Bell Aliant Centre worth millions to P.E.I. economy, says new study

The Bell Aliant Centre in Charlottetown draws visitors from across the country, and creates a significant economic impact along the way, a new study shows.

The report was commissioned by the board of directors of Bell Aliant Centre, formerly known as the CARICentre,and was conducted by the Sierra Planning and Management group.

It shows the centre supports 79 full-time equivalent jobs, and creates $11.6 million in direct and indirect visitor spending in events alone.

The Andrews Hockey program continues to be a major tenant and a big draw for visitors, withits spring tournaments bringing in more than 150 teams to the city.

One of the main goals of the report was to demonstrate to the centre's funding partners the role it plays in the economy.

"We really just see this as a tool in the tool chest, ifyou will, when we're looking for infrastructure money for doing development, if there were expansion opportunities down the road," said centre general manager Sue Fraser.

"Lots of times in your applications for funding to do any kind of infrastructure work, you need to present some hard facts as to what you are bringing to the table ,and this is just a really solid document for us to take into those kinds of applications."

The centre also helps create a healthy community, noted Fraser.

Since the complex opened in 2004, it has hosted more than 53 provincial, regional or national events.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWSITropical storm Colin bringing some wet weather
• MORE P.E.I. NEWSICharlottetown panhandlers to be offered help