Item - 2024.EX12.2

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on March 20, 2024 with amendments.
  • This item was considered by Executive Committee on February 29, 2024 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on March 20, 2024.

EX12.2 - Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council on March 20 and 21, 2024, adopted the following:

 

1. City Council authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to:

 

a. receive funds and to negotiate and enter into any contribution agreements, including any amendment, renewal or extension agreements and any ancillary documents with the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and/or agencies or corporations of the Federal and Provincial Governments in support of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and

 

b. enter into agreements with third party non profit and charitable organizations to distribute the funding in accordance with the provisions of those agreements, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to approve such increases to the current retainer agreement with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP for the provision of legal services, including those for which Committee or City Council approval would normally be required under City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, as may be required for the support of FIFA World Cup 2026, including for preparation, construction, operations and any resulting claims, funded through the approved FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto budget, to a limit of $600,000, with any further recommended increases to be reported to the Executive Committee for approval pursuant to the regular process for approval under the City’s by-laws.

 

3. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to negotiate and enter into and/or amend or extend as required, any necessary agreements with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority and PortsToronto (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport) reflecting the FIFA Host City Agreement obligations in support of Toronto's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026 including but not limited to financing, event planning and coordination, and airport operations, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Mayor, the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

4. City Council authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to administer the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Public Engagement and Communications Plan, as described in the supplementary report (February 26, 2024) from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026.

 

5. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to identify the costs of all City FIFA World Cup 2026 activities in preparation for the 2025 Budget process.

 

6. City Council request the City Manager to report back in the third quarter of 2024 with a comprehensive revenue plan to maximize financial opportunities for the City of Toronto associated with hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

7. City Council request the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and relevant City Divisions, the Toronto Transit Commission Board and the Toronto Transit Commission staff, to develop a transit plan encompassing financing, event planning and coordination, and transit operations, and City Council request the City Manager to report back on any necessary agreements in future FIFA updates to City Council. 

 

8. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the Toronto Transit Commission, to report back to City Council in the second quarter of 2024, such report to include:

 

a. how the City's World Cup hosting budget and plan will advance the goals of the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Strategy, which may include supporting the 2030 transportation targets through actions such as expanding dedicated transit lanes with frequent service, providing discounted or free integrated transit options for travel to the games from outside the downtown core, and developing new active transportation infrastructure outside and inside the core, as directed by City Council in Part 6.e. of its decision on Item 2022.EX34.8;

 

b. plans for introducing RapidTO on Dufferin Street before the FIFA games begin, if any; and

 

c. opportunities to hold a zero-waste game.

 

9. City Council request the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to include an ambitious, comprehensive Community Benefits Plan in their next biannual FIFA World Cup 2026 Status Report, consistent with previous direction as adopted by City Council in EX34.8 on July 19, 2022; and such plan should build on the learnings of other community benefits initiatives underway at the City of Toronto, while recognizing the uniqueness of developing a community benefits plan for a major event such as the FWC26, to include the following:

 

a. ambitious local and equity-seeking hiring targets, including those in neighbourhood improvement areas;


b. social procurement targets, in line with the Social Procurement Policy and a Supply Chain Diversity Policy;


c. how the FIFA World Cup 2026 Secretariat is collaborating with stakeholders, including Toronto Community Benefits Network, local employment service organizations, and labour unions to advance community benefits; and 


d. the system in which community benefits will be monitored, tracked, reported, and evaluated throughout the leadup to the games.

  

10. City Council request the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to:

 

a. report back to City Council on July 24, 2024, with guiding principles for a Community Benefits Plan, and a status update on the feasibility of the following: 

 

1. development of Supply Chain Diversity Policy to include local businesses and employment opportunities for equity-deserving groups;

 

2. inclusion of equity-deserving groups in the development and monitoring of the Community Benefits Plan; 

 

3. opportunities to develop a Legacy Fund for recreational programs;

 

4. opportunities to advance the goals of TransformTO, including exploration of zero-waste pilot programs, and RapidTO acceleration; and

 

5. opportunities to direct work to be done under collective agreements, when possible. 

