City council threw its support behind a major sporting event Monday after learning the goal is to draw 250 competitors to the Prince George and generate a significant economic impact.
Add on the coaches, officials, spouses and event staff and the number of people who will be in Prince George for the 2020 Canadian Masters Badminton Championship will be over 300.
In total, it's forecast to deliver a boost to the local economy of more than $765,000 according to numbers provided during a presentation.
However, putting on the eight day event, set for April 25-March 3, 2020 at the Northern Sport Centre, is expected to cost $297,000 and just 25 per cent of that total will be covered by the participants and the presenting sponsor.
Organizers are working to draw enough sponsors to cover the remainder, council was told.
The event is open to anyone who is at least 30 years old as of the championship's first day and it's expected participants will come from not only across Canada but from around the world.
Along with putting on the tournament, showcasing the city and entertaining those involved will be in the job jar. Work in that regard includes establishing an onsite lounge, hosting three social events - an opening reception, a midweek theme banquet and a final banquet - and drawing participants to such attractions as Northern Lights Estate Winery and Treasure Cove Casino.
"The objective here is to provide a memorable experience both on and off the court," event chair Lisa Davison told council, and added the tournament will build on the success realized when the sport was hosted during the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
Organizers will also be hosting field trips to the NSC for local school kids and seniors.
Following the presentation, council voted unanimously in favour of contributing $10,733 from the city's major events reserve and endorsing a request for up to $20,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust's Prince George regional development account.
