Lansdowne 2.0
Investing in a City-owned landmark
Lansdowne is one of Ottawa’s most iconic gathering places. It’s a space where people can cheer on local teams, attend concerts and festivals, enjoy the farmers’ market, meet friends for dinner, or simply spend time outdoors. As the City owns the land and all buildings at Lansdowne, it is the City's responsibility to maintain these facilities.
Some of the site’s important public facilities, including the stadium’s north side stands and the event centre, are nearing the end of their useful life and no longer meet today’s standards, particularly in the area of accessibility. The nearlyContinue reading
Investing in a City-owned landmark
Lansdowne is one of Ottawa’s most iconic gathering places. It’s a space where people can cheer on local teams, attend concerts and festivals, enjoy the farmers’ market, meet friends for dinner, or simply spend time outdoors. As the City owns the land and all buildings at Lansdowne, it is the City's responsibility to maintain these facilities.
Some of the site’s important public facilities, including the stadium’s north side stands and the event centre, are nearing the end of their useful life and no longer meet today’s standards, particularly in the area of accessibility. The nearly 60-year-old event centre and north side stands require extensive and costly maintenance to remain operational, with costs only increasing as more time passes.
Lansdowne 2.0 is a strategic plan to modernize these aging facilities, improve public spaces, add more homes and businesses, and ensure Lansdowne continues to serve as a year-round destination. The plan protects and enhances an asset that belongs to the people of Ottawa, leveraging the City’s investment with significant revenues that will pay the majority of the cost. This initiative is focused on maintaining public infrastructure and creating an improved space for residents, visitors, and future generations.
What’s included in Lansdowne 2.0?
Lansdowne 2.0 is the City’s innovative plan to update the site so it can continue to serve residents and visitors for decades to come. The proposal aims to enhance the experience for everyone who visits or lives on-site and generate revenues to offset most of the cost of construction.
The revitalized Lansdowne will include:
A new and improved event centre: This will replace the aging TD Place Arena (formerly the Civic Centre) and create a more attractive venue for concerts, community events, and professional sports. Core priorities for the new centre include full accessibility and gender-inclusive facilities. The event centre will feature a striking exterior and improved energy efficiency. It is also being designed to specifically address the needs of professional women’s sports, including the Ottawa Charge, with customized dressing rooms and training spaces.
The event centre will accommodate up to 7,000 people for concerts and 6,600 for hockey. This total capacity includes 5,850 seats combined with popular modern viewing areas where fans can gather together to watch while standing. Based on consultation with event organizers, tourism officials, and others, this size is strategically planned for the Ottawa market, positioning the facility between the more intimate National Arts Centre and larger venues like the Canadian Tire Centre and a potential new downtown arena.
Modern north side stadium stands at TD Place: These will offer upgraded seating, wider concourses, additional washrooms, and significantly improved accessibility for fans and visitors. Like the south side stands, the new stands will no longer have a roof, though the City is exploring options to provide some weather protection.
New housing: The project will introduce hundreds of new residential units to Lansdowne, contributing to Ottawa's housing needs. The City will earn revenue from the sale of air rights (the rights to build above the land) for these towers, which will help fund Lansdowne 2.0 and affordable housing in Ottawa.
Revitalized Public Spaces: Lansdowne 2.0 will feature reinvigorated public areas and green spaces including the return of the Great Lawn for festivals and concerts, and the reintroduction of a berm for play, relaxation, concert viewing, and tobogganing. These spaces are intended for year-round community activities, events, and recreation. New pathways, seating areas, and outdoor venues will enhance the visitor and resident experience.
Public Art Program: $2 million of the total project budget will be dedicated to creating dynamic public art installations, celebrating Ottawa's diverse culture.
These upgrades are designed to replace aging infrastructure, improve accessibility and sustainability, and support tourism, small businesses and local jobs, making Lansdowne a more inclusive and vibrant year-round destination.
The proposed construction plan is also being created in close collaboration with local businesses and residents. All major events, such as outdoor markets and CFL, NSL, CPL, PWHL, OHL and CEBL games, would continue during construction under the proposed plan.
Why revitalizing Lansdowne is necessary
Lansdowne is an essential public space for Ottawa, but current facilities are aging and have become outdated, no longer serving the needs of a modern, growing city. TD Place Arena is nearly 60 years old and has reached the end of its useful life, requiring extensive and costly repairs just to remain operational.
