World Cup security costs explained: geography matters as much as threats

Toronto's World Cup security costs look like a bargain next to Vancouver's—$94 million versus $242 million—and the difference has less to do with terrorism fears than with stadium geography.

BMO Field sits on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, an isolated location that allows security cordons to radiate outward without disrupting subway systems or major downtown roads. By contrast, BC Place Stadium sits in the middle of Vancouver's downtown core, requiring what security expert Moshe Lander from Concordia University called "increasing security cordons of varying levels radiating out" to protect the SkyTrain and major roadways.

"Creating those security cordons is so much cheaper" in Toronto, Lander said, describing Vancouver's approach as "trying to get into the Green Zone in Baghdad."

But geography isn't the only factor. Bud Mercer, who headed security for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, says the threat landscape itself has shifted. "We have a war going on in the Middle East, we have a war going on in Europe with Ukraine and Russia," Mercer said. "There is economic conflict going on, as we speak. There is as well, a health crisis now in Africa. The world has changed, and when the world changes, your threat assessment changes."

Toronto Police Deputy Chief Robert Johnson noted the city also has access to more policing partners than Vancouver, including the Ontario Provincial Police and regional forces, which helps distribute costs. The federal government is contributing $45 million to Toronto's security bill and $100 million to Vancouver's.