Sport Tourism Canada’s STEAMPRO economic impact assessment reveals that the 2025 Para Cup generated approximately $1.2 million in overall economic activity for British Columbia, highlighting the event’s strength as a high-performing international para sport tourism driver for Dawson Creek and the surrounding region.
Dawson Creek welcomed the world’s top para hockey nations from November 30 to December 6 at the Ovintiv Events Centre. As the final international competition ahead of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the week-long tournament brought Canada, the United States, China, and Czechia together for elite competition while engaging local athletes, coaches, and youth and filling the stands in the northernmost host community in event history.
Event-driven visitation played a central role in the tournament’s impact. A strong share of attendees travelled specifically to Dawson Creek for the Para Cup, with many staying multiple nights and participating in activities throughout the community; patterns that extended spending across accommodations, food services, transportation, and local retail. Together, these behaviours reinforced the event’s importance as both a regional tourism driver and a catalyst for economic activity beyond the venue.
Survey results also highlighted the event’s broader community value. Attendees reported high overall satisfaction and positive accessibility experiences, underscoring the significance of hosting inclusive, high-performance sport in northern communities. Strong support for continued investment in event hosting further positions Dawson Creek to build on the momentum of the Para Cup while advancing the long-term social and economic legacy of para sport in Canada.
“The 2025 Para Cup strengthened Dawson Creek’s sport hosting capacity through accessible venue upgrades, expanded volunteer capacity, and lasting partnerships with SportAbility BC and the Northern Adapted Sporting Association,” said Chelsea Mottishaw, Tourism, Emergency & Climate Readiness Manager for the City of Dawson Creek. “As our first para-sport event, the region showed up in full force to cheer, to learn, and to connect through the power of sport.”
“As important as the 2025 Para Cup was for the competing athletes and federations as they prepare for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the event’s impact off the ice ensured a powerful legacy for Dawson Creek and para hockey in Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, Senior Vice President, Revenue, Fan Experience & Community Impact for Hockey Canada. “The community support leading up to and throughout the tournament was incredible and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to its success.”
“Hosting the Para Cup in Dawson Creek shows how international para sport can deliver meaningful impact in communities of every size,” said Derek Mager, Sport Tourism Canada’s Senior Consultant and Program Manager of Economic Impact, who analyzed the data and prepared the report. “The event not only generated measurable economic benefits, but also advanced accessibility, inspired local participation, and demonstrated the power of inclusive sport to create lasting community legacy.”
Are you interested in using primary data collected from event attendees at your event? Work with an STC Economic Impact Consultant to analyze the actual economic impact of your event in a specific Canadian community. Contact Sport Tourism Canada today to learn more.