By Derek Gordanier, Recorder and Times

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 9:49:25 EDT AM

The latest federal census numbers peg Brockville's population at 21,870. By comparison, the latest local estimates peg the number of athletes, parents and coaches expected to arrive in Brockville for the Ontario track and field championships at about a quarter of that total.

You quickly get a sense of just how major an economic impact this week's OFSAA track championships will have on a city of this size.

As reported yesterday in the Recorder and Times, the all-Ontario track championships present a short-term but excellent opportunity for city retailers, hoteliers and restaurateurs – some of whom started preparing a year ago for this one-time business bonanza – to start the summer season on solid financial footing.