 

b. report back to City Council on July 24, 2024, with a compliance analysis of the City of Toronto’s agreement for the World Cup Hosting 2026 and FIFA requirements, such report to include the following: 

 

1. all labour and human rights laws, including the Ontario Employment Standards Act, Ontario Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, the Canada Labour Code, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all applicable employment protections and programs;

 

2. operate within the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Decent Work Agenda framework, and comply with the Toronto Fair Wage Policy;

 

3. Toronto’s status as a Sanctuary City and commitment to protection for undocumented people; and

 

4. Toronto’s updated Interdepartmental Protocol on encampments.

 

11. City Council direct the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to report back to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2024 on how the City plans to ensure that the economic, social and cultural benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, will be shared so as to positively impact all communities and regions of our City. 

  

12. City Council direct the City Manager to explore how budgeted event and programming funding can be allocated to ensure substantial experiences are brought to districts outside the downtown core, including Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York. 

  

13. City Council direct the City Manager to ask FIFA to permit the City to host 4 Fan Fests, one in each district, - Toronto-East York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York, - instead of 1 large Fan Fest, - in collaboration with local councillors, Local Arts Service Organizations and local Business Improvement Areas, and subject to the FIFA Host City Agreement, and naming and programming of each event to be flexible to reflect the local communities, and City Council direct the City Manager to report to the July 24, 25, and 26, 2024 meeting of City Council.

 

14. City Council direct the City Manager to explore the feasibility of hosting 3 additional Fan Fests outside of the one hosted downtown, for each district - Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York, and report to the July 24, 25, and 26 meeting of City Council.

  

15. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the General Manager, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to report to the Executive Committee with a plan to expand and improve City soccer facilities and programs for children and youth as a legacy of Toronto being a World Cup host.

  

16. City Council request the City Manager to report back to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2024 providing an overview of the decision making process on FIFA, and to report back to City Council any lessons learned on good governance, transparency, and accountability.

   

17. City Council direct the City Manager to report back to the Executive Committee in the second quarter of 2025 with a set of principles for bidding on large international events.

 

18. City Council direct the City Manager to provide to Members of City Council a copy of the full FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting agreement, redacted for the security measures, on a confidential basis, as an attachment to this item in the minutes of this meeting.

City Council Decision Advice and Other Information

On April 9, 2024, the City Clerk made the FIFA World Cup 2026 Hosting Agreement available to Members of Council as requested in Part 18 of City Council's decision on Item EX12.2.

Background Information (Committee)

(February 14, 2024) Report from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 on Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243263.pdf
Presentation from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 on FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243308.pdf

Background Information (City Council)

(April 8, 2024) Confidential Attachment - FIFA World Cup 2026 Hosting Agreement - Part 1 of 3
(April 9, 2024) Confidential Attachment - FIFA World Cup 2026 Hosting Agreement - Part 2 of 3
(April 9, 2024) Confidential Attachment - FIFA World Cup 2026 Hosting Agreement - Part 3 of 3

Communications (Committee)

(February 23, 2024) E-mail from David Mitchelson (EX.Supp)
(February 28, 2024) E-mail from hamish wilson (EX.Supp)
(February 28, 2024) Letter from Rosemarie Powell, Executive Director, Toronto Community Benefits Network (EX.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/comm/communicationfile-177759.pdf
(February 28, 2024) Letter from Andria Babbington, President, Toronto and York Region Labour Council (EX.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/comm/communicationfile-177775.pdf
(February 28, 2024) Letter from Elizabeth Chick-Blount, Chief Executive Officer, Buy Social Canada (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/comm/communicationfile-177780.pdf

Communications (City Council)

(March 19, 2024) Letter from Sarah Buchanan, Campaigns Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance (CC.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/cc/comm/communicationfile-178093.pdf
(March 20, 2024) Letter from Mayor Olivia Chow (CC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/cc/comm/communicationfile-178163.pdf

Motions (City Council)

1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Josh Matlow (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the General Manager, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to report to the Executive Committee with a plan to expand and improve City soccer facilities and programs for children and youth as a legacy of Toronto being a World Cup host.


