Experts are using the 2015 Pan Am Games as a successful example for Toronto to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the potential to create long-lasting community-building infrastructure and legacy projects. Despite the World Cup's projected cost of $380 million, the focus is on maximizing community benefits similar to those left by the Pan Am Games.
What Toronto can learn from the 2015 Pan Am Games legacy ahead of next year's World Cup
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Experts are using the 2015 Pan Am Games as a successful example for Toronto to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the potential to create long-lasting community-building infrastructure and legacy projects. Despite the World Cup's projected cost of $380 million, the focus is on maximizing community benefits similar to those left by the Pan Am Games.
Trending- 1 2015: Toronto hosts the Pan Am Games, creating lasting infrastructure.
- 2 2018: Initial projected cost for Toronto to host World Cup was $30-45 million.
- 3 March: Toronto council approves Soccer For All Legacy Fund for mini-pitches.
- 4 2024: Report indicates World Cup cost for Toronto is $380 million.
- 5 This week: Experts discuss the Pan Am Games legacy as a blueprint for the 2026 World Cup.
- 6 2026: Toronto to host the FIFA World Cup.
- Creation of significant community infrastructure and facilities (e.g., sports centers, residential neighborhoods).
- High financial cost for Toronto to host the World Cup ($380 million).
- Potential for long-term community benefits and urban development through strategic investments.
- Increased focus on legacy planning for major sporting events.
What: Toronto's 2015 Pan Am Games left behind significant community-building infrastructure, including 10 new facilities, an air-rail link, and a waterfront athletes' village (Canary District), which has evolved into a neighborhood with affordable housing, a park, and community facilities. This success is being used as a blueprint for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is projected to cost Toronto $380 million. The World Cup's legacy plans include a $146 million investment in BMO field and the Soccer For All Legacy Fund for up to 12 soccer 'mini-pitches' across the city.
When: This week (comments from David Shoemaker and Ken Greenberg); a decade ago (2015 Pan Am Games); next year (2026 FIFA World Cup); 2024 (report on World Cup cost); 2018 (initial World Cup cost projection); March (council approval for mini-pitches).
Where: Toronto, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Scarborough (Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre), Milton (Mattamy National Cycling Centre velodrome), Canary District.
Why: To ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup leaves a lasting positive community legacy, similar to the successful infrastructure and community development outcomes of the 2015 Pan Am Games, despite the high financial cost of hosting.
How: By focusing on planning for multi-use spaces, social mix, affordability, connectivity, and sustainability in new developments and investments related to the World Cup, drawing lessons from the Pan Am Games' approach.