In January, full-scale construction is set to commence, converting two Vancouver community parks into professional-grade practice areas for the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) teams. This significant undertaking comes as the city gears up to host FIFA World Cup 26. The city has also added $30 million to the construction fund to expedite the building of a new $107 million outdoor amphitheatre, which will be ready to host the FIFA Fan Fest, allowing fans to watch televised games.

Vancouver's Parks Transformed for FIFA's Big Event

Construction Beginnings and Host City Details

FIFA World Cup 26 will involve 16 host cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches played in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Vancouver is taking a leading role, with seven of the 13 planned Canadian games being held at BC Place. The city's hosting will start on June 13, 2026, with a group stage game and conclude with a round of 16 knockout match on July 7. Turner Construction has been appointed as the general contractor for preparing the two Vancouver park areas, while Colliers Project Leaders will manage the project.During the games at BC Place, which can seat 54,000, portions of Killarney Park North and Memorial Park South in East Vancouver will serve as practice areas, along with press and conference areas, coach and team facilities, and stands. Both parks have a central field playing area and an outdoor track.

Park Upgrades and Facility Details

FIFA PRESS RELEASE reveals that Vancouver's Killarney Park North and Memorial Park South will be overhauled in 2025 to provide practice facilities for incoming international FIFA teams. This includes adding coaching and team facilities, press facilities, and stands. Tina Mack, the City of Vancouver Parks Board vice-president of planning and park development, stated that the work will involve developing two soccer pitches in the central fields, which are graded, provide drainage, have irrigation, and lights."We are also rebuilding the track," Mack said. Memorial Park has a six-lane rubberized track, while Killarney is a cinder track. Both are quarter-mile tracks. Memorial Park presents challenges due to its establishment in 1926 to honor soldiers from the Second World War. The piping serving the 80-year-old fieldhouses is also being replaced.

Construction Phases and Timeline

The first construction phase focuses on civil engineering, establishing ground works such as installing the necessary infrastructure and lighting requirements at each site. While this is underway, permits for buildings to be sited at the parks are being applied for, with approval aimed for late February or March.The second phase involves above-ground works, such as installing the lighting and the buildings. The largest structures are the team and coaching buildings, which will be modular and capable of being moved to other sites after the FIFA event. The press centre and bleachers are temporary and will be removed after the event.Quotes are currently being evaluated, and there is no figure on cost yet. Turner aims to have work done at both sites simultaneously, and subcontractors can bid on work at one or both sites. The construction team is targeting September for the placement of sod on the grass pitches. In July 2024, the City of Vancouver called for expressions of interest from companies that could provide the sod for the pitches.The third phase will address any additional work needed on the grounds or buildings.

FIFA Fun Fest and Amphitheatre Construction

In addition to the park upgrades, the city is planning a FIFA Fun Fest at Hastings Park, the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) site. Here, individuals can watch match games on the new amphitheatre that is currently under construction.The $30 million approved by the council is slated to expedite construction if needed to meet the deadline for the FIFA event. Walters Group has been awarded the contract for the construction of the amphitheatre in collaboration with EllisDon Construction. As a fabricator and erector, Walters Group will be responsible for supplying the structural steel elements and installing key components of the amphitheatre's steel, timber roof, and stage structure.The outdoor facility can accommodate 10,000 attendees and features one of the world's largest free-span timber roof structures. Designed by Revery Architecture and engineered by Fast + Epp, the design features a starburst arch structure that covers the amphitheatre by landing on only three points. The form is comprised of six-barrel vaulted segments intersecting at diagonal planes, creating a clear span of 105 metres from buttress tip to tip. The timber arched roof will cover approximately 7,200 square metres and is slightly larger than the Richmond Oval completed in 2008.

The Google Borregas office building stands as a remarkable example of how architecture can merge sustainability, biophilia, and innovation. Mercer Mass Timber and Google have collaborated to create a workspace that not only meets the highest standards of design but also contributes to a greener future.

Discover How Google's First All-Wood Office Building Sets New Sustainability Benchmarks

Connecting with Nature

The selection of Douglas fir for this project was a deliberate choice that went beyond mere strength. The 3-, 7-, and 9-layer cross-laminated timber panels, along with the glulam beams, purlins, and columns crafted at Mercer Okanagan mill, bring a sense of vitality to the space. The warm hues and organic textures of the exposed wood seamlessly integrate nature indoors, enhancing the well-being of employees. It's a testament to the power of biophilic design to create an environment that inspires and heals.This connection with nature is not just a visual treat but also has practical benefits. The use of solid timber reduces embodied emissions by an astonishing 96%, making it a sustainable choice. FSC-certified sourcing ensures the ecological integrity of the materials, further emphasizing Google's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Sustainability at the Core

With an impressive 5,100 m³ of solid timber, this office building is a shining example of regenerative design. It significantly reduces embodied energy while sequestering enough CO₂ to offset the annual emissions of over 1,300 cars. This not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also sets a new benchmark for net-zero construction.The LEED Platinum certification and solar-powered energy generation add to the building's sustainable credentials. By achieving these standards, Google Borregas supports the company's goal of operating with zero carbon emissions 24 hours a day by 2030. It's a clear demonstration of how architecture can play a crucial role in combating climate change.

Building the Future

Google Borregas is more than just a physical structure; it represents a vision of what is achievable when sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. By opting for solid timber and incorporating nature-based design, this project paves the way for a greener future.The outdoor highlights of the building are truly remarkable. The expansive 4.2-metre cantilevered ceiling panels provide sheltered outdoor seating and flood the interior with natural light. This innovative design was made possible by a wood-concrete composite system that combines CLT panels with concrete beams and slabs. It optimizes spans and load-bearing capacities while minimizing beam height, showcasing the ingenuity of modern construction techniques.A hybrid structural design ensures the building's earthquake-proof nature. The CLT floor slabs act as a horizontal diaphragm, while buckling-resistant steel frames are integrated into the solid timber gravity system. This combination of materials achieves a complementary aesthetic look and allows for visible steel frames without the need for additional fire protection. It's a testament to the versatility and durability of these materials.In conclusion, Google Borregas is a shining example of how architecture can inspire, heal, and set the course for a greener future. Through its innovative design, sustainable materials, and advanced construction techniques, it proves that we can create spaces that are both functional and environmentally friendly.