The City of Ottawa has selected EBC Inc. as the winning bidder for the construction of Lansdowne 2.0, as the project heads towards final approval at council with a consistent overall cost over the past two years. Despite this, the city anticipates higher revenues to counterbalance the costs, as the sale of air rights for two towers on the site is expected to bring in approximately $25 million more than initially projected.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe conducted a press conference on Monday to discuss the project shortly before the release of a final report in the afternoon. He stated that the latest figures confirm Lansdowne as “a fantastic investment for the people of Ottawa.” Multiple bids were received for the construction, all closely aligning with the city’s anticipated Class A cost estimate.
The actual construction expenses now stand at $313 million, with the total project cost totaling $418.8 million. This figure closely mirrors the previous estimate of $419 million disclosed in a 2023 report, with construction costs pegged at $316 million at that time.
The unexpected windfall from the air rights sale means that, after factoring in all project revenues, the net cost to taxpayers will amount to $130.7 million. Mayor Sutcliffe emphasized the substantial value derived from the project, highlighting the provision of a new event center, upgraded north side stands, enhanced environmental sustainability, and significant contributions towards affordable housing at a fraction of the initial cost.
EBC Inc., a Quebec-based company with a track record including projects like the Percival-Molson Stadium expansion in Montreal and the Ottawa Art Gallery, was officially named as the successful bidder for the construction of the new event center, north side stadium stands, city parking, and public realm enhancements.
The project’s next steps involve review by the council’s finance and corporate services committee on October 29, followed by a council vote on November 7. The council will make the final decision on whether the project proceeds. The plan has already navigated several approval stages at city hall, including the endorsement of a 2023 concept plan and financial model outlining the project’s funding sources.
While the project has faced criticism and opposition, Mayor Sutcliffe has underscored the potential cost escalation and diminished returns of delaying the project, citing the deteriorating state of TD Place facilities. Critics have raised concerns over the financial risks associated with the project, questioning the trade-offs in terms of green space, seating capacity, and ticket prices.
Lansdowne 2.0 aims to replace the current arena with a new event center accommodating 5,500 people at hockey games and 6,500 during concerts, along with the reconstruction of the north side stadium stands. Critics such as Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard have contested the mayor’s cost estimates, pointing out additional expenses not factored into the projections.
Mayor Sutcliffe has defended the project, emphasizing the success of the initial Lansdowne redevelopment in boosting visitor numbers and economic activity. The ongoing operational losses of the partnership managing Lansdowne have prompted the need for a financially sustainable redevelopment plan.
The unfolding of the project has drawn mixed reactions from council members, with Coun. Jeff Leiper expressing disappointment in the rushed timeline and lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Concerns have also been raised by Ottawa’s auditor general, Nathalie Gougeon, awaiting crucial documents to finalize an audit on the project expected to be released in the coming month.
