It has been revealed that nearly $1 million was spent on policing while Taylor Swift was in Vancouver in December.
The American pop star performed three shows between December 6 and 8, drawing tens of thousands of fans to the city.
According to Vancouver Police Department Chief Adam Palmer, the total cost for policing the events came to $943,000. BC Place paid for around half, $473,000, while the VPD picked up the tab for the remaining $470,000. That works out to around $156,000 non-recoverable costs per show.
Palmer noted that each concert was completely sold out, with "approximately 60,000 attendees from all over North America and beyond," citing a report from Forbes that showed the economic impact on the city was around $157 million.
"I think the cost of holding a major event like that and the economic impact to our economy is significant," he added.
Destination Vancouver and BC Pavillion Corporation estimated $97 million of that would come from "direct spending on hospitality, food, and transportation," and net the province $27 million in tax revenue.
To make sure everyone stays safe while they had fun, the VPD worked around the clock to put all available measures in place. Over 700 officers were on the streets over the weekend on top of usual deployment.
BC Place and surrounding areas were "strictly limited to ticket holders," and those without tickets were urged to steer clear.
"Our objective here is, we want to be part of this positive experience for people," Sgt. Steve Addison said during a press conference prior to the concerts. "So visitors from outside, new to the city who might not know their way around, by all means, come and find us."
"We encourage people who are coming here to come and interact with our officers," he added. "Say hi, take a picture. Trade [friendship] bracelets."
No major incidents were reported.