Bob Mackin
The leader of the New West Progressives said he will encourage the NDP-aligned majority on New Westminster city council to reject a staff proposal to spend $320,000 on FIFA World Cup 26 viewing parties.
The agenda for the Nov. 24 council workshop includes discussion of holding events to watch Canada’s three group stage matches (June 12, 18 and 24) and the final (July 19) at five locations in the Royal City: three of the four at Queen’s Park Arena and one-offs at Uptown Plaza, Lower Hume Park, Ryall Park and Westminster Pier Park.
Tax hikes coming in 2026
The 1930-opened Queen’s Park Arena, home of lacrosse’s New Westminster Salmonbellies, is proposed as a site for FIFA World Cup viewing parties. (City of New Westminster)
Coun. Daniel Fontaine said New Westminster ratepayers are facing an estimated 30% property tax increase over the next four years, a new 1% capital levy and 3.5% climate action tax on electricity bills.
“I’m hard-pressed to see how citizens of New Westminster, as big fans as they likely are of soccer — like I am — are going to welcome the prospect of spending over $300,000 on FIFA parties and FIFA gatherings,” Fontaine said.
Fontaine, who is running for mayor in October 2026, said FIFA’s non-commercial viewing licence prevents the city from seeking private sponsors or community partnerships to offset costs. Also, the staff report does not show an estimate for the cost of deploying police officers and paramedics at the viewing parties.
“People are telling me they want city hall to get a grip and to get their costs under control before we look at doing any kind of events like this,” Fontaine said.
Accessibility, affordability
The staff report called public match viewings “an integral part of any major sports event” that are more accessible and affordable than attending one of the seven matches in Vancouver.
“Not everyone who is looking to attend a match at B.C. Place will be successful in the lottery, or be able to afford the tickets which are priced at $87-$826 each,” the report said.
Except for City of Vancouver, no Metro Vancouver municipality has committed to holding a World Cup viewing event. Richmond and Burnaby are considering, but Port Moody decided against.
Security
The staff report said New Westminster Police Department considers the plan manageable, compared to an earlier concept for 24 viewing events spread across five venues.
City of Vancouver and FIFA need police resources from around Metro Vancouver at B.C. Place and the official FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE. New Westminster’s courthouse is one of four B.C. Supreme Court locations that will close during the tournament, because sheriffs will be seconded to the World Cup security force.
South of the border
Seattle is hosting six matches and nine Washington State cities were designated as Fan Zone hosts.
Bellingham was one of them, but it had second thoughts in October.
The Cascadia Daily News reported the city was “pivoting away from its original plan for six large outdoor community watch parties on the Bellingham Waterfront.”
Costs were projected as high as $2 million. Instead, it is opting to spend $180,000 on a grant program for community-based activities.
The Whatcom County economy is suffering after the Trump trade war repelled Canadian tourists.
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