Poll suggests Winter Games good for the city, and shows support for similar events

Most people feel that the 2015 Canada Winter Games was a good investment for Prince George, according to a survey conducted by a UNBC political science class.

According to the survey, 51 per cent of respondents agreed, or strongly agreed, with the statement that the games were a good investment. Twenty-two per cent were either neutral or not sure while disagreed or strongly disagreed.

“It had a very positive impact on the City of Prince George,” said Grant Bachand of the class.

The class set up polling stations around the city and polled 393 people. Sixty-five per cent of those respondents participated in the games.

In terms of the games increasing civic pride, 64 per cent of people felt that it improved civic pride. Twenty-five per cent of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that the games increased civic pride.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that the games improved Prince George’s national image. Sixteen per cent were either neutral or not sure while 24 per cent disagreed, or strongly disagreed.

Respondents were mostly ambivalent on whether the games, which has many events in Canada Games Plaza downtown, actually helped revitalized the downtown core.

Thirty-four per cent of respondents were either neutral or unsure, with a similar 34 per cent either agreeing or strongly agreeing and 31 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.

Results were similarly mixed on the question of whether respondents felt the games will increase enrolment at UNBC and/or CNC. Thirty-one per cent felt it would increase enrolment, 37 per cent were either neutral or unsure, and 30 per cent felt it wouldn’t increase post secondary enrolment.

Forty per cent of respondents felt the games met its goal of being sustainable/green, 13 per cent felt they didn’t meet that goal and 46 per cent were not sure.

As to whether Prince George should host similar events in the future, the answer was a pretty overwhelming yes, with 82 per cent in favour, 10 per cent no, and eight per cent not sure.

Similarly, 70 per cent felt the games will increase tourism to the city, 13 per cent felt they won’t, while16 per cent were not sure.

As to enticing people to live in Prince George, 35 per cent of respondents felt the games would not increase residency with 34 per cent feeling they would. Twenty-nine per cent were not sure.

Mayor Lyn Hall said the 82 per cent support on the question of whether Prince George should host similar events, was a key finding.

“To me, that’s resounding support of what we did,” said Hall. “There are some provisos within that support, but I think it proves to us that we’re on the right track to start to try and attract some other events. Senior Games, Memorial Cups are big events for a city.”