The City of Toronto has cancelled its viewing parties for Thursday’s World Cup games, citing an extreme heat forecast and the demand on resources to ensure the safety of all.
According to the city, the heat forecast is a significant concern, with temperatures expected to be around 31C in the evening when the game kicks off at 7 p.m. between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium.
Despite the cancellation of viewing parties at Nathan Phillips Square, it's expected that Fans Fest and other areas throughout the city will still be hosting viewing parties.
The tournament organizer, FIFA, has stated that it continues to monitor conditions in real time and stands ready to apply established contingency protocols should extreme weather events occur.
FIFA has implemented protocols for hydration breaks and work-rest cycles for staff and volunteers, and consults with expert doctors, meteorologists, and emergency management authorities to ensure the safety of fans and staff.
Fans attending Thursday's game at Toronto Stadium are allowed to bring a water bottle no larger than 590 mL, provided it is a soft plastic "factory sealed disposable" container.
The venue may also provide cooling areas with shade and misting systems, and roll out cooling buses and distribute water if necessary.
The city's decision to cancel viewing parties comes as a staffing crunch at the private security contractor the city hired to handle the World Cup is still a concern.
Dozens of guards didn't show up for work during the first weekend of the soccer tournament, and Toronto Police were left to pick up the slack, racking up overtime.
The city's concern about safety resources also follows a conflict related to security costs at another public event in Toronto, the pedestrianization of Church St. around Wellesley St.
The estimated cost of policing for this event is close to $50,000 for paid-duty cops at peak periods, with on-duty officers doing most of the work.
