Late Night Economic Impact Report


 June 19, 2012
 
 
An Economic Impact Assessment
Edmonton’s Late Night Entertainment Economy
 
 
The results of the Economic Impact Assessment of the Late Night Economy are now public. This study was undertaken by the Office of the Chief Economist, Responsible Hospitality Edmonton with of course, the participation of late-night businesses.
 
This document positions and provides insight into the late night entertainment industry as a dynamic contributor to the economy and liveability of the city.
 
Following are some of the report highlights:

  • Edmonton’s late-night entertainment economy is vibrant and thriving. It contributes to the social and cultural fabric of the city, and improves the city’s viability and appeal for both local residents as well as tourists. As the economy and population of Edmonton continue to grow, we can assume that the late-night entertainment economy will also continue to grow.
  • This study defined “late night” as those establishments open past midnight at least one day/ week.  (Therefore most restaurants were excluded.) The late-night entertainment economy is a diverse one, and constitutes any of the following types of establishments: eating and drinking establishments; bars; lounges; nightclubs; music venues; and after-hours clubs.
  • Summary of Economic Impacts (2010)

      Total Economic Output                               $686,511,073
      Gross Domestic Product (GDP)               $310,008,796
      No. of Full-Time Equivalent Jobs             5,807
      Estimated Attendance                                20,662,000
  • Both day and night-time economies are important to the life of Edmonton. However, the issues and challenges facing each are significantly different from one another. In particular, the late-night entertainment economy, poses unique issues with respect to the management, planning, and municipal services it requires.
  • Areas of the city that host the late-night entertainment economy experience large volumes of night-time visitors, and undergo significant changes at night. These changes affect public spaces and how they are used. Economic diversity, public transportation options, as well as the availability of other services are markedly different from day to night. (City of Sydney. 2011. Open Sydney)
The report is also posted on the City of Edmonton website, The other nine-to-five economy is thriving   
Edmonton is recognized as a leader in planning, managing and policing the night time economy.
This report is intended to spur thought and discussion on the economic role this sector plays within the City. Furthermore, this report can be used as a foundation for the ongoing growth, development, and improvement of Edmonton’s late-night entertainment economy.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation of Economic Impact Assessment from John Rose, Chief Economist.
 
 
 
For more information please contact:
John Rose, Chief Economist at 496- 6070
Angela Turner, RHE Program Manager at 944-0300