The Lansdowne Partnership passed a crucial test on Monday when city council approved the redevelopment plan by a vote of 15-9, but opponents are warning final approval could face strong resistance in June.
Mayor Larry O’Brien said he’s confident that the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and the design team will come up with something architecturally stunning for the park.
“I think it’s important for all of Ottawa for this to be something that has the ‘oh wow’ factor,” O’Brien said.
However, Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen has warned that as more people realize the extent of the public subsidy involved in the plan, the debate will become louder.
Orleans Coun. Bob Monette was not concerned that final approval of the plan would come shortly before the start of a municipal election campaign.
“If they want to make this a campaign issue I’ll gladly campaign on Lansdowne Live anywhere in the city of Ottawa,” he said.
