ADRENALIN REPORTS ADRENALIN REPORTS such as crowd management, cybersecurity, threat detection and emergency responses. This work will generate long-term benefits that will enrich Vancouver’s approach to venue and sport event security and create a more agile and cohesive security environment.” The world’s biggest soccer tournament “represents a watershed moment in international security cooperation and mega-event risk management,” writes Carvalho, “presenting challenges and opportunities that will reshape the landscape of large-scale event security for generations to come.” Toronto, for instance, is prioritizing walking, cycling, rideshare and public transit around Toronto Stadium and FanFest, with wayfinding signage and volunteer guides. Some street closures will be in effect in both Toronto and Vancouver, especially on match days. Vancouver has introduced a temporary bylaw that will apply for several weeks around key venues, restricting noise, graffiti, street vending and street performance. The city is also installing about 200 temporary surveillance cameras. Through an agreement estimated to cost just under $13 million, TELUS Communications will provide digital infrastructure for extensive Wi-Fi, Internet and closed-circuit television. The sport’s international governing authority requires a safety perimeter around match and training sites, with vehicle and pedestrian screening. In addition, Code said, team hotels will have security apparatus and 24-hour security personnel. He also noted that consultants have been retained to produce crowd simulation models for official sites to ensure smooth arrival and dispersal of large groups. PUBLIC HEALTH With crowds of travellers come public-health risks. In September 2025, Public Health Ontario released its Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, which identifies “moderate” risk factors (measles, foodborne diseases and COVID) and recommends pre-event monitoring of global epidemiology trends, planning for potential surge capacity, enhanced surveillance during the tournament and educational messaging. In October, Toronto Public Health (TPH) published a similar analysis of top health threats. The agency is preparing a comprehensive operational plan for the event that includes the activation of an Incident Management Team and coordination with Emergency Operations Centres. TPH is also educating healthcare workers, food handlers and the public with tools like a new food-safety portal for vendors and organizers. It will be monitoring wastewater and other indicators of infectious disease. Meanwhile, Health Canada has published travel health notices for the international soccer finals, advising visitors to use sensible precautions like handwashing hygiene and vaccinations. A LEGACY OF SAFETY The training and professional development, the physical equipment and the infrastructure for international collaboration that have been set up for the tournament will long outlast it. The Vancouver Host Committee states that “Through our planning efforts, we’re strengthening interagency and inter-government communications and information-sharing systems. We’re also enhancing technical expertise and specialized capabilities in areas ” The world’s biggest soccer tournament “represents a watershed moment in international security cooperation and mega-event risk management.” —Luiz Guilherme Carvalho Stadium security will be trained in the European model of stewards: professionals at what they do that are respected, listened to and incredibly effective. 25 SPRING 2026 | ADRENALIN ADRENALINMAG.CA discoverbrantford.ca BRANTFORD Let’s team up! discoverbrantford.ca [email protected]
