Five special events in Kelowna this year had an economic impact of almost $100 million, city officials say. 

Spending related to the Memorial Cup, Touchdown Kelowna, Kelowna Hoopfest, the BC Summer Games, and Skate Canada is estimated to be $95 million. That’s the amount spent at local establishments such as hotels and motels, restaurants, retailers, and other businesses and services that cater especially to tourism. 

“These events also deliver important social benefits by building community pride, encouraging volunteerism and active participation, inspiring young athletes, advancing inclusion and cultural connection, and supporting the development of local sport organizations and event expertise,” reads part of a staff report going to council on Monday. 

The city dubbed 2026 ‘Year of Sport’ to promote these special events:

– For the Memorial Cup, all eight games at Prospera Place were sold out, the city says, and the estimated economic impact was $15 million. 

– Kelowna Hoopfest saw the Vancouver Bandits professional baseball team play the Saskatoon Mamba with an announced attendance of 4,353 fans, 41 per cent of whom were from out-of-town. It was estimated to be worth $2 million to the city’s economy. 

– Touchdown Kelowna was the largest sporting event ever held in the city. The BC Lions of the CFL played games against the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Elks at the Apple Bowl, temporarily enlarged to hold about 18,000 fans. The economic impact was put by the city at $72 million. 

– The BC Summer games involved more than 3,000 athletes and coaches, with an estimated economic impact of $2 million. 

– Skate Canada International, to take place later this month and in early November at Prospera Place, will be worth $3 million to the city’s economy, the city says. 

No information is provided in the report on the calculations used to derive the estimated economic impact of the various events. Also, the report does not mention that the city routinely provides financial support to the organizers of major special events held in Kelowna. 

Monday is the last council meeting before the Oct. 17 municipal election.