Bob Mackin
A hint of economic disruption when FIFA World Cup 26 comes to Vancouver next June and July.
It is buried near the end of an 11-page letter from Vancouver city hall’s development, buildings and licensing department to the architect of a small project at 5788 Willow Street, near Oakridge.
Maps of street closures due to FIFA World Cup 26. (City of Vancouver)
“Please note that as the City of Vancouver prepares for the FIFA World Cup 26, street use for public and private construction during and around the event period will be limited so additional consideration should be given to planning for and requesting street use where required,” the Aug. 27 letter said.
The project is comprised of two, three-storey townhouses containing a total of nine strata units over one level of underground parking. It is 7 kilometres south of B.C. Place Stadium.
Blanket street closures are scheduled around B.C. Place Stadium before and during the tournament. Lanes on major streets between downtown and Vancouver International Airport will be restricted to FIFA-only vehicles.
The city hall letter lists Vancouver’s match days: June 13, 18, 21, 24, 26 and July 2 and 7 and encourages questions to streetusereview@vancouver.ca.
Limo drivers wanted
Meanwhile, in October, the Vancouver city hall buying department issued a request for information seeking companies to “provide trained, licensed and professional chauffeurs and drivers for VIP and [sponsor] fleet vehicles [to] deliver reliable, punctual and discreet transport for FIFA executives, VIPs, teams, referees and staff.”
Licensed drivers must be 25 and older with a minimum five-to-seven years of professional experience, a clean driving and criminal record, and speak of both of Canada’s official languages, English and French.
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