Lookout readers have their say on the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver

I never visited Vancouver during the Winter Olympics. It still stands as one of my bigger regrets, a unique moment in the city’s history that I was told you had to be there to experience.

I lived in Victoria at the time, a broke university student unable to make the trip. But even on the island the energy was unmistakable, the smiles from those returning, jubilant, coursing with energy, only surpassed in memory by thunderous screams at the University of Victoria bar as we watched Crosby score the gold medal-winning hockey goal.

For many, the Olympics were a seminal event in the city, shifting perceptions from the sleepy west coast city with nice mountains, to a world-renowned location. 

The legacy wasn’t all rosy, though. A housing bubble, displaced residents, riots, Indigenous rights, events like this ripple across a city in unexpected ways that we’re still reckoning with today. 

The FIFA World Cup here in Vancouver in 2026 may be a new generation’s Olympics, a seminal collective experience that we will talk about decades later. 

As a publication that puts locals first, coverage of the World Cup will be a big part of our coverage next year. And our recent survey about the event elicited opinions from both those in support and those opposed. 

Understanding both the good and the bad is the role we’re excited to play here at the Lookout as we begin scaling up our coverage. As we think about the stories we plan to write, it’s critical that local voices are centred in our reporting. 

Today’s story highlights some of the topics locals shared with us. It’s feedback like this that will help shape our coverage. 

It’s a city and fun-building initiative that the city sorely needs

Vancouver’s reputation as a no-fun city is sometimes overblown, but if you’ve ever spent a week in Montreal, you can understand the complaint. Many readers shared how excited they were for an initiative like this, to rejuvenate and enliven the city. 

“Vancouver doesn't have a lot going on compared to top-tier cities around the world. It is SO exciting to have an event of this magnitude come to the city. Vancouver needs to get out of its no fun city funk and live a little!!”

“The world needs to be reminded again about the beauty of BC and that Vancouver is a great tourist destination!”

Readers were also quick to share how the Olympics legacy reshaped much of the city, including massive infrastructure upgrades. 

“It is great to have these events. Look at how great the Winter Olympics turned out. We upgraded our highways and built new, very needed, buildings, i.e. Trout Lake, etc. When we bring events like these, we get upgrades.”

• The infrastructure upgrades for this event are far more modest than those for the Olympics and include small upgrades to BC Place Stadium.

A better use of money?

Hosting an event like this is one thing, but as has been extensively reported, the event comes with a serious price. It’s estimated that costs could rise to $624 million, including $281 million incurred by the City of Vancouver. 

Many readers pointed out that, given the city’s many competing priorities, this is an odd way to spend limited resources. 

“I know we have to have events, especially to host other countries, as that is good for us globally, but upgrades to dressing rooms compared to the needs of our citizens worried about enough food and homes.”

"I work in the arts, and it's frustrating to listen to the city say how important arts and culture and local events are to them, but put all their money into bringing large-scale external events. Grant funding from city sources for arts and culture has remained static for nearly a decade, which in reality represents a steady decrease since they do not even match inflation. Knowing how many arts orgs are struggling to stay afloat right now and the city saying we have no money to give you while they spend hundreds of millions on FIFA is a gut punch."

• Arts funding in the city is especially in crisis, while the city refuses to take much-needed steps towards addressing the issue, as we’ve reported extensively. 

A questionable economic impact?

The costs will be offset by expected revenue of up to $418 million in direct revenue and $1 billion in economic impact. Lookout readers expressed skepticism about the benefits. 

“I don’t believe the economic benefits offset the costs - especially the security costs, which will continue to skyrocket given the current world situation.”

“As much as I'm excited about the opportunity to attend a World Cup match, there are WAY more important issues that desperately need that funding in our province. I'm highly skeptical the economic benefits will outweigh the costs…”

• It’s not just Lookout readers questioning the economic benefits — economists have raised concerns about whether that $1 billion number is in fact accurate, according to CBC. It also comes amidst the rising cost of living, which consistently polls as the top issue.

“I'm more concerned about our ability to capture the tourist dollars coming into our city with our low hotel stock availability. We are already facing the challenges of having enough hotel rooms during regular tourist season, let alone special events like the World Cup.”

• While it’s unclear what the economic impact could be, many groups like Destination Vancouver have highlighted the severe lack of hotels, including a 10 per cent decline between 2002 and 2022, according to Business in Vancouver. 

As you can see from the comments above, readers share wide-ranging feelings about the event. We’re excited about covering the event and reflecting the diversity of feelings as we choose what stories and issues to cover.