2025 Canada Games generates over $180 million in economic activity in St. John’s

Sport Tourism Canada’s Economic Impact Assessment shows that the Canada Summer Games generated over $272 million in total economic activity across Canada, including $180.7 million in the City of St. John’s, supporting local jobs, businesses, and showcasing our city to visitors from across the country.

According to the report, over $40 million was spent by visitors in the St. John's metro area, including $15.4 million in accommodations, $8.3 million in restaurant and food services, and nearly $4 million in retail shopping. As well, 642 local jobs were supported – including $56.8 million in wages and salaries. There were over 31,800 visitors to St. John’s because of the games, and nearly 93% indicated they are likely to return.

From packed accommodations and restaurants to new and upgraded facilities, the benefits of the Games will be felt for years to come. Learn more in the media release: stjohns.ca. 

2025 Economic Review now available

The City of St. John’s has released our 2025 Economic Review, highlighting a year of growth in many economic indicators and steady momentum for the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA).

Mayor Danny Breen noted that the region’s economy strengthened in 2025, supported by higher offshore oil production, expanding employment, and an increase in housing starts. Encouragingly, inflation eased while consumer spending remained solid — positioning St. John’s on a stable foundation heading into 2026.

Highlights:

• Real GDP growth: +5.0% (driven largely by offshore oil production)
• Population: +1.3% to 243,478
• Employment: +3.1% (+3,800 jobs), primarily in services
• Unemployment rate: 7.2% (labour force growth outpaced job gains)
• Household income: +1.8%
• Retail sales: +4.3% to $6.2B
• Housing starts: 1,037 units (+19.1%)
• Inflation: Slowed to 1.3%, supported by lower gasoline prices

Build a startup from scratch in 48 hours

AI has changed the startup game. Genesis Build48 will show you how to accomplish what would previously take months in just one weekend. Genesis’ Build48 takes you from zero to a launched product in 48 intense hours. 

On March 28–29 at the Emera Innovation Exchange, participants will start with a problem worth solving, validate it with users, build a working product, and test whether it could become a business. This is not a pitch competition or a networking event. You will spend the weekend doing the work. Find out more: www.genesiscentre.ca.

Celebrate tech excellence at the techNL Industry Awards

The techNL Industry Awards are back, celebrating the people and companies helping shape Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing tech sector. Join techNL on April 16 at the JAG Soundhouse from 6:30–8:30 PM to celebrate innovation, leadership, and the people driving our province forward.

Nominations are open until March 17 at 11:59 pm. Learn more or apply here: technl.ca/technl-industry-awards-2026/.

Whether you work in tech, partner with the sector, or simply want to celebrate local success stories, everyone is welcome to attend.  Tickets are available at: technl.ca 

econext Project Zero Incubator applications open

Applications are open for the econext Project Zero Incubator, a free program available province-wide that helps Newfoundland and Labrador entrepreneurs and businesses turn green ideas into real-world impact. Participants will benefit from entrepreneurial skill development, circular economy expertise, ongoing business mentorship, and access to a network of organizations and leaders committed to sustainable innovation. To learn more, join the virtual information session on Wednesday March 18 at 12:00 PM where the econext team will walk through the program structure, key benefits, eligibility, and the types of ventures they’re looking to support.