Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.
Lansdowne 2.0 cleared its final hurdle at Ottawa city hall Friday, as council approved the $419-million redevelopment project.
Councillors voted 15-10 in favour of the plan after passing several amendments, including to improve transit service to the site and work on a solution to keep the Ottawa Charge in the city.
Born of a desire to rebound from the financial losses suffered in the wake of the Glebe site’s previous makeover, the contentious new plan calls for tearing down the aging north side stadium stands and arena, and replacing them with modern facilities that have fewer seats but promise to offer a better fan experience.
But the project has raised financial concerns and spurred spirited debate among city councillors. That continued on Friday.
Opponents have framed it as a risky deal that commits public money to prop up the city’s partnership with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.
“This is a significant expense for the taxpayer during a cost-of-living crisis when many in our community are barely getting by,” said Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster, who voted no.
“I fundamentally believe public lands should be used for public good, not to line the pockets of corporations and drive up the cost of tickets to events in a space that taxpayers are paying for.”
This concept art gives an idea of the new towers envisioned behind the site’s north side stands. (City of Ottawa)
But Orléans South-Navan Coun. Catherine Kitts, who voted yes, said holding off on the project would also put taxpayers at risk.
“Lansdowne 2.0 is imperfect in my opinion, but I think expecting perfection in a project of this scale is a tall order,” she said during debate on Friday.
“We have seen major city building projects stall or die at this table only to return years later with a much higher price tag.”
The vote means the city can finalize its contract with builder EBC Inc., which is scheduled to begin construction on the arena and event centre later this year. That work is supposed to wrap up in 2028, clearing the way for construction on the north stadium stands.
According to the project timeline, Mirabella Development Corporation is set to complete work on the two residential towers by 2034.
