When fans from all over the world flock to Vancouver to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they will see an unusually empty False Creek. According to CBC, Transport Canada has issued a temporary order requiring almost all vessels to be emptied from False Creek east of Cambie Bridge.
The order established a temporary restricted area between Camby Bridge and the Vancouver Science Centre from June 1 to July 8, with the aim of “addressing direct or indirect risks to maritime safety or the marine environment.”
The City of Vancouver stated on its website that these restrictions are to “support emergency access and maritime safety during the 2026 World Cup.” Exceptions are made for vessels with berthing agreements with wharves in the area, regular passenger ferries traveling between the International Square and Olympic Village wharves, Indigenous people exercising their rights, and government personnel performing official duties.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) stated that they did not forcibly remove any boats, but rather “proactively” cooperated with the boat owners to ensure they had time to leave voluntarily. The Vancouver Police Department and the City of Vancouver have referred further questions to the federal Department of Transportation, but the department has not yet responded.