Business boomed during Special Olympics

By BRENDAN MILLER on August 21, 2026Local businesses, restaurants and hotels have all reported a positive impact after welcoming visitors last week for the 2026 Special Olympic Canada Summer Games. Early estimates from the Chamber of Commerce pegged the economic impact at $12 million for the region.--NEWS FILE PHOTO 

One business owner described the streets downtown as lively, friendly and reminiscent of the 80s last week as Medicine Hat welcomed the nation’s top Special Olympians to compete in the 2026 Canada Summer Games.

Jake Knodel, owner of Station Coffee Co., says his business experienced an uptick of customers throughout the Games and that the event was a big win for the entire downtown business community.

“Parents and friends of athletes, coaches coming in to grab a coffee before the day began, so definitely got to see more actively, lunches were a little bit busy as well, we did notice specifically sales wise, an increase,” he explains.

However, as the well-known phrase goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Knodel also observed downtown streets full of people who spent time visiting the many unique shops in the city’s core.

“That for me is the big win,” he said. “One store doing OK doesn’t help things out. But when people come to one place and then start looking around and visiting other shops is when downtown is doing its thing. One of our customers, who is kind of a longtime Medicine Hatter, said it felt like the 80s. You’re walking, you’re seeing people and they’re shopping, not just quickly trying to get to one place and then leave.”

That positive economic effect trickled far beyond downtown as hotels and motels in the entire region – more than 6,500 rooms – were booked months prior to the arrival of more than 1,700 athletes, coaches and officials during the Games, many of whom visited local stores and ate at local restaurants.

According to city administration and the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, the estimated economic impact of the Games is thought to be about $12 million, including competitor accommodations, combined spending by spectators, family members, supporters and local investments in infrastructure and long-term residual impacts.

“Every filled hotel room, restaurant visit, fuel purchase, retail transaction and local attraction visit represents new dollars coming into our community,” said chamber executive director Lisa Dressler. “That spending supports local jobs, strengthens businesses and reinforces the value of investing in initiatives that attract visitors to southeast Alberta.”

Local restaurants like Moxies reported higher than normal sales throughout the Games, especially during the middle of the week. Owner and vice-president of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce board Matt Peterson says large-scale events held in Medicine Hat are critical for local businesses to succeed and thrive.

“We need to do everything we can to attract more of these events,” said Peterson. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase our city and it benefits the businesses in town. I saw a ton of these athletes out at the mall walking around with shopping bags and whatnot, I’m sure it was felt around the city.”

Throughout the five days of competition and two additional days for travel, five restaurants stepped up to cater meals for athletes staying at local hotels. Moxies served around 200 athletes and coaches from Team Manitoba and Team P.E.I.

“Just interacting with them was definitely a highlight for me of the week, especially later in the Games when they were showing up back at the hotel with their medals and just how proud they were and how excited they were, and it was really cool to be a part of.”

South Country Co-op says it also experienced an increase of customers at all retail and fuel service locations, and urged more support for hosting events that attract more visitors to the region.

“Events of this magnitude bring significant economic impact and visibility to our entire region,” said spokesperson Carmen Hudson. “They introduce visitors to everything southern Alberta has to offer, while supporting local businesses, organizations and communities at the same time.

“It really is a privilege to see an event like the Special Olympics come to southern Alberta and to have the opportunity to welcome athletes, families, volunteers and visitors from across the country.”

“I do believe for Medicine Hat this was the biggest event held in our great city,” Coun. Brain Varga, also a key member of the Special Olympics Committee, said Monday. “For all the people that were here, I thank you all for being such great ambassadors for our city, for showing them the hospitality that we had and maybe we can do it again sometime.”

The total budget to host the Games was approximately $3.8 million.

By Brendan Miller, with Medicine Hat News

Online link: https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2026/08/21/business-boomed-during-special-olympics/