Residents in Toronto and Vancouver skeptical of economic promises as costs balloon
Canadians living in the two cities hosting World Cup matches this summer are deeply skeptical about whether the tournament is worth the public money being spent, with new polling showing overwhelming opposition to the financial arrangements underpinning the event.
Research from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds roughly seven in 10 residents in both Greater Toronto (70%) and Metro Vancouver (72%) believe the public costs are not justified by the trade-offs involved.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates combined spending across federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments will exceed $1 billion, a figure that has grown dramatically from original projections. Toronto's initial 2018 estimate of $30 to $45 million has ballooned to $380 million; Vancouver's early figure of $240 million has swelled to $624 million.
The skepticism runs deeper than dollars. More than two-thirds of residents in both cities say the tournament generates excessive disruption for those who live and work there, with road closures already underway and fan festivals set to run through the end of July.
There are mixed views on the economic impact of the World Cup for Canada. A BMO report found that there could be a boost of up to $6.5 billion, especially for Toronto and Vancouver, while a Merchant Growth analysis found that only some types of business would see any real benefit with some losing out.
FIFA's contractual demands have drawn particular anger. Under hosting agreements that were only made public following freedom of information requests and legal action by journalists, substantial cultural events are banned the day before, the day of, and the day after any World Cup match. That blackout period covers most of June and July in both cities.
Three quarters of respondents to the Angus Reid study in each location consider the cancellation of local festivals an unacceptable hosting requirement, while around 78% in Toronto and 79% in Vancouver object to FIFA retaining the majority of ticket, sponsorship and broadcast revenues.
The near-consensus view is that the financial rewards flow primarily to football's global governing body rather than to host communities. Around 80% in the Greater Toronto Area and 81% in Metro Vancouver agree the tournament will mostly benefit FIFA, sponsors and large businesses.
Trust in government transparency is equally low. Only a third of residents in each city believe their municipal authorities will be fully open about the final bill once the tournament concludes.
Interest in watching the matches is muted. More people in both cities describe themselves as disinterested in following the World Cup in any form than say they are excited it is taking place on their doorstep.
