HALIBURTON, ON – A new report by a federation of snowmobile clubs says the activity is great for local economies.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile clubs released a report recently that says snowmobiling has the potential to generate $1.6 and $3.3 billion in economic activity in any given season, depending on factors like weather.
One of the key findings of this report was $842 million in expenditures contributed to $403 million in direct GDP and a total of $665 million in direct, indirect and induced GDP impacts. Additionally, direct employment from the season’s snowmobiling expenditures totalled an estimated 6,436 full-time equivalent jobs.
“Snowmobiling continues to be the major driver of Ontario’s winter economy,” said OFSC Chief Executive Officer Ryan Eickmeier. “Thanks to our Club volunteers, snowmobilers experience 30,000kms of world-class riding conditions, supporting local businesses across the entire province. From job creation to taxation revenue to keeping a small business open all winter, snowmobilers certainly contribute across the board.”
OFSC say that they retained Harry Cummings & Associates Ltd to study the 2018-19 snowmobiling season, using the Ontario Ministry of Tourism’s Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model. The study was generously supported through a grant by the International Snowmobiling Manufacturers Association.