2 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to include an ambitious, comprehensive community benefits plan in their next biannual FIFA World Cup 2026 Status Report, consistent with previous direction as adopted by City Council in EX34.8 on July 19, 2022; and such plan should build on the learnings of other community benefits initiatives underway at the City of Toronto while recognizing the uniqueness of developing a community benefits plan for a major event such as the FWC26, to include the following:

 

a. ambitious local and equity-seeking hiring targets, including those in neighbourhood improvement areas;


b. social procurement targets, in line with the Social Procurement Policy and a Supply Chain Diversity Policy;


c. how the FIFA World Cup 2026 Secretariat is collaborating with stakeholders, including Toronto Community Benefits Network, local employment service organizations, and labour unions to advance community benefits; and 


d. the system in which community benefits will be monitored, tracked, reported, and evaluated throughout the leadup to the games. 


3 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to:

 

a. report back to City Council on July 24, 2024, with guiding principles for a Community Benefits Plan, and a status update on the feasibility of the following: 

 

1. development of Supply Chain Diversity Policy to include local businesses and employment opportunities for equity-deserving groups;

 

2. inclusion of equity-deserving groups in the development and monitoring of the Community Benefits Plan; 

 

3. opportunities to develop a Legacy Fund for recreational programs;

 

4. opportunities to advance the goals of TransformTO, including exploration of zero-waste pilot programs, and RapidTO acceleration; and

 

5. opportunities to direct work to be done under collective agreements, when possible. 

 

b. report back to City Council in July 24, 2024, with a compliance analysis of the City of Toronto’s agreement for the World Cup Hosting 2026 and FIFA requirements, such report to include the following: 

 

1. all labour and human rights laws, including the Ontario Employment Standards Act, Ontario Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, the Canada Labour Code, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all applicable employment protections and programs;

 

2. operate within the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Decent Work Agenda framework, and comply with the Toronto Fair Wage Policy;

 

3. Toronto’s status as a Sanctuary City and commitment to protection for undocumented people; and

 

4. Toronto’s updated Interdepartmental Protocol on encampments.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Mar-20-2024 3:36 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX12.2 - Bravo - motion 3
Total members that voted Yes: 19 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Alejandra Bravo, Shelley Carroll, Lily Cheng, Olivia Chow, Mike Colle, Paula Fletcher, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Chris Moise, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Dianne Saxe, Michael Thompson
Total members that voted No: 5 Members that voted No are Brad Bradford, Jon Burnside, Stephen Holyday, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Vincent Crisanti, Jennifer McKelvie

4a - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Parthi Kandavel (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to report back to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2024 on how the City plans to ensure that the economic, social and cultural benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, will be shared so as to positively impact all communities and regions of our City.

 


4b - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Parthi Kandavel (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the City Manager, as part of the report to City Council requested in part 1, provide an overview of the decision making process on FIFA, and to report back to City Council any lessons learned on good governance, transparency, and accountability.


5 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Jamaal Myers (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Finance and Treasury Services, and relevant City Divisions, the Toronto Transit Commission Board and the Toronto Transit Commission staff, to develop a transit plan encompassing financing, event planning and coordination, and transit operations, and City Council request the City Manager to report back on any necessary agreements in future FIFA updates to City Council.


