Hockey is Canada’s sport of choice, but across the country there are signs that athletic activities generally are a major national pastime.
More than half of all households in Calgary, Ottawa-Gatineau, Victoria and Saskatoon spent money on sports and recreation during 2006, according to the latest report by the Canadian Council on Learning. The Ottawa-based organization measures lifelong learning opportunities in communities, and leisure pursuits are integral to cultural engagement—residents who play in local clubs may feel more connected to their hometown. Go team.
CITY | PER CENT WHO SPEND ON SPORTS & RECREATION |
Calgary | 58.5% |
Ottawa – Hull | 58.3 |
Victoria | 56.7 |
Saskatoon | 52.4 |
Halifax | 48.1 |
Edmonton | 48.1 |
Vancouver | 47.9 |
London* | 47.8 |
Regina | 47.3 |
Charlottetown | 46.3 |
Fredericton* | 45.2 |
St. John’s | 45.1 |
Winnipeg | 44.9 |
Toronto | 42.8 |
Moncton* | 40.2 |
Saint John | 35.4 |
Québec | 35.0 |
Montréal | 33.8 |
Source: Statistics Canada, special tabulation, unpublished data, Survey of Household Spending, 2006. Unless indicated, data reflects Census Metropolitan Areas.
* Data for these cities only available at the economic region level.
The Big City Comparison – The Most Cultured – Return to Smart Cities