As the FIFA World Cup begins, Airbnb is making an investment in four Ontario communities – including Niagara-on-the-Lake – to ensure the World Cup has a lasting impact beyond the cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
Airbnb is investing just over $550,000 CAD combined in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Prince Edward County, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The announcement was first made at Queen’s Park by Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, Stan Cho, Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, and Hannah Parish, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Canada.
Airbnb launched the FIFA World Cup 2026 Impact Program ahead of the games, with a total budget of $5 million USD. The $550,000 CAD is just the amount being committed to local communities throughout Ontario.
Niagara-on-the-Lake will receive funds to help build new spectator infrastructure, buy new equipment, and revitalize assets at Memorial Park in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake and Centennial Sports Park in Virgil.
In total, $145,000 CAD will be spent on the initiatives in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
According to the Town, about 400 soccer players and 1,000 community members use the two soccer facilities and participate in programs each year.
“This summer, Ontario will come alive with the energy of sport as we welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup,” said Cho. “We applaud Airbnb’s investment which will help bring the spirit of the game into communities across the province, demonstrating how partners can support local tourism and showcase the true Ontario culture that brings people together.”
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa spoke about the local impact the investments will have on Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“This investment will significantly enhance the recreational facilities at Virgil Sports Park, and is a meaningful contribution to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s soccer community,” said Zalepa. “Soccer brings together families, volunteers, coaches, and athletes of all ages from across Niagara-on-the-Lake, and these upgrades will create improved spaces to pay, train, and connect.”
“We are grateful to the Province and Airbnb for recognizing the value of community sport and investing in infrastructure that will benefit Niagara-on-the-Lake residents and the soccer community for years to come,” Zalepa added.
Nearby, in Niagara Falls, there will be a Fan Zone by the falls at Queen Victoria Park, screening games live every day of the tournament, beginning at 11 a.m. and concluding at 11 p.m. The event is free to the public and will include family activities and live music between games, as well as on weekends.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
