During my recent visits to Toronto around major events such as FIFA 2026 and popular concerts, I noticed a striking pattern: the usual homeless individuals who frequent notable spots in the city suddenly disappear. This isn’t unique to one event—the phenomenon seems to repeat itself whenever the city prepares for a high-profile gathering. For instance, I often see the same homeless man near the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, but during events like the Taylor Swift concert or the FIFA matches, he temporarily vanishes. This raises important questions about how cities manage public spaces during large-scale events. From what I’ve heard and observed, these disappearances are often not because the homeless find refuge or receive assistance, but rather they are moved off the streets temporarily, sometimes referred to as a ‘performative’ clean-up. After the event, the individuals generally return to their usual places, indicating that the underlying issues remain unaddressed. Toronto’s approach, while aimed at presenting a more attractive image to visitors, highlights the challenges cities face in tackling homelessness effectively. It’s a reminder that true solutions require long-term investments in social services and housing, not just temporary measures during events. As someone who cares about urban social justice, I hope these major events also serve as catalysts for meaningful change in how homelessness is addressed. Understanding the cycle of visibility and invisibility of homeless populations during major events can deepen our awareness and empathy. It pushes us to advocate for sustainable policies that support vulnerable citizens, rather than simply obscuring their presence for a few weeks. If you’re planning to attend events like FIFA 2026 in Toronto, take a moment to think about the people behind the scenes whose lives are impacted by these large celebrations.