Toronto still reviewing FIFA data following World Cup

Toronto officials are calling the city's hosting of FIFA World Cup duties a success, highlighting strong transit performance, the absence of security incidents, and positive feedback from thousands of tourists. Despite several data points, including final budget figures, remaining unavailable, Mayor Olivia Chow expressed confidence in the city's financial management.

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Ninety per cent of the visitors outside Toronto said they’re likely to come back within the next two years.

Chow reiterated her commitment to the initial $380 million budget, assuring that property taxpayers were not burdened. Funding for policing costs was supplemented by the federal government, and FIFA also provided financial assistance. City Manager Paul Johnson noted that additional expenditures during the tournament were not significant enough to derail the budget.

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I can tell you the additional expenditures through the tournament were not so dramatic it would throw us well off.

The long-term legacy of the event is visible in the form of new mini-pitches and an expanded seating area at BMO Field. However, Johnson specifically praised Centennial Park in Etobicoke, whose training facilities were augmented for visiting teams, calling it the "biggest community legacy" and noting it accelerated the park's master plan, aiming to establish it as a future soccer hub.

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From day one I said $380 million, not from any property taxpayers, I kept my word.