Vancouver Park Board approves World Cup practice field construction at 2 neighbourhood parks [Video]

Vancouver Park Board commissioners voted Monday to proceed with the construction of soccer practice facilities at two city parks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite concerns from among the board and from some residents.

B.C. Place Stadium is set to host seven games as part of the continent-wide tournament in the summer of 2026, at an estimated cost of around $581 million.

As part of preparations for the massive event, host cities have been tasked with providing training sites that comply with certain FIFA guidelines — which stipulate the facilities have to include natural grass, have privacy and a lack of sightlines.

That’s why a motion went before park board commissioners on Monday night asking for construction work to start on Memorial South and Killarney parks in South Vancouver, with staff saying the motion was very time sensitive and not approving it would lead to legal ramifications with FIFA.

But the South Vancouver community was in uproar over the …