The FIFA World Cup Is Coming 

With Vancouver confirmed as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, strata councils, (particularly those in and around the downtown core, transit corridors, and event precincts) are understandably asking what this means for day-to-day operations, bylaws, security, and governance. 

For many councils, this will feel familiar. While the World Cup differs in format and duration, it raises many of the same operational issues strata corporations navigated during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Then, as now, the buildings that saw the least complications were those that planned early, communicated clearly, and relied on existing governance tools rather than reacting once problems emerged. 

 

Short-Term Rental Bylaws: Pressure Points Revisited 

Large international sporting events reliably trigger increased demand for short-term accommodation. During the 2010 Olympics, many strata corporations experienced a spike in unauthorized rentals—often discovered only after complaints were received. These were the early days of Air BnB and other such platforms which were a major source of contention at the time. 

The same risk exists with the World Cup. 

In Vancouver, municipal regulations generally prohibit rentals of less than 90 days which are considered licenses to occupy rather than traditional rentals as we’ve written about in the past. However, as councils learned in 2010, municipal permission does not override strata bylaws.  

Practical steps for councils include: 

• Re-circulating rental bylaws prohibiting short-term rentals well in advance of the tournament 

• Clarifying enforcement procedures, fines, and complaint processes 

• Reminding owners that unauthorized short-term rentals often lead to increased complaints and operational strain 

• Preparing for increased noise, security, and nuisance issues tied to transient occupancy 

Experience from 2010 showed that proactive reminders reduced violations far more effectively than reactive enforcement. 

Security and Building Access: Lessons from Past Events 

One of the clearest lessons from the Olympics was that buildings near venues and transit routes experienced increased foot traffic—sometimes from visitors simply following crowds. 

With the World Cup, strata corporations near stadiums, fan zones, and SkyTrain stations should anticipate similar challenges: 

• Tailgating or loitering near building entrances 

• “Piggybacking” or “Tailgating” into secured areas 

• Increased elevator usage and wear on common facilities 

• Alcohol-related disturbances during evening matches 

During 2010, many buildings temporarily increased concierge or security coverage on high-profile event days and generally avoided more serious incidents. Councils may wish to review staffing plans now, identify peak match days, and ensure building staff are aligned on access-control expectations.
 

Meetings, Governance, and Scheduling Realities 

The Olympics also demonstrated that normal governance rhythms can be disrupted by major international events. 

World Cup matches—particularly those involving Canada or major international teams—may affect: 

• Council and owner attendance 

• Travel time and parking availability 

• Noise levels during evening meetings 

Where possible, councils should avoid scheduling council meetings, annual general meetings, or special general meetings on match days. If meetings must proceed, virtual or hybrid attendance options (where permitted) can help maintain quorum and procedural integrity. 

 

Traffic, Parking, and Day-to-Day Operations 

Traffic congestion and parking misuse were common Olympic-era complaints, particularly in downtown and transit-adjacent buildings. Similar impacts should be anticipated during the World Cup. 

Councils should consider: 

• Reinforcing visitor parking rules and enforcement during event days 

• Providing advance notices to residents about anticipated road closures or congestion 

• Adjusting delivery, move-in, and contractor schedules to avoid peak event periods 

Clear, early communication was one of the most effective tools during 2010—and remains so today. 

 

Noise, Nuisance, and Consistent Enforcement 

Celebrations are part of international sporting events, but during the Olympics, inconsistent bylaw enforcement was often what escalated disputes—not the noise itself. 

Councils should: 

• Re-circulate noise and nuisance bylaws in advance of the tournament 

• Confirm after-hours complaint and escalation procedures 

• Ensure staff and managers apply bylaws consistently and neutrally 

Setting expectations early can significantly reduce friction during the event period. 

 

Final Thoughts 

The World Cup will be temporary, but the governance decisions strata councils make in response can have lasting consequences. The experience of the 2010 Olympics showed that strata corporations do not necessarily need new rules—they need to use the ones they already have, consistently and thoughtfully. 

By planning early, communicating clearly, and drawing on professional advice where appropriate, strata councils can navigate the World Cup with minimal disruption—while avoiding many of the pitfalls encountered the last time the world came to Vancouver.