6 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Dianne Saxe (Carried)

That:

 

1. City council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the Toronto Transit Commission, to report back to City Council in the second quarter of 2024, such report to include:

 

a. how the City's World Cup hosting budget and plan will advance the goals of the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Strategy, which may include supporting the 2030 transportation targets through actions such as expanding dedicated transit lanes with frequent service, providing discounted or free integrated transit options for travel to the games from outside the downtown core, and developing new active transportation infrastructure outside and inside the core, as directed by City Council in part 6.e. of its decision on Item 2022.EX34.8;

 

b. plans for introducing RapidTO on Dufferin Street before the FIFA games begin, if any; and

 

c. opportunities to hold a zero-waste game.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Mar-20-2024 3:38 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX12.2 - Saxe - motion 6
Total members that voted Yes: 21 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Jon Burnside, Shelley Carroll, Lily Cheng, Olivia Chow, Mike Colle, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Dianne Saxe, Michael Thompson
Total members that voted No: 4 Members that voted No are Stephen Holyday, Chris Moise, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Jennifer McKelvie

7 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Gord Perks (Carried)

That:

 

1. Council direct the City Manager to report back to the Executive Committee in the second quarter of 2025 with a set of principles for bidding on large international events.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Mar-20-2024 3:39 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX12.2 - Perks - motion 7
Total members that voted Yes: 20 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Jon Burnside, Shelley Carroll, Lily Cheng, Olivia Chow, Mike Colle, Paula Fletcher, Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Chris Moise, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Gord Perks, Dianne Saxe
Total members that voted No: 5 Members that voted No are Vincent Crisanti, James Pasternak, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Jennifer McKelvie

8 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Shelley Carroll (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the City Manager to provide to Members of City Council a copy of the full FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting agreement, redacted for the security measures, on a confidential basis, as an attachment to this item in the minutes of this meeting.


9 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Lily Cheng (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the City Manager to ask FIFA to permit the City to host 4 Fan Fests one in each district - Toronto-East York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York  - instead of 1 large Fan Fest - in collaboration with local councillors, Local Arts Service Organizations and local Business Improvement Areas and subject to the FIFA Host City Agreement; and naming and programming of each event to be flexible to reflect the local communities, and report to the July 24, 25, and 26, 2024 meeting of City Council.


2. City Council direct the City Manager to explore the feasibility of hosting 3 additional Fan Fests outside of the one hosted downtown, for each district - Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York, and report to the July 24, 25, and 26 meeting of City Council.
 

3. City Council direct the City Manager to explore how budgeted event and programming funding can be allocated to ensure substantial experiences are brought to districts outside the downtown core, including Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Mar-20-2024 3:40 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX12.2 - Cheng - motion 9
Total members that voted Yes: 23 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Jon Burnside, Shelley Carroll, Lily Cheng, Olivia Chow, Mike Colle, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Chris Moise, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Dianne Saxe, Michael Thompson
Total members that voted No: 2 Members that voted No are Stephen Holyday, Jaye Robinson
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Jennifer McKelvie

Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Mar-20-2024 3:41 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX12.2 - Adopt the item as amended
Total members that voted Yes: 24 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Shelley Carroll, Lily Cheng, Olivia Chow, Mike Colle, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Chris Moise, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Dianne Saxe, Michael Thompson
Total members that voted No: 1 Members that voted No are Jon Burnside
Total members that were Absent: 1 Members that were absent are Jennifer McKelvie

2a - Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026

Background Information (Committee)
(February 26, 2024) Supplementary report from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 on Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243292.pdf
Attachment 1 - Proposed Business Plan for Toronto's Participation in FIFA 2026 (March 2023)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243293.pdf

EX12.2 - Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that: 

 

1. City Council authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to:

 

a. receive funds and to negotiate and enter into any contribution agreements, including any amendment, renewal or extension agreements and any ancillary documents with the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and/or agencies or corporations of the Federal and Provincial Governments in support of the FWC26 on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and

 

b. enter into agreements with third party non profit and charitable organizations to distribute the funding in accordance with the provisions of those agreements, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to approve such increases to the current retainer agreement with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP for the provision of legal services, including those for which Committee or City Council approval would normally be required under City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, as may be required for the support of FWC26, including for preparation, construction, operations and any resulting claims, funded through the approved FWC26 Toronto budget, to a limit of $600,000, with any further recommended increases to be reported to the Executive Committee for approval pursuant to the regular process for approval under the City’s by-laws.

