City Council Meeting – FIFA World Cup 2026 Planning and Legacy (Combined Recap)

High-level summary - The meeting addressed procurement planning and safety/security budgeting for FIFA World Cup 2026, potential budget reallocations toward stadium capital and security, and ongoing transparency in procurement. It also advanced legacy activation programs and equity-focused initiatives, with several motions approved or deferred and others noted for future action. The session used a hybrid format to support accessibility.

Five most important topics (each 2–3 sentences; with quotes where relevant) 1) Integrated safety and security coordination for FIFA events - The city is coordinating safety and security through an integrated unit led by the Toronto Police Service, with partners including Fire, Paramedics, Sunnybrook Hospital, and Emergency Management. Miss Benbach emphasized ongoing collaboration: “We will continue to meet both with the members of our integrated safety and security unit as well as FIFA to tap into what are best practices and what are requirements of FIFA.” Public input: No explicit section for public consultation in this portion; broad engagement may occur through ongoing planning channels.

2) Budget review for FIFA requirements and potential scope changes - A detailed review of budget line items is planned to ensure alignment with FIFA requirements while avoiding unnecessary expenditures; the fan festival scope may evolve after the December 5 draw. Miss Benbach described the process: “We want to do a more detailed review... making sure that we find a balance to not exceeding the requirements.” Public input: Not explicitly requested in this section; residents can monitor budget discussions via city channels.

3) Funding allocations for security measures and staffing - The city is separating policing and external security costs, with budgets submitted for police, fire, paramedics, and emergency management, plus paid security for specific areas. Miss Benbach clarified: “We will be hiring paid security personnel in areas that we feel are sufficient or required coverage.” Public input: Not directly solicited here; ongoing budget transparency is expected.

4) Provincial contributions and ongoing negotiations - Negotiations with the province regarding funding for FIFA-related infrastructure are ongoing, including support for GO-system upgrades. Miss Benbach noted: “Negotiations with the province are still ongoing... Mayor Chow's office is meeting with political representatives.” Public input: No explicit mechanism noted; updates may come through future discussions.

5) Event scope, safety adjustments, and legacy activation planning - The event scope and safety plans may change depending on participating teams after the December 5 draw; legacy activations are being planned in parallel. Miss Benbach stated: “When we know the countries and the teams playing here, that may change elements of the safety and security plan.” Related legacy work with Parks and Recreation includes activation programs and equity-focused coaching initiatives. Quotes: “Having the lens of FIFA and making sure we're working in a holistic way across divisions and departments.” and “These coaching opportunities will be for all youth, but we will focus on Black and Indigenous women and girls.” Public input: Future community consultations may occur as part of legacy activation planning, though none are specified in this section.

File Numbers Discussed: - Item 7.1: FIFA World Cup Procurement Plan Update. - Recommendation Two: FIFA World Cup 2026 Legacy Update (no specific file number provided in the notes).

Opportunities for Public Input: - No explicit opportunities for public consultation are stated in these sections. Residents may anticipate future engagement during broader FIFA planning and legacy activation processes via official city channels.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred (titles and outcomes) 1) Motion to Confirm Minutes from September 15, 2025 - Outcome: Passed unanimously.

2) Motion to Receive the Procurement Plan Update (Item 7.1) - Outcome: No formal motion recorded; report received for information. Next steps include continued monitoring of procurement processes and potential reallocations.

3) Motion to Accept Item Number One - Outcome: Passed unanimously.

4) FIFA World Cup 2026 Legacy Update - Outcome: Discussion ongoing; no motion recorded in this section.

5) Motion to Approve the Coaching Certification Program (Title TBD) - Outcome: Passed.

6) Motion to Expand Soccer Facilities Under the Legacy Program - Outcome: Deferred for further planning and alignment with the facilities master plan.

7) Motion to Develop Equity-Focused Coaching Programs - Outcome: Passed.

8) Motion to Include Women and Girls in Legacy Programs - Outcome: Passed.

9) Motion to Adjourn - Outcome: Passed.

Councillors present - Councillor Mike Cole - Deputy Mayor Malik - Deputy Mayor (from Etobicoke) - Amber Moley - Councillor Thompson

Notes: This summary consolidates the key items across the documented portions focused on FIFA World Cup 2026 planning, legacy initiatives, and related governance actions.