Bob Mackin
With less than 200 days until the first of seven FIFA World Cup 26 matches in Vancouver, the ABC majority city council could pass a suite of temporary bylaw amendments and relaxations on Nov. 26 to fulfil contractual obligations with FIFA.
Those include measures to prevent so-called ambush or guerrilla marketing by non-sponsors.
FIFA World Cup 26 countdown clock unveiling in Vancouver on June 11, 2025 (Mackin)
“It is important to note that the amendments focus on temporarily limiting commercial advertising materials; there is no intent to impact political expression or the right to lawful protest,” said the Nov. 4 report from Deputy City Manager Karen Levitt.
“The [FIFA World Cup 26] bylaw includes provisions that allow for the erection of temporary buildings and structures, the prompt removal of graffiti, management of noise, installation of temporary signage, removal of illegal commercial signs, limit the distribution and display of advertising materials on streets, and management of truck routes, street entertainment and street vending.”
Details
Staff recommend the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities amend or relax seven bylaws, mostly limited to the May 13-July 20 period. Some are geographically specific.
The report said the host committee secretariat will bring council a separate report at a later date to recommend additional relaxations of zoning and development bylaws for different land uses.
It will be the first time since Vancouver was named one of the 16 co-hosts in June 2022 that a FIFA matter has been on the agenda in an open city council meeting.
Highlights
Building bylaw
Unlike other bylaws, this will be in effect beginning Jan. 1 and relate to tents, modular buildings, shipping containers and air-supported structures at the FIFA Fan Festival in Hastings Park and the exclusion zone around B.C. Place Stadium. “The relaxations also provide flexibility in recognition of the fact that the World Cup Host Committee and FIFA’s plans for specific structures are still under development.”
Graffiti bylaw
“The proposed amendments temporarily authorize the city to order property owners or occupiers to remove graffiti within 24 hours after receiving notice from the city.”
Noise Control bylaw
Staff propose amendments to authorize noise from operational activities, such as around-the-clock repair, maintenance or operation of World Cup facilities, equipment and vehicles; deliveries; portable toilet plumbing; and broadcast production.
Sign bylaw
“Temporary authority to order property owners or occupiers to remove, cover or alter unauthorized advertising signs within 24 hours after receiving notice from the city.”
Street and Traffic bylaw
Temporary street and traffic-related restrictions and permissions during the event period, including allowing trucks on non-truck routes between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Street Vending bylaw
“Prohibit food vending units on any street located within a zone that encompasses the downtown World Cup footprint and security perimeter,” unless permitted by the general manager of engineering.
Ticket Offences bylaw
Proposed fines for violating World Cup bylaws to range from $250 to $1,000.
The bylaw contains a provision to levy a maximum fine upon conviction of $50,000-per-day for the most-flagrant violations.
Official World Cup locations
The 40-page bylaw includes a list of city sites where the bylaws will be in effect: 12 hotels, parking lots near B.C. Place Stadium, Rogers Arena, Vancouver Police Department properties, SkyTrain stations, the PNE Fan Festival at Hastings Park, works yards, Thornton Park and the Killarney Park and Community Centre team practice facility.
FIFA sites include: B.C. Place Stadium, J.W. Marriott Parq hotel, Parq Casino Parking, the Plaza of Nations and Concord Pacific lands.
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