Council debates Lansdowne 2.0 | Ottawa Citizen

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City Council has given the green light for the next stage of Lansdowne 2.0, voting 19-6 to approve the format of the contract to design and build a new event centre and north-side stands.

With the approval of the “design bid build” (DBB) procurement model with its partner Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and OSEG’s architect, Brisbin Brook Beynon, work can now move forward on the demolishing the old north side stands and replacing it with a new 11,200-seat grandstand, and building a new 5,500 seat event centre to replace the aging TD Place arena.

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Council also approved extending a $20-million line of credit to its partner, OSEG.

Ultimately, the $419-million Lansdowne 2.0 project will include two residential towers of 40 and 25 storeys atop a retail podium, and new underground parking.

Meanwhile, the Glebe Community Association has appealed the Lansdowne 2.0 rezoning application to the Ontario Land Tribunal. That appeal has yet to be heard, but the DBB procurement model allows for the city and OSEG to continue moving forward. The issue was debated and approved earlier this month at the city’s finance and corporate services committee.

Wednesday’s decision disappointed Capital Ward Coun. Shawn Menard, one of the six councillors who voted against the issue and whose ward includes Lansdowne. The DBB model doesn’t allow for a competitive bidding process, he said.

“Disappointing is the word, but maybe that’s too charitable,” Menard said. “This report comes without any consultation with the public who are the ones paying for it … When it comes to Lansdowne Park, when we listen to the public, good things happen,” Menard said.

A final go/no go decision on Lansdowne 2.0 is expected some time in 2025.

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