Bob Mackin
The B.C. NDP government says it does not know when it will release a copy of the FIFA World Cup 26 agreement with City of Vancouver and three first nations.
But it confirms that Premier David Eby and Mayor Ken Sim’s purported June 27 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh leaders was actually signed before last fall’s election.
Premier David Eby (left) on June 27 at the Musqueam soccer pitch with Squamish Nation spokesperson Wilson Williams and Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow. (BC Gov/YouTube)
“The MOU will be made available when all signatories have consented to publication, and it will be posted online on the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation website,” said a prepared statement from spokesperson Jill Nessel of the Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ministry.
Nessel would not disclose what is in the agreement, but revealed it was signed 10 months ago.
“The MOU between the Nations, the Province and the City of Vancouver was signed in September 2024, allowing foundational work to begin among the partners.”
The first World Cup match in Canada is June 11, 2026 in Toronto, to be followed two days later by Vancouver. With 346 days left, there is still no multiparty agreement to define the responsibilities of the governments of Canada, Ontario, B.C., Toronto and Vancouver.
Nessel said it would be released publicly when finalized.
Asked whether it would be finalized next month, next quarter or next year, she said: “No timelines are available for finalizing the multiparty agreement or for the release of the MOU.”
By comparison, the multiparty agreement for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics was created before the International Olympic Committee chose Vancouver on July 2, 2003.
Bracing for downtown security closures, traffic detours
Vancouver city hall has given a no-bid World Cup contract to a consultant that specializes in getting controversial development projects over the finish line.
On June 26, the city published a notice of intent for a “FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver Community Outreach Support” contract with Kirk and Co. Value is $30,000 for three months, with the possibility of extensions.
“These services include but are not limited to: Supporting proactive notification to residents, businesses and other stakeholders,” said the city notice. “Delivering information sessions for community stakeholders.”
July 10 is the deadline for a competitor to contest the contract award.
B.C. Place Stadium is hosting seven matches and there will be impediments to those that work and live in the area due to transportation and security closures. Vancouver’s contract with FIFA calls for closure of a wide area around Northeast False Creek on every match day and every day before a match. The area could be almost as big as the 2010 Olympics closures. theBreaker.news has confirmed that Costco, across from Rogers Arena, contacted the city’s host committee lead, Jessie Adcock, about its concerns for customers and goods shipments.
City hall has denied every request by theBreaker.news to interview Adcock since her January 2024 hiring.
Likewise, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Area executive director Jane Talbot has refused a June interview request about impacts to downtown businesses and what is being done to mitigate any harm.
Kirk and Co. has worked since 2016 with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh real estate partnership, MST Developments, and Canada Lands Co. on the Jericho Lands project. Vancouver city council approved the plan in principle, despite local opposition to skyscrapers.
Since 2019, Kirk and Co. has worked on the twice-delayed, nearly $3 billion Broadway Subway project. Some businesses affected by construction barriers and parking restrictions have moved, closed or demanded compensation. SkyTrain is scheduled to roll to Arbutus in fall 2027.
On June 24, the province estimated it could cost up to $624 million to host seven matches at B.C. Place and the tournament-long PNE fan festival in June and July 2026. But that does not include necessary federal security funding.
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