Ottawa yet to establish FIFA security cost figures, says Eby

As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, British Columbia is scrambling to finalize its security strategy. With only two months remaining before the tournament, uncertainty looms over the financial commitments needed to ensure a safe environment for players and fans alike.

Security budget negotiations in British Columbia

British Columbia is currently in discussions with the federal government to secure funding for the security measures necessary for the World Cup. Premier David Eby expressed his frustration over the lack of a committed financial figure, indicating that it hinders their planning efforts. He emphasized the need for concrete support from Ottawa as the stakes are high for the province's international reputation.

The role of law enforcement agencies

In preparation for the tournament, Vancouver's municipal police force is collaborating closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This partnership is critical to ensure the safety of the games. Eby highlighted that the deployment of additional policing resources is significant, noting, “It is our international reputation that is on the line.”

• Coordination between local and federal police forces
• Deployment of specialized units for crowd control
• Collaboration with border security for international visitors

Current state of security funding

While Premier Eby has not disclosed an exact estimate for the updated security costs, he assured that the figure will be made public once the Vancouver police and RCMP finalize their operational plans. B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger has already met with her federal counterpart, pressing for essential funding to cover rising costs associated with the event.

Escalating costs of hosting the World Cup

As preparations continue, the financial burden of hosting matches in Vancouver and Toronto has surged dramatically. Initial estimates from 2022 projected costs at $240 million, but recent assessments indicate a staggering increase to $624 million, which will be shared by all three levels of government. Such inflation in costs raises concerns about the sustainability of hosting such a major international event.

Federal government response to security concerns

In response to Eby’s concerns, a spokesperson for the federal Public Safety Minister, Gary Anandasangaree, announced that the 2025 federal budget has allocated an additional $100 million to bolster security efforts through the RCMP and other agencies. However, it remains unclear how much of this funding has been disbursed to support British Columbia.

Toronto's financial commitments for security

Toronto is also grappling with its own security budget, with plans to spend approximately $93.7 million on safety measures during the tournament. This figure encompasses a variety of services, including:

• Policing
• Emergency medical services
• Fire protection and emergency management

Security has emerged as the most substantial expense for the city, contributing to a total projected expenditure of more than $380 million for hosting six World Cup matches.

Funding sources for security costs

To mitigate some of the financial strain, Toronto has implemented a temporary municipal accommodation tax, which is expected to generate over $56 million. Additional revenue sources include:

• Commercial rights sales
• Vendor fees
• Local sponsorships

Challenges faced by host cities

All host cities across North America are feeling the pinch of escalating costs, attributed largely to inflation, expanded tournament formats, and necessary upgrades to stadiums. Some U.S. cities have even opted to reduce the scale of their outdoor watch parties to manage expenses more effectively.

FIFA’s promises of long-term benefits

FIFA maintains that the high costs of hosting the World Cup are justified by the potential long-term economic benefits for the host cities. According to FIFA’s estimates, Canada stands to gain $3.8 billion in economic output, which includes:

• $2 billion in GDP
• $1.3 billion in labor income
• Creation of approximately 24,100 jobs

Lessons from past large-scale events

Bud Mercer, a former assistant commissioner of the RCMP who oversaw security for Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympics, noted that one of the most significant expenses in securing large-scale events is the accommodation for the additional police force required. He recounted how securing lodging for thousands of officers posed a considerable challenge, often leading to inflated costs.

Mercer highlighted that the need for housing became critical as event dates approached, with many options already booked by international media and sports organizations. The RCMP ultimately incurred significant expenses when arranging accommodations, a lesson that current planners must heed.

Looking ahead to the tournament

As the tournament date approaches, both Vancouver and Toronto are committed to executing their plans for large-scale FIFA-branded areas, ensuring that fans can enjoy the festive atmosphere. The execution of security protocols and funding arrangements will be paramount in determining the success of the events.