Though it is tough to measure, businesses in Sylvan Lake are feeling the economic impact of the 6,500 Scouts and volunteers in the neighbourhood.
The Scouts Canada Jamboree has plopped 5,000 Scouts and about 1,500 volunteers almost in the backyard of the small Central Albertan summer resort community.
Catherine Bais, Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, said according to both the beach ambassadors and the tourism booth, last Sunday was the busiest day they’ve can ever remember seeing at the booth.
“How much of that was from the Scouts Jamboree, it is really hard to say,” said Bais. “We are trying to monitor its impact as best we can.”
The Scouts have set up their tents at Camp Woods, a short drive west of Sylvan Lake. They started arriving in the area last Saturday. The jamboree ends this Saturday.
“I think we are going to see some economic impact, there is no doubt about that,” said Bais. “We don’t know how we’re going to measure it. Once it’s over I think then we’ll be able to get feedback from all the businesses. It is hard at this point.”
Though their schedules are loaded with activities either at the camp or on adventures to other parts of the province, the Scouts and volunteers do have time to travel down the road a short distance.
One business that has in particular seen a great increase since the Scouts’ arrival is the Crystal Clean Laundromat. Manager Neil McLeod said he’s had to extend his hours to accommodate the increase.
“We’re seeing a lot of bedding come in and now that it’s Wednesday we’re seeing a lot more of the campers in as the week progresses, because they’re running out of laundry,” said McLeod.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com