The energy that filled Vancouver’s streets during the FIFA World Cup has begun to fade as the city transitions back to its regular rhythm. Following the final match hosted at BC Place on Tuesday, residents noticed a significantly calmer atmosphere throughout downtown on Wednesday.
City officials have announced that crews will spend the coming weeks removing temporary signage along the Last Mile spectator route. Most traffic restrictions and road closures that were implemented for game days have already been lifted, with Pacific Boulevard expected to fully reopen later this month according to the city’s official FIFA hosting website.
The Vancouver Police Department is also scaling back its presence significantly. While BC Place match days required approximately 1,200 officers on duty, the department will now deploy between 400 and 600 officers for remaining tournament events. After July 19, authorities will reassess staffing needs for the Granville Pedestrian Zone extension, where policing costs have reached an estimated $200,000 per week.
Several World Cup elements will remain visible throughout the city until late July, including event banners and wayfinding signs. The iconic football-wrapped Science World dome, which became one of the most photographed attractions during the tournament, will stay in place for now. However, FIFA’s official branding and advertising regulations will expire on July 20. Meanwhile, city staff continue evaluating whether food trucks will be permitted to return to the pedestrian zone as they review safety and operational requirements.
