Memorial Cup economic impact a win-win for either Guelph or Kitchener

The 2027 Memorial Cup will be held either in Guelph or Kitchener. CTV's Colton Wiens reports.

The 2027 Memorial Cup will be held either in Guelph or Kitchener.

The two cities were announced as the finalists to host the tournament in two years.

While both teams are excited for the opportunity, the communities are looking forward to the economic boost that typically comes with the tournament.

“Fingers are crossed. I think, as I said, Kitchener is a hockey town. Go, Rangers. And, we got this,” Steve Roth, Manger of Special Events for the City of Kitchener said.

Formal bids and presentations need to be made, then a site selection committee will visit the Sleeman Centre and Kitchener Memorial Auditorium before choosing the host city - in late November or early December.

“A lot of fanfare, a lot of excitement, some of the best games that you’ll see in junior hockey and, just showcasing the community and doing lots of, external community events and just being able to have a great event on and off the ice,” said Carla Keller, CHL director of national events and league programs, in an interview on Thursday.

The Rangers said they have the support of council and are working to renovate the Kitchener Auditorium.

While Guelph council has committed to a one-time grant of $600,000 if successful, plus $100,000 for in-kind fees at the Sleeman Centre. The tournament would also coincide with Guelph’s 200th anniversary.

“The estimated economic benefit depending what you look at for and depending which place is upwards of $24,000,000. We have a city that’s put some potential money behind it, and I think that it’s one of those things that the return on investment for it is massive,” said Andy Veilleux, president & CEO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce

According to the CHL, last years event in Saginaw, Michigan generated $40 million in economic impact and over $500,000 in media value. Nearly 11,000 hotel room nights were booked and over 600 short term rental stays were made.

“Guelph could use some more hotel rooms. I think everyone knows that with Guelph. I do think we can handle it though. The restaurants for sure, we have such a healthy restaurant industry hear with so many amazing local restaurants and franchises as well,” Veilleux said.

“So I think we’d be able to help restaurants and tourism opportunities and actually just build around that to make something really special,” Roth said. “I mean, a lot of times we do events at the city. We say, here’s a chance to showcase our town. Here’s a chance to say, this is what Kitchener is. This is what we’re all about. So, it’s kind of like putting on your Sunday best and showing people a good time. And I think we’re pretty good at that.”

Kitchener has hosted the tournament four times, the latest in 2008.

The Guelph Platers cohosted with Kitchener in 1962, but the Storm have only held the tournament once, in 2002.

Veilleux adds no matter who gets the event in 2027, both cities will benefit from visitors spilling over into the communities.