Beyond general maintenance, the existing facilities do not meet modern energy efficiency standards and show growing signs of deterioration, including leaks. The washroom capacity is also insufficient, requiring temporary solutions like portable toilets during events.
As Lansdowne continues to age, it becomes less suitable for hosting major events. This means the City increasingly misses out on significant opportunities to generate revenue and attract visitors to Ottawa. Without action, these lost opportunities will keep adding up. Lansdowne 2.0 is a smart way to fix these problems now, help the City earn more money in the future, and avoid even more expensive repairs and construction costs later.
Accessibility
Lansdowne 2.0 prioritizes enhanced accessibility. The new event centre will have accessible entrances at all gates, and three percent of its seating will be accessible. Similarly, the new north side stands at TD Place will feature accessible entry at all gates and three percent accessible seating. The design of the new event centre also includes accessible facilities for para sports athletes and referees.
Guests will also have access to complimentary assisted listening devices, interpretation services, lower accessible counters at concession stands, and a dedicated drop-off zone for people requiring mobility assistance, among other improvements.
A significant shortcoming of Lansdowne’s current setup is its lack of accessibility. The existing buildings and stands were not designed to accommodate the diverse needs of all residents and visitors, with outdated or absent accessibility features. Issues include limited accessible seating options, narrow concourses, and outdated entrances.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
City staff project that the modern design of the new north stands and event centre will lead to significant operational improvements. The new facilities are expected to use 36 per cent less energy and will lower their environmental impact by producing 31 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the buildings they replace.
This high level of efficiency is achieved through modern technologies like high-performance insulation and energy-efficient HVAC systems, including heat pumps.
These sustainability features are expected to result in the project earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Project financing and fiscal strategy
The total investment in Lansdowne 2.0 is estimated at $419 million, to extend the facility’s useful life for another 60 years or more. New revenue streams as a result of the investment are projected to generate $272.5 million, leading to a net investment by the City of approximately $146 million.
This net investment will be structured to fit within the City’s existing budgets and tax targets, meaning the project will not result in an additional tax increase for residents.
The new revenues generated by the project and from the City’s partnership with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which operates Lansdowne’s facilities, include:
- Proceeds from the sale of air rights for future residential development.
- Incremental property tax revenue from new housing units.
- Rental income from the partnership for the Stadium and new event centre.
- City revenue shares from tickets sold at all events hosted at Lansdowne.
- A share of annual profits from the partnership.
These revenues are conditional on the project proceeding and would not be realized otherwise. This approach enables the City to make a long-term capital investment without placing additional pressure on the operating budget or requiring increases in residential property taxes.
Most investments by the City in public infrastructure are designed for community benefit rather than financial returns. For example, the City regularly invests in libraries, community centres, and recreation complexes with no resulting revenues.
The investment in Lansdowne, therefore, is a rare opportunity to leverage revenues to pay the majority of the cost of new public infrastructure that also benefits the community. After accounting for new revenue and proposed financing strategies, the City would invest $146 million to gain a new asset worth $419 million.
What’s next?
Ottawa City Council approved the overall Lansdowne 2.0 plan in November 2023 and the procurement model for the project in April 2024. A final report to Council is planned before the end of 2025, with finalized financial details, including the final tender price for construction, the final air rights sale price, and any necessary funding adjustments. This final report provides Council with a decision point to determine the next steps.
Get involved and share your thoughts
Community input is central to shaping Lansdowne 2.0 to ensure this City asset meets the needs of residents and community partners. The City aims to keep residents informed and engaged throughout this project.
Residents are invited to:
- Share their thoughts on Engage Ottawa: Lansdowne 2.0 | Engage Ottawa
- Attend public consultations
- Stay up to date on project progress and announcements
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Event Centre and North Side Stands
Share Event Centre and North Side Stands on Facebook Share Event Centre and North Side Stands on Twitter Share Event Centre and North Side Stands on Linkedin Email Event Centre and North Side Stands linkThe City of Ottawa is moving forward on schedule with the redesign of the Event Centre and North Side Stands at Lansdowne, a project that will transform the site into a modern sports and entertainment destination.The proposed designs, which were previously shared publicly at the Urban Design Review Panel, are not yet final but showcase exciting upgrades, including innovative architecture, improved energy efficiency with LEED certification (LEED® Certified) , and enhanced accessible seating.
