Vancouver ramps up security as FIFA Congress offers World Cup preview

Vancouver hosted the 76th FIFA Congress on Thursday, drawing soccer officials from across the globe.

Vancouver is getting a test run of what it will take to host one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

Tight security surrounded the FIFA Congress in downtown Vancouver on Thursday, with a heavy police presence offering locals an early look at what the city could face during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Groups of officers were seen scattered around the Vancouver Convention Centre as roughly 1,600 delegates from more than 200 FIFA member associations gathered ahead of the tournament.

The Vancouver Police Department says about 800 officers are being brought in from outside Vancouver to help manage safety. This enforcement makes it a record-setting deployment that surpasses the policing levels seen during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“On some days, there could be up to 1,200 officers deployed, including VPD, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton police, and the RCMP,” said Sgt. Adam Donaldson of the VPD.

The heightened presence comes as global tensions remain elevated, something Vancouver police say is factored into their security planning. Officers were also monitoring small demonstrations near the event.

Aside from security, the city is also preparing for significant disruptions to how people move through the downtown core.

Transit and travel change reminder

Getting around downtown Vancouver during the World Cup is expected to be more complicated, with new routing and access restrictions planned near the stadium.

Back in March, TransLink shared that on match days, SkyTrain riders won’t be able to exit at the two stations closest to B.C. Place to reach the venue.

Instead, fans will be directed to get off earlier and walk in along designated pedestrian routes set up around the stadium’s security perimeter.

To handle the surge, TransLink says it will ramp up service, running trains more frequently through downtown before and after matches. Late-night service will also be extended for evening games, and extra trains will be staged nearby to help move crowds quickly once matches wrap up.

With just six weeks to go until kickoff in Vancouver, the city is preparing to welcome an estimated 350,000 visitors that will test everything from policing to public transit as Vancouver steps back onto the global stage.