at headline and core inflation on Tuesday morning before the next interest rate decision in September. Headline inflation is expected to cool thanks to lower shelter and gasoline prices. However, core inflation is expected to remain sticky at 3 per cent. We learned last week that the central bank decided to hold interest rates at its last meeting precisely because core inflation remains elevated – it has been above 3 per cent for three months now. 'The BoC needs to see at least a couple of months (and probably three) of decelerating inflation before further rate cuts are on the table,' wrote Benjamin Reitzes, managing director for Canadian rates and macro strategist at Bank of Montreal Capital Markets. Inflation will be a hot topic at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium taking place in Wyoming toward the end of the week. Nearing the end of his term, Jerome Powell will give his remarks for the last time as Federal Reserve Chair. Investors will want to know how Mr. Powell is feeling about inflation after last week's data produced mixed results: lower consumer prices and significantly higher producer prices. The recent softness in the U.S. labour market may be the tipping point with investors betting on a September rate cut. Big box: Walmart Inc. is trading around record highs, while Target Corp. is languishing around a five-year low, and this week we will get a closer look at how these two big-box retailers are faring. While the two companies seem similar on the surface, grocery and everyday low prices have put Walmart in the pole position. But it also means that investors are now paying nearly 40 times earnings for Walmart compared to just 14 times for Target. Having said that, Walmart reports this Thursday and is expected to show an 11-per-cent increase in profit compared to a 23-per-cent drop for Target, which will report on Wednesday. Bank of America doesn't recommend getting lured in by Target's cheap valuation. 'Target is falling behind peers and has tougher challenges,' wrote Robert Ohmes, a senior research analyst at the bank, in an Aug 15. note downgrading Target to underperform ahead of earnings. Mr. Ohmes said Target's compounding sales growth has fallen below Walmart, as Walmart's online sales 'meaningfully outpace' those of Target. Aside from comparing the two, investors will be eyeing what the earnings say about the consumer spending outlook: If nothing else, it may offer a more accurate picture than numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where former commissioner Erika McEntarfer was recently fired by U.S. President Donald Trump. Building blocks: Home Depot Inc. and Lowe's Companies Inc. have been on a tear with both retailers' stocks up about 20 per cent over the last few months. Earnings this week will be a test of whether the enthusiasm around housing is warranted. It is no secret that the U.S. housing market has been in a funk coming off the trading-spaces hype, post-pandemic. Hopes are high that things are starting to turn around. Estimates for comparable sales growth are sitting at a three-year high. Royal Bank of Canada is warning that might be too lofty, in a preview note to clients. 'We're expecting modest comp misses for both names,' wrote Steven Shemesh, equity research analyst at RBC Capital Markets. However, he acknowledges that the buy-side might be prepared for that. Cyberstalking: Palo Alto Networks Inc. will have a chance to calm some nerves when it reports Monday. The cybersecurity giant plunged after announcing a US$25-billion deal to buy Israel's CyberArk in a cash and stock deal at the end of July. Investors are also nervous about volatile tech spending and how that might affect their forecast. Earnings from rivals haven't been a clean sweep and that is putting investors on edge. 'Despite our expectations of a solid quarter, we think shares will likely trade sideways in the near-term, given a combination of a potentially conservative guide, along with long-only investors not rushing to jump into the name,' wrote Adam Borg, managing director of equity research with Stifel, in a preview note to clients. In the Money with Amber Kanwar brings you insights from top portfolio managers and business leaders. Listen at