 

3. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to negotiate and enter into and/or amend or extend as required, any necessary agreements with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority and PortsToronto (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport) reflecting the FIFA Host City Agreement obligations in support of Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 including but not limited to financing, event planning and coordination, and airport operations, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Mayor, the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

4. City Council authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to administer the FWC26 Toronto Public Engagement and Communications Plan, as described in the supplementary report (February 26, 2024) from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026.

 

5. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to identify the costs of all City FWC26 activities in preparation for the 2025 Budget process.

 

6. City Council request the City Manager to report back in the third quarter of 2024 with a comprehensive revenue plan to maximize financial opportunities for the City of Toronto associated with hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Decision Advice and Other Information

The City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 gave a presentation on FIFA World Cup 2026 toronto.

Origin

(February 14, 2024) Report from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026

Summary

Further to City Council's previous consideration in July 2022 (EX34.8), the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 will be submitting a report to Executive Committee before its meeting on February 29, 2024 that provides an update on hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto including: planning, financial status, economic and community benefits, and intergovernmental negotiations.

Background Information

(February 14, 2024) Report from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 on Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243263.pdf
Presentation from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 on FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243308.pdf

Communications

(February 23, 2024) E-mail from David Mitchelson (EX.Supp)
(February 28, 2024) E-mail from hamish wilson (EX.Supp)
(February 28, 2024) Letter from Rosemarie Powell, Executive Director, Toronto Community Benefits Network (EX.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/comm/communicationfile-177759.pdf
(February 28, 2024) Letter from Andria Babbington, President, Toronto and York Region Labour Council (EX.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/comm/communicationfile-177775.pdf
(February 28, 2024) Letter from Elizabeth Chick-Blount, Chief Executive Officer, Buy Social Canada (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/comm/communicationfile-177780.pdf

Speakers

Marc Lizoain
Ige Egal
Sarah Buchanan, Campaigns Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance
Kusma Baker, Director, Community Engagement and Campaigns, Toronto Community Benefits Network
Councillor Anthony Perruzza

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Mayor Olivia Chow (Carried)

That the Executive Committee adopt the following recommendations in the supplementary report (February 26, 2024) from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 [EX12.2a], amended as follows:  

 

1. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to:

 

a. receive funds and to negotiate and enter into any contribution agreements, including any amendment, renewal or extension agreements and any ancillary documents with the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and/or agencies or corporations of the Federal and Provincial Governments in support of the FWC26 on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and

 

b. enter into agreements with third party non profit and charitable organizations to distribute the funding in accordance with the provisions of those agreements, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

2. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to negotiate and enter into and/or amend or extend as required, any necessary agreements not subject to the procurement processes as set out in Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, for which Committee or City Council approval would normally be required, including agreements related to licencing / rental of venues, and venue services and operations as needed to plan and deliver FWC26, provided that:

 

a. the agreement is necessary to meet the timelines of the FWC26; and

 

b. the costs are eligible for, and will be funded through the approved FWC26 Toronto budget subject to the annual Budget Process; and

 

c. the terms and conditions are satisfactory to the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

3.  City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Procurement Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to procure, through either competitive or non-competitive procurement processes, including those with a value exceeding $500,000 for which Committee or City Council approval would normally be required under City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, all goods and services required for the delivery of the FWC26, including construction and other services needed for the permanent and temporary upgrades at BMO Field, and negotiate and enter into and/or amend or extend as required, any necessary agreements for those goods and services, provided that:

 

a. the procurement is necessary to meet the timelines of the FWC26; and

 

b. the costs are eligible for, and will be funded through the approved FWC26 Toronto budget subject to the annual Budget Process; and

 

c. the terms and conditions are satisfactory to the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to approve such increases to the current retainer agreement with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP for the provision of legal services, including those for which Committee or City Council approval would normally be required under City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing,  as may be required for the support of FWC26, including for preparation, construction, operations and any resulting claims, funded through the approved FWC26 Toronto budget, to a limit of $600,000, with any further recommended increases to be reported to Executive Committee for approval pursuant to the regular process for approval under the City’s by-laws.

