Finance Committee approves construction plan for Lansdowne 2.0

The redevelopment and construction plan for Lansdowne 2.0 passed 8-3 at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and will make its way to council this week.

The plan is the sixth report in the step-by-step approval process for a new stadium, north side stands and two residential towers.

“The Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment project represents a transformative public-private investment opportunity aimed at further revitalizing Lansdowne Park, addressing aging infrastructure and evolving community needs, and strengthening Ottawa’s economic resilience in the face of macroeconomic pressures and federal government policy decisions with local implications,” the report that will be before council on Friday states.

The total cost of the project is valued at $418.8 million, with an estimated net investment of $130.7 million from the city. The report, produced by Deloitte LLP, predicts new revenue received from greater attraction of residents, visitors, and spectators could account for 69 cents to each dollar spent, or approximately $288 million of total costs.

The contract includes a 10 per cent contingency budget, but Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon said in a follow-up audit that 10 per cent is the “minimum buffer” for a project of this magnitude. She said there is little room for error, or the city risks taking on additional debt.

Assets from the new development would include a new municipally-owned event centre with a capacity of 6,600 for hockey and more than 7,000 for concerts located at the east end. The current TD Place Stadium will also get new north side stands with a capacity of 12,400.

Aside from sports and events, the city is planning for 12,700 square metres of public green space and 6,280 square metres of public plaza space.

Two 40-storey residential towers will also be built, with the first two storeys consisting of municipally-owned retail space. The towers will include approximately 770 dwellings and will include a mix of condominiums, apartment rentals and hotel units.

“The changes will make for a better fan and visitor experience,” the city said in a news release.

Timeline

If the final approval is received at council, the redevelopment will be a nearly 10-year commitment.

The project is divided into three phases, with phase one beginning in November.

That phase would focus on the new event centre and great lawn with an estimated completion date of July 2028.

Phase two would take place in the two-year period between November 2028 and November 2030 and would involve the complete overhaul of the north stands and surrounding infrastructure.

Phase three would consist of the construction of the retail podium and towers. Construction would begin in 2031, with all construction expected to be complete by the end of 2034.

Reaction

The redevelopment plan was voted on at the end of a laborious two-day meeting, where many members of the public had their say on the redevelopment plan.

It will now go to a final vote at Ottawa City Council on Friday.