After hours of deliberation, Ottawa City Council has approved the $419 million redevelopment plan for Lansdowne Park.
Councillors voted 15-10 for the controversial project, citing issues such as aging infrastructure and inaccessible facilities. The plan, known as Lansdowne 2.0, will see the demolition of the north side stands at TD Place, the constructions of a new event centre with a capacity of around 6,500, and two new residential towers.
The decision followed hours of intense debate. Supporters and opponents of the redevelopment did unite to express concern about the proposed new arena’s effect on the Ottawa Charge, the city’s Professional Women’s Hockey League team. If built, the arena will have 5,500 seats and 1,000 standing room patrons for the games. That’s about 3,000 fewer seats than TD Arena’s current capacity.
Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh, in voting against the motion, said the PWHL team had not been properly consulted about Lansdowne 2.0.
“I find it patronizing and frankly insulting to put forward a motion without consulting those involved in it,” Kavanagh said during the meeting.
Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster, who also opposed the redevelopment, said the funds for Lansdowne 2.0 could be better allocated elsewhere in the community.
“No matter how you spin it, this is a significant expense during a cost-of-living crisis when many in our community are barely getting by,” Troster said.
She urged councillors to postpone the vote, accusing the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), of financially pressuring the city to approve Lansdowne 2.0. OSEG owns the Ottawa RedBlacks and 67s.
“What is the urgency here? […] I believe we can imagine something better,” Troster said.
Postponing a vote was rejected by other councillors who said further delay would cost the city more money.
“It took us six years and cost $22 million in due diligence to get us to this place,” said Orléans South-Navan Coun. Catherine Kitts. “We need to be realistic with the risks of not moving forward.”
Kitts was joined by Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr, calling for Lansdowne 2.0’s fast approval.
“It’s not a perfect plan,” Carr said. “But it will cost us way more if we don’t proceed.”
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the redevelopment, when completed, will provide the city with a long-term revenue stream and lead to new jobs.
“For every dollar we invest, we are getting $3 of value. We don’t get that opportunity often,” said Sutcliffe, as he voted for the motion. “I am excited about Ottawa’s future. This is an opportunity to invest in that future.”
The development was also opposed by the local community association, which said the project was based on questionable financial projections.
