FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee - December 2, 2025

High-level summary

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee focused on advancing waste management, reuse systems, and infrastructure for the event, while recognizing Indigenous land; it approved minutes from the previous meeting and advanced discussions on an amendment to the Arena Event Services Inc. agreement (FIFA World Cup 8.1) with an eye toward integrating reusable cup systems and water refill stations. Public input occurred through registered speakers, notably Anthony Merante, and further deliberations were scheduled.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Land acknowledgement and Indigenous recognition - The chair acknowledged the traditional territory and Treaty 13, underscoring a commitment to inclusivity and recognition of Indigenous heritage. - This framing sets the context for how decisions are approached in relation to local communities.

2) Amendment to Agreement with Arena Event Services Inc. (File Number: FIFA World Cup 8.1) - The committee discussed changes to the temporary hospitality structures at Toronto Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This is a foundational step for event infrastructure that will affect local traffic, services, and venue operations. - Outcome: Discussion initiated; no final decision noted in the transcript. Next steps include continued deliberation and potential integration of sustainability measures (e.g., reuse systems, water refills) into the agreement.

3) Advocacy for reusable cup systems and waste reduction - Speaker Anthony Merante proposed integrating reusable cup systems at the Fan Festival and Stadium to cut single-use plastics and waste, highlighting operational and environmental savings. - Direct quote: "Reuse eliminates the need for consistently purchasing single-use items for stock and eliminates waste management fees."

4) Health and safety considerations during heat events and water access - Merante stressed heat risk during summer events and the importance of hydration infrastructure, advocating for free, accessible water refill stations on city lands. - Direct quote: "Offering free and accessible water refill mitigates Toronto's risk of attendees suffering from heat stroke on city-owned and operated lands."

5) Environmental and economic rationale for reuse systems - The discussion framed reuse systems as beneficial both environmentally and financially, emphasizing reduced waste and lower waste-management costs. - Direct quote: "It is good for the environment, but it is also good for the wallet."

• Additional note: A related theme from the second portion of the meeting emphasized a broader waste-management commitment and the potential for Toronto to establish a sustainability legacy in sports, with calls to action about rapid implementation.

Opportunities for public input

• Public input is available through the registered speaker process, as demonstrated by Anthony Merante’s participation.
• Residents and organizations are invited to provide input on sustainability measures and World Cup planning; however, no specific email addresses or public contact details were provided in the transcript.

Motions and outcomes

1) Motion to Confirm Minutes from October 14, 2025 - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Next steps: No follow-up required.

2) Amendment to Agreement with Arena Event Services Inc. (FIFA World Cup 8.1) - Outcome: Discussion initiated; no final decision noted in this transcript. - Next steps: Further deliberation; potential integration of reusable cup systems and water refill stations into the agreement.

3) Recommendation in the Report (waste management and sustainability for FIFA World Cup events) - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Next steps: Implementation or further development of recommended waste-management and sustainability measures.

Councillors present

• Councillor Mike Cole (Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee)
• Deputy Mayor Malik (participated in confirming the minutes)
• Deputy Mayor Aninsley (moved the recommendation in the report)
• Other council members were present but not named in the provided transcript

Note: The record includes references to specific file numbers (FIFA World Cup 8.1) and mentions of public input through the registered speaker process. No additional bylaw numbers were cited beyond the file reference.