The Price of Inactivity: Measuring the Powerful Impact of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada
This 2023 research report provides new research, tools and resources that demonstrate the comprehensive social, health, economic and environmental impact of the sport, physical activity, and recreation (SPAR) sector in Canada. It provides decision-makers with data and evidence to make the case for SPAR investment; and underscores SPAR’s role as a pivotal sector in fostering healthy individuals, inclusive communities, and a thriving economy.
- Social Impact: Sport, physical activity, and recreation are powerful agents of social transformation, contributing an estimated $13.6 billion annually through volunteerism alone.
- Health Impact: Physical inactivity accounts for $3.9 billion of annual health care expenditures. Integrating SPAR into daily life boosts public health, improves physical and mental well-being, and reduces the economic burden of physical inactivity.
- Economic Impact: The SPAR sector plays a vital role in Canada’s economy, contributing $37.2 billion annually to the gross domestic product (GDP), offering direct and indirect economic benefits.
- Environmental Impact: SPAR can help build climate-resilient communities. The replacement value of aging SPAR infrastructure is estimated at $42.5 billion. This underscores the essential role the physical and built environment plays in promoting health and reducing pollution, while highlighting the significant benefits derived from maintaining and upgrading aging community infrastructure amid a growing climate crisis.
Published by: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute and Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
Publication Date: 2023
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