Explore the new renderings and see what the future of Lansdowne could look like.Residents are encouraged to share their feedback and stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities, including public information sessions about the North Side Stands on January 15 and 16. -
Learn more about Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands
Share Learn more about Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands on Facebook Share Learn more about Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands on Twitter Share Learn more about Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands on Linkedin Email Learn more about Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands linkThe Site Plan for the Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands is ready for public review. Staff will report to Council in Q4 2025 on the final package of approvals, including the construction bid price, air rights bid price, legal agreements, and any required funding strategy amendments prior to construction.
There will be an in-person and a virtual Public Information Session this winter where you can learn more about the plan for the North Side Stands:
- Wednesday, January 15, from 6:30 to 8 pm
In-person Inside Gate 2 at TD Arena - Thursday, January 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Virtual – Register Here
You can also email us at lansdownerenewal@ottawa.ca.
- Wednesday, January 15, from 6:30 to 8 pm
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Event centre site plan is the next step for Lansdowne 2.0
Share Event centre site plan is the next step for Lansdowne 2.0 on Facebook Share Event centre site plan is the next step for Lansdowne 2.0 on Twitter Share Event centre site plan is the next step for Lansdowne 2.0 on Linkedin Email Event centre site plan is the next step for Lansdowne 2.0 linkUpdated on: August 27, 2024
The City of Ottawa is preparing the site plan for the Lansdowne 2.0 event centre. Before the site plan is designed, we need your input on what should be included.
The event centre is just one part of Lansdowne 2.0, and designing the site plan is just the next step. For more information and background on this important City project, visit Engage Ottawa.
There will be two in-person events this summer where you can learn more about the event centre site plan and provide your input:
- Tuesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 8 pm
Inside Gate 2 at TD Arena - Sunday, August 11, from 9 am to 3 pm
Lansdowne Farmers Market booth
You can also email us at lansdownerenewal@ottawa.ca.Based on the summertime feedback, a draft site plan will be published on DevApps and on Engage Ottawa. You will have one more opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plan at a public meeting on Tuesday, September 10. Please register here to attend. Draft plans and studies can be found here.
The site plan is also scheduled to be reviewed by the City’s Accessibility Committee before it is finalized by staff on September 17, 2024.
As the City and its partners move ahead with a detailed design, staff will report to Council later next year on the final package of approvals, including the final construction price, final air rights value and any required funding strategy amendments prior to construction.
- Tuesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 8 pm
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Lansdowne 2.0 Project Update - April 30, 2024
Share Lansdowne 2.0 Project Update - April 30, 2024 on Facebook Share Lansdowne 2.0 Project Update - April 30, 2024 on Twitter Share Lansdowne 2.0 Project Update - April 30, 2024 on Linkedin Email Lansdowne 2.0 Project Update - April 30, 2024 linkThe City’s Lansdowne 2.0 project addresses the need to reinvest in the site with more housing, better public spaces, and more destination retail. In particular, the project addresses the functionally obsolete TD Place North Side Stadium Stands and TD Arena. TD Arena is one of the City’s most energy inefficient buildings, and both arena and north side stands are reaching the end of their functional lives.
Proposal
In November 2023, City Council granted approval to proceed to the next stage of planning for Lansdowne 2.0 through the approval of the fourth report on Lansdowne, entitled the 2023 Lansdowne Partnership Plan – Authorization to Proceed to the Next Steps in the Redevelopment Report.
The report, on the basis of the due diligence efforts, put forward a revised Concept Plan incorporating sentiments for reduced complexity in construction, reduced residential density and intensification, and improvements in the public realm space. As a result, the primary changes were the reduction of the number of proposed residential towers from 3 to 2, thus a reduction in the number of residential units and residential parking spaces.
The revised proposal also recommended that the retail podium be developed as a two-story built form, with a reduction in the amount of space for commercial uses from 108,000 to 49,000 square feet, but an increase of 8,000 square feet compared to the current retail podium (J block).
New public realm space, as well as a dedicated number of Event Centre parking spaces were added to the project. Additional key changes to the Partnership Agreement were proposed, such as extending the life of the agreement to 2066 and elevating the City within the “waterfall” so the City will be receiving cash disbursements earlier, some portion of which is guaranteed. In this revised waterfall framework, the City is benefiting much more from the partnership than previously, and the risk allocation is more balanced.
The estimated cost to the City for the construction of this project was $419.1M as outlined in the approved report. The project was approved to be funded from the disposal of air rights, debentures premiums, capital budget, expected funding from senior levels of government and long-term debt. The long-term debt will be repaid in part by various revenue sources including a portion of the property tax uplift and payments from the closed financial system.
