Sport Tourism: Stephen Fischer at TEDxStCatharines

Summary

The speaker discusses the transformation of Welland, a city that once thrived on industry but faced decline. They highlight the city's reinvention through the development of the recreational waterway, leveraging its unique asset to attract sports tourism and diversify the economy. The initiative has led to significant growth in events and visitors, contributing to the city's economic resurgence and community legacy.

Takeaways

• 🌆 The city of Welland was once a thriving industrial hub with a high ranking in national income, but it faced economic decline when its industries began to leave.
• 📉 After peaking in 1971, Welland's population and economic vitality started to decline due to changes in the global economy and the departure of its industrial base.
• 🔄 The city had to reinvent itself, and one of the key strategies was leveraging its recreational waterway as a new economic driver.
• 💧 The 12-kilometer stretch of water left behind by the shipping bypass in 1973 became the centerpiece of Welland's rebranding efforts.
• 📈 Welland's Canal Corporation was established to manage the waterway and has since focused on sport tourism as a way to boost the local economy.
• 🏆 The city has hosted numerous sporting events, attracting thousands of visitors and generating significant economic impact.
• 🌐 Welland's strategy involved inviting sports organizations to experience the city's unique waterway and potential for hosting international events.
• 🚀 The city's efforts have led to a rapid increase in the number of events hosted, from 8 in 2006 to over 30 in 2011.
• 🎓 Welland is working closely with educational institutions to provide living labs for students to gain experience in the field of sport tourism.
• 🏛️ The city is investing in infrastructure, such as a new $10 million facility, to support ongoing community programming and events.
• 💼 Sport tourism in Welland has created a diverse range of jobs, from entry-level to highly specialized positions, contributing to the local economy.

Q & A

What was Welland's economic status during its peak years?

During its peak years, Welland was a bustling, thriving municipality with a high national ranking in median income and a population that doubled and grew repeatedly until it peaked at approximately 45,000 people in 1971.

What caused the economic decline of Welland?

Welland's economic decline was caused by the closure and relocation of many of its industrial base factories, such as Welland Tubes, John Deere, Atlas Steels, and the cotton mills, leading to a loss of jobs and economic vitality.

What was the significant change in Welland's waterways in 1973?

In 1973, the shipping canal was bypassed to the east, leaving a 12-kilometer stretch of water in Welland that the city decided to use for recreation and sport tourism.

What is the Welland International Flat Water Centre, and how did it start?

The Welland International Flat Water Centre is a venue for flat water sports and sport tourism. It started with the formation of the Canal Corporation in 2001 and a vision to utilize Welland's waterway for sport tourism, beginning with powerboats and expanding to multiple sports.

What impact did sport tourism have on Welland by 2011?

By 2011, Welland hosted over 30 events at the Welland International Flat Water Centre, attracting 20,000 visitors over 60 days, significantly contributing to the local economy.

What is the definition of sport tourism?

Sport tourism is defined as travel to participate in, officiate, coach, spectate, or support sports activities, impacting the economy through expenses related to travel, accommodation, food, and other services.

What are the economic benefits of sport tourism in Welland?

Sport tourism in Welland has led to job creation, increased spending in the local economy, and the attraction of visitors, who spend money on accommodations, food, and recreational activities, providing an economic boost to the region.

How does Welland's water quality compare to other venues?

Welland's water is exceptionally clean, even cleaner than a public pool, and serves as the source of the municipal drinking water.

What role do educational institutions play in Welland's sport tourism?

Niagara College and Brock University collaborate with Welland, using the city's venues as living labs for students to gain experience, and contributing to the local workforce by employing graduates.

What future developments are planned for the Welland International Flat Water Centre?

Future developments include the construction of a ten million dollar facility to enhance the venue, drive sport tourism, and continue contributing to Welland's economy as part of the city's strategic plan.

What is the expected economic impact of upcoming events at the Welland International Flat Water Centre?

Over the next three years, upcoming events at the Welland International Flat Water Centre are expected to generate over 48 million dollars in economic impact for the Niagara region and the city of Welland.