Capital ward Councilor Shawn Menard expressed concerns over the $419 million Lansdowne 2.0 project, citing a lack of time to thoroughly review the extensive documents before the final vote on November 7. Menard emphasized the need for careful consideration due to the overwhelming volume of materials presented. He called on fellow councillors to support a motion by Barrhaven East Councilor Wilson Lo to extend the timeline for the crucial meeting, aiming for at least 30 days from the report’s release date for adequate review.
Despite Menard and Lo’s efforts, their motion was not voted on as a minority of councillors prevented its consideration during the council session. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe criticized the motion, labeling it as a tactic to delay the decision-making process. He highlighted the project’s financial significance and defended it as a beneficial arrangement for taxpayers, projecting a reduced net cost to the city.
The $419 million budget for Lansdowne 2.0 does not include approximately $65 million for retail and parking components. The city’s auditor general is set to provide an evaluation of the project’s plans and costs in early November. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the 139-page report at a council committee meeting on October 29. Additionally, the meeting will address the annual report for the current Lansdowne Park partnership, an economic impact assessment for the redevelopment, and a new agreement with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.
Sutcliffe urged residents to participate in the meeting and share their perspectives, emphasizing that it is ultimately the responsibility of city councillors to thoroughly examine the reports. He reiterated the council’s decision to move forward with the project, emphasizing the consistency of essential facts since the initial approval two years ago. The upcoming finance and corporate services committee meeting will be crucial for public input before the final council vote on November 7.