Province chips in $110k for FIFA festivities in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam

The financial burden of the beautiful game just got a little lighter.

The province is pitching in with $80,000 for Coquitlam to help with the cost of hosting viewing parties and other FIFA World Cup festivities, the province announced Tuesday.

Coquitlam council previously committed to spending a maximum of $300,000 to stage four 2026 FIFA World Cup viewing parties beginning June 12 with an event at Percy Perry.

“Coquitlam’s Summer of Soccer will be free and accessible for everyone, made possible in part through provincial support. We’re proud to play a role in creating experiences that residents will remember long after the final whistle,” Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart stated in a press release.

Port Coquitlam is also set to receive $30,000 from the province. The city is planning for 11 days of public matches between June and July.

“With the world cup being only a couple months away, I am thrilled for residents in Port Coquitlam to participate and support their favourite teams at public match viewing locations,” stated Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth in a press release.

In total, the province is spending $1.7 million to support FIFA festivities in 32 communities. That money can be spent on screens, security, performers, or other costs associated with viewing parties.

With costs higher than anticipated, Port Moody council opted not to host viewing events.

Besides the initial event at Percy Perry, Coquitlam is set to stage a World Cup event at Blue Mountain Park, a Canada Day viewing party on Trevor Wingrove Way and a July 19 Gold Medal Match event at Percy Perry.

The city’s budget includes a contingency fund of $100,000 to be spent if Team Canada advances in the tournament.