Bob Brocklebank, retired Trade Commissioner, is an active critic of the City of Ottawa's development schemes. He has his eye on the cozy deal being proposed for Landsdowne Park. He thinks we should know more about it.
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You may not realize that redevelopment of Lansdowne Park could have an impact on everyone in Ottawa. Issues of concern include significant expenditure by the city payable from property taxes, the leasing of public land without prospect of receiving meaningful rent and questionable procurement practices by the City.
2. In order to inform residents of Ottawa about the project, a new informal group called Friends of Lansdowne Park has been formed. A meeting will be held at Lansdowne Park on the evening of Tuesday June 2 (from 7:30pm in the Assembly Hall) at which the project will be described and various experts will share their views. Questions and comments from the audience will be encouraged. Public comments will be captured and provided to members of Council and to participants in the current negotiation about the project.
3. You, plus your friends and neighbours, are invited to participate in Tuesday's meeting. You might also visit the website www.friendsoflansdownepark.ca for additional information.
4. Here's a quick background summary: Competition for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park was halted a year ago. Last month the City began negotiations on a single source basis with a business group known as OSEG (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group). The project proposal on which negotiations were launched was that Ottawa taxpayers pay for the restoration of Frank Clair Stadium and the Civic Centre plus build parking facilities at a cost of around $125 million, that OSEG be given the construction contract and that the renovated facilities be turned over to OSEG under a 30 year lease for a nominal rent. In addition, some 9 to 10 acres of the park would be leased to OSEG for 30 years (again at a nominal rent) to permit the construction of a shopping and entertainment complex, plus possibly a hotel and office buildings. Any improvements to the balance of the park would be at the cost of the city, but OSEG would be granted management and control of the entire park. OSEG would build the shopping complex etc. at their expense and would operate a CFL football team which would play its home games in the renovated stadium. City revenue from the project would be limited to whatever nominal rents are determined and property taxes on the shopping complex buildings. Negotiations are to proceed for 60 days. If a negotiated arrangement is reached, it will be opened to public consultation, followed by Council acceptance (or rejection) of the deal.
Robert Brocklebank
