The mayor of Ottawa is pushing the city council to move forward with Lansdowne 2.0 and complete the project that was initiated nearly twenty years ago. In 2019, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) proposed a reassessment of Lansdowne Park due to underwhelming financial performance. Concerns were raised by OSEG to the city council in 2020 about attracting more visitors to the Glebe site during the pandemic.
A working group identified the aging facilities and suggested a new vision for modernizing Lansdowne, including new north-side stadium stands and an arena on the existing park berm. The project underwent refinements over the years under the leadership of mayors Jim Watson and Mark Sutcliffe, with the number of towers reduced from three to two.
Lansdowne 2.0 aims to introduce upgraded facilities meeting accessibility standards, featuring universal washrooms, dedicated dressing rooms for the Ottawa Charge women’s hockey team, and premium seats to enhance the fan experience. Final reports have been released, contracts are set for signing, and a significant debate is expected on October 29.
The estimated cost of Lansdowne 2.0 stands at $418.8 million, covering expenses for the arena, northside stands, consultants, design, permits, contingencies, retail space, and underground parking. The city plans to finance the project through a combination of air rights sales, reserve funds, city reserves, and a hotel tax increase, with the majority funded by debt issued in 2030.
The partnership between the City and OSEG has been extended to 2075 to align with the project’s debt. EBC Inc. has been selected as the general contractor for the construction, with work scheduled to commence promptly. The proposal includes a ticket surcharge and premium seating options to enhance revenue generation.
The project also involves the development of towers with residential units, with Mirabella Development Corporation chosen for the construction. The city plans to provide exclusive parking rights for tower residents and implement innovative parking solutions within the site.
Public consultations and deliberations are ongoing, with a final decision expected on November 7. The city council faces critical choices regarding amendments to existing agreements and project financing. Auditor general Nathalie Gougeon will present her findings on Lansdowne 2.0 in early November, adding to the comprehensive review process.
