Expo 2017: Good Intentions Scott Hennig Alberta Director & National Communications Manager Canadian Taxpayers Federation
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About EXPOs Imagine the possibilities. Imagine a glimpse of the future. Imagine EXPO... inspiring us to dream big for the future of humankind. A vibrant exchange of knowledge and culture. Countries showcasing the latest technology and solutions to global challenges. Think grand scale: the Olympic Games, the World Cup. EXPO 2017 in Edmonton will attract millions from around the world Source: http://www.edmontonexpo2017.com/en/about-expos.aspx
Promised Benefits: Infrastructure Expo buildings re-used on U of A South Campus Temporary buildings re-used efficiently in communities throughout Alberta Development of a series of transit hubs, park and- ride spaces, and the possibility of accelerating LRT extensions signature bridge over the river redevelopment of the Legislature grounds and the West Rossdale area Other A legacy fund of $100 million will provide education programs and scholarships Putting Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada on the World Map
Promised Benefits: Economic $2.6 billion increase to Canada s Gross Domestic Product $2.3 billion increase to Alberta s economy Thousands of jobs will be created nearly a billion dollars of tax revenue across the three orders of government a heightened business profile for Edmonton, Alberta and Canada 1.9 million unique visitors (nearly half from out of province) will make 5.3 million visits to EXPO 2017 It will create a tourism boost to the economy, in much the same way that EXPO '86 did for Vancouver
Type Recognized Theme Energy and Our Planet Cost $2.27 billion (2009 dollars) Deficit $2 billion ($227 m revenue) Attendance 4.5 5.3 million Unique Visitors 1.9 million Daily attendance 56,000
Who Pays? Province of Alberta Government of Canada City of Edmonton 65% ($1.3 billion) 25% ($500 million) 10% ($200 million)
Comparisons to 67 & 86 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2hx_ygrdci http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lalufkp5qfw
Expo 1967 Montreal Type Length Theme Cost (1967 dollars) Cost (2010 dollars) Deficit (1967 dollars) Deficit (2010 dollars) Attendance Registered 6 months Man and His World $430 million $2.75 billion $210 million $1.34 billion 51 million
Expo 1986 Vancouver Type Length Theme Cost (1986 dollars) Cost (2010 dollars) Deficit (1986 dollars) Deficit (2010 dollars) Attendance Registered 5.5 months World in motion, world in touch $802 million $1.42 billion $311 million $551 million 22 million
Registered vs. Recognized Registered Recognized Length 6 months 3 months Theme Broad Specific Attendance Range 29-70 million 4-20 million Edmonton 2017 Projected Attendance: 4.7 million (2008 estimate) 5.3 million (2009 estimate) Low end of the smallest Expo
Myth: Putting Edmonton on the Map Recognized Expo 2008 & 2012
Expo 2017 or 2018 competitors Source: http://www.expobids.com/2017-2018.htm
Myth: attract millions from around the world Facts: Expo bid committee uses a 10 hour driving distance around site to determine attendance Zaragoza, Spain 3.6% of visitors were international = 68,400 international visitors to Edmonton over 3 months
Benefits? $1.1 billion worth of left over infrastructure (at a cost of $2 billion) Telling our story to ourselves (improving Alberta s image within Alberta) Some economic spin-offs from international visitors (68,400 of them)
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