MattersParks & RecreationFirst seen Aug 18, 2025
2026 FIFA team base camp bid
DefeatedLangford was being considered as a base camp for a 2026 World Cup team, using Starlight Stadium for training. The opportunity would require replacing artificial turf with natural grass at an estimated $1 million to $1.2 million, plus security costs.
Where it stands: Langford decided not to pursue a bid Aug 18, 2025.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
Langford declines to pursue FIFA team base camp bid
Council decided to take no action with respect to submitting a bid to be a Team Base Camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Decision: Rejected pursuing a Team Base Camp bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Passed 7–0
- Fraser Johnson (Langford)Mixed · FIFA World Cup; policing project; The Forge
Opposes the FIFA base camp but supports the policing-project funding and a $5,000 city donation to The Forge. - Wendy Hobbes (Luxton Highway)Opposes · FIFA World Cup; municipal spending
Opposes FIFA spending and urges council to prioritize residents, citing tax burdens, unfunded commitments, and disruption to community users. - Lisa Foxall (Langford)Opposes · Garbage collection
Opposes exploring municipal garbage collection, citing research that private service costs taxpayers less. - B. Armstrong (Rodney Road, Langford)Opposes · FIFA World Cup
Opposes hosting a FIFA base camp now, citing incomplete cost information, municipal affordability, and displacement of existing users. - Rossander (Langford)Mixed · FIFA World Cup; policing project
Opposes the FIFA base camp and questions a proposed policing-project funding increase, asking for assurance that no further requests will follow. - Natalie McNeely (Lakehurst Drive)Concerned · FIFA World Cup
Urges council to weigh the base camp’s costs, stadium restrictions, and pressure on city resources against benefits unlikely to last.
- Fraser Johnson (Langford)Mixed · FIFA World Cup; policing project; The Forge