 

5. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to negotiate and enter into and/or amend or extend as required, any necessary agreements with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority and PortsToronto (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport) reflecting the FIFA Host City Agreement obligations in support of Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 including but not limited to financing, event planning and coordination, and airport operations, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Mayor, the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 

6. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to administer the FWC26 Toronto Public Engagement and Communications Plan, as described in this report.

 

7.  City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to identify the costs of all City FWC26 activities in preparation for the 2025 Budget process.


2 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Josh Matlow (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the City Manager to report back in the third quarter of 2024 with a comprehensive revenue plan to maximize financial opportunities for the City of Toronto associated with hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

2a - Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026

Origin
(February 26, 2024) Report from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026
Summary

On February 4, 2024 FIFA announced that the City of Toronto will host six matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026 (FWC26), kicking off on June 12, 2026, with the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ men’s match in Canada and featuring the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team. Toronto will also host a Round of 32 knockout game on July 2, 2026, adding to the excitement of hosting this event. This marks the first time Canada will host the FIFA World Cup™, and the event will engage millions of fans from around the world.

 

Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 will bring positive economic and cultural benefits for the city, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. Based on hosting five matches, the total net economic activity[1] expected to be generated by the FWC26 in Toronto is:

 

- $392 million GDP for the City of Toronto

- Tax revenues totaling $118.9 million in the Toronto region

- $456 million GDP for the province of Ontario

- Tax revenues totaling $138.9 million within Ontario

 

Toronto's journey to hosting the FWC26 began in 2018 when FIFA awarded hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 to a joint bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States, with matches to be staged across 16 cities in North America. On June 16, 2022, the City of Toronto was announced as an official Host City for the FWC26. Since that time, planning has actively been underway. This report provides an update on the work to date for Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 including: planning, financial status, economic and community benefits, and intergovernmental negotiations.

 

With the recent announcement of the match schedule and confirmation that Toronto will host six matches, planning assumptions, cost estimates, revenue and benefit opportunities are being reviewed by City staff.  As planning requirements become more defined, current projections estimate the operations and capital costs to be incurred locally in Toronto to be approximately $380 million (gross). This represents an increase from budget estimates presented to City Council in July 2022(EX34.8). The cost is expected to be shared between the City and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. The Province of Ontario has conditionally committed up to $97 million to support Toronto’s efforts to host the FWC26. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Toronto in the successful delivery of the FWC26. Although specific federal financial commitments have not yet been confirmed, the Government of Canada continues to work with event parties to ensure that Canada delivers a successful, safe and secure event in 2026 in keeping with their funding policy for hosting International Sport Events (see Financial Impact Section).

 

The planning and delivery of a project of this size and scope and with specific timelines requires a significant number of contracts with third parties for a variety of goods and services (i.e. capital work, project management, mobility plans, ancillary event execution, venue rentals and services, etc.). To ensure efficiencies for the FWC26 Toronto Secretariat, City Divisions, and contractors and to maintain the required project timelines, this report recommends that Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, subject to the budget as approved by Council, to procure, negotiate, award and enter into necessary agreements related to FWC26 Toronto project deliverables.

 

This approach is similar to authorities authorized by Council in the past to facilitate the process for management of a large project with a significant number of third-party service provider agreements and critical inflexible timelines. Precedent therefore exists for this recommended approach. Approval of these recommendations will mitigate the risk of delay to the project to ensure the City meets FIFA timelines and requirements.


[1] Benefit projections as of October 2023 Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM)

Background Information
(February 26, 2024) Supplementary report from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 on Update on Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243292.pdf
Attachment 1 - Proposed Business Plan for Toronto's Participation in FIFA 2026 (March 2023)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243293.pdf
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council