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Shania Twain Centre remains on budget despite drop in visitors;
Annual fan convention expects lower attendance

Timmins Daily Press
April 12, 2007
Chelsey Romain

Shania Twain Centre manager Tracy Hautanen dusts off the
Grammy Award Shania Twain received in 1995. The centre not
only houses Twain memorabilia, but part of Timmins' history,
Hautanen says.

The number of visiting Shania fans may be down, but it's the Shania Twain Centre's economic spinoff that adds up, says Timmins' city clerk.

Jack Watson said even though it costs about $450,000 a year to run the Shania Twain Centre, the facility remains on budget.

Every year the centre receives a $195,000 grant from the city to help with its operational costs.

"If you look at other facilities of its size, that's not a lot," said Watson. "And in the last couple of years they've only required between $130,000 to $140,000."

Watson compared the grant to that given to other facilities in the community, such as the museum and local arenas.

To cover the remaining costs needed to run the facility, the centre relies on the $250,000 or so it brings in from revenue annually.

Both the costs to run the centre and the annual revenue brought in fluctuates from year to year, Watson said.

There are several factors combined to bring in the necessary funds, centre manager Tracy Hautanen said

"We have our ticket sales, our retail store, the convention and special events," she said.

Over the past several years, the centre has expanded in scope, opening its doors to other events such as concerts, parties and meetings.

"We've been seeing an increase in other uses lately," Hautanen.

The number of visitors may be down, but Hautanen said this is the centre's slowest season - allowing the staff to change exhibits and prepare for the busier spring and summer seasons.

"We do see a lot of people who are in town for business stop in before they leave, because it is one of the place you can find Timmins souvenirs," said Hautanen.

And even though the annual Shania Twain Fan Convention is still several months away, it's then that the centre and the community see the biggest impact.

"The centre generates about $1.5 million in economic spinoffs," Watson said. "It helps the local restaurants, gas stations and hotels.

"It's a similar economic spinoff to hosting eight hockey tournaments in town."

With registrations for the convention beginning Friday, Hautanen said within 48 hours there has already been interest expressed from fans in Hawaii, California, New York and England.

"We're pushing for about 70 again this year," said Hautanen. "We're anticipating the numbers will be slightly lower this year because Shania is currently writing and she's been quiet."

With the centre offering a look into the world that is Shania Twain, as well as a piece of Timmins' past with the Gold Mine Tour, Hautanen said the best compliment they receive is when people come for a return visit.

"I hope local citizens bring their friends and family that are visiting," said Hautanen. "It's seeing Timmins' history really.

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