Thursday November 9, 2023
Over the past few months, Ottawa residents, community groups, and businesses have been voicing their perspectives, concerns and ideas about the plan for Lansdowne 2.0 which includes a revised concept and funding structure to build a new event centre, northside stands, a two-storey retail space and two residential towers. The plan will be considered and voted on by Ottawa City Council on Friday, November 10.
As Councillor for Ward 18 Alta Vista, I would like to share my views on Lansdowne 2.0 which are based on many months looking into the complexities of this file, attending briefings with City staff, and my review of thousands of pages of documentation, including those related to historical decisions.
While I was opposed to more investments in Lansdowne when first elected to City Council, I am now inclined to support Lansdowne 2.0 given that the amount of dollars dedicated to affordable housing has increased to 25%. At this time, City Council is only authorizing and additional $10M to move to the next stage of detailed design. If there are considerable cost escalations at the detailed design stage without a better understanding of mitigations and options, I will not necessarily support the project at future decision points, the first being expected in Q1 of 2024.
I recognize there is some apprehension within the community related to costs and projections, particularly given the challenges that the City has experienced with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. However, I’m confident that as your Councillor, I’ve done—and will continue to do—my due diligence to thoroughly investigate the challenges and opportunities that Lansdowne 2.0 present, with a view to making the right decision at Council on November 10.
For additional information, please refer to the Questions and Answers I’ve prepared on this matter. They can be found here: https://martycarrottawa.ca/questions-and-answers-on-lansdowne/
Thank you.
Marty Carr, Councillor – Ward 18 Alta Vista
French translation translation to be posted shortly.