Key Economic Data

Snowmobiling generates over $8 billion in annual spending across Canada and is responsible for over 100,000 full time jobs in North America. Its overall economic impact is particularly important in many rural communities where snowmobiling related tourism helps provide income and jobs during what otherwise would be an off-season. This helps many businesses keep their doors open and people employed year-round. This spending also generates important tax revenues for governments.

Many provinces have commissioned studies to determine their specific economic impacts from snowmobiling. Economic benefits vary based upon ratios of local/resident snowmobile riders (lower total spending) versus levels of non-resident and non-area riders (higher total trip expenditures). A sampling of provincial survey results include:

ALBERTA:

As well as generating jobs for thousands of Albertans, a 2009 economic impact study of snowmobiling estimated $336.5 million as the annual economic impact of snowmobiling. All three levels of government shared over $142 million dollars in taxation revenues. (Econometric Research, 2011)

NEW BRUNSWICK:

Focusing solely on the economic impact of snowmobile tourism, direct tourism expenditures by travelling snowmobilers (residents and non-residents) of $22.5 million generating $1.4 million in provincial tax revenues were estimated for the 2008-2009 snowmobile season. This is only one piece of the total economic activity related to snowmobile sales, service, insurance and operations by households and businesses that generates a much larger economic impact within the province. (New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks, 2010)

NOVA SCOTIA:

Annual expenditures on snowmobiling exceed $22 million according to an Economic Assessment report. (Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, 2005)

ONTARIO:

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs updated economic impact studies that had been completed in 2005, 1997 and 1989 and concluded that during the 2013-2014 season, the snowmobile industry generated $1.7 billion in economic activity in Ontario, providing an estimated $332.8 million in total taxes among the three levels of government. (Harry Cummings & Associates, 2014).

QUEBEC:

Updating of a 2001 study determined that the economic impact of snowmobiling in the 2011 season in Quebec was over $2 billion dollars which included direct expenditures by snowmobilers, trail maintenance activity and the manufacture and sale of both snowmobiles and trail grooming equipment. Over $250 million in taxes was collected at the provincial and federal government levels. (Zins Beauchesne, 2012)

SASKATCHEWAN:

A 2009 study showed that snowmobile outings by residents generated over $40 million in annual spending while annual spending on snow machines and ancillary equipment generated an additional $70 million. Fuel purchases for vehicle trips to riding destinations and for snowmobile use generated $3.7 million and $2.9 million in tax revenue for provincial and federal governments, respectively. Additionally, total sales taxes paid to each level of government are estimated to range from $3.3 to $5.3 million annually. (Saskatchewan Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, 2009)

Reproduced from “Facts and Myths About Snowmobiling and Winter Trails” 2014