To learn more about the proposal, please visit the Lansdowne 2.0 Engage Ottawa page here.
Project update
On November 24, 2023, City Council passed both the Zoning By-law (By-law 2023-510) and Official Plan Amendment (OPA 19) and granted approval to proceed to the next stage of planning for Lansdowne 2.0. Council also directed staff to assess the benefits and drawbacks of each proposed procurement model for the delivery of the new Event Centre and new North Side Stands. This is to ensure Council and the public is informed of the value and risks of each option. (Recommendation #7 of 2023 Lansdowne Partnership Plan – Authorization to Proceed to the Next Steps in the Redevelopment Report)
In the latest staff report (Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Options Analysis and Recommendations), staff is recommending that the Design-Bid-Build model, with the continuation of the project architects, as it is the most advantageous model for Council to proceed with. This delivery procurement model provides timeline advantages, as well as project knowledge advantages.
Council directed staff to develop a social procurement framework with OSEG to increase supply chain diversity and increase opportunities for those experiencing economic disadvantage and within equity-deserving communities in the construction and development of Lansdowne 2.0. Progress on the social procurement framework is being reported back to Council as part of the procurement delivery method analysis, and the ongoing results of the social procurement framework will continue to be reported back through the annual Lansdowne Report. Lastly the development of a framework of Request for Offer (RFO) criteria that will support the air rights disposal process is being presented to Council. Based on the staff recommended procurement model of Design-Bid-Build (with the current project architects) and the associated design and construction schedule, the reasonable time to initiate the Request for Offer (RFO) process will be Q1 2025.This is the sixth report City Council will consider for the continued evolution of Lansdowne Park, more commonly referred to as Lansdowne 2.0.
Event Centre and Site Plan Control application
Since Council granted approval to proceed with the next steps, staff has also been working toward bringing forward a site plan control application for the Event Centre and new North Side Stands.
Having received an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), the Zoning By-law amendment and Official Plan Amendment will be considered by the OLT.
An OLT hearing will be scheduled according to the next available date on the Tribunal’s calendar with the City’s legal staff advocating for a date at the Tribunal’s earliest availability. Work on the future site plan can still proceed during an appeal but without the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments in effect, a building permit for the new Event Centre and new North Side Stands cannot be issued, nor can a site plan control application be formally deemed complete and circulated, nor receive final approval.
The first phase of site plan approvals is the new Event Centre. The Event Centre site plan application will be supported by plans and studies, including engineering (civil, geotechnical, transportation), urban / planning design, landscape design, architecture, environmental, and heritage components of the project.
The site plan control application for the new Event Centre and new North Side Stands will be phased in two separate approvals, beginning with the Event Centre site plan work in Q2 to Q3 2024. Below is a conceptual timeline that will be presented to Council for consideration.
Public engagement
Since the launch of the Lansdowne 2.0 Project, City staff have worked to ensure a robust public engagement process has taken place. This has included a dedicated project website for residents to review information, a dedicated email address for residents to send in questions and concerns, four public information sessions, multiple surveys, weekly coffee chats, pop-up events, and weekly meetings with the Ward Councillor.
Should City Council approve the recommendations in this report and continue with the project, there will be many more opportunities to engage with staff and the City on the site plan, detailed design work, and the public realm.
Public engagement during the pre-application stages of the Site Plan application is aimed to both inform and seek input from the public on matters such as:
o Event Centre and integration with public realm
o LEED / sustainability elements
o Heritage
o Accessibility (through the Accessibility Advisory Committee)
Stay tuned for key dates and upcoming public information sessions.
Committee and Council
The City will be considering Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Options Analysis and Recommendations and recommendations at:
• April 2, 2024 - Finance and Corporate Services Committee
• April 17, 2024 - City Council
Residents interested in speaking as a delegate at the Committee should contact the City Clerk’s office to register.
Next Steps
Should the OLT appeal be resolved in the City’s favour by end of Q4 2024, the site plan application will be able to proceed through a formal submission and circulation process.
The project will also be able to proceed with a Request for Offer of the Air Rights in Q1 2025, based upon the framework of criteria and based upon the progression of the design of the north side stands.
Progressing site plan and detailed design will afford the opportunity for the submission of a building permit submission on the Event Centre and north side stands by end of Q4 2024 to start of Q1 2025.
For more information, please visit the project webpage
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please send us an email at LansdowneRenewal@Ottawa.ca.
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Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project
Share Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project on Facebook Share Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project on Twitter Share Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project on Linkedin Email Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project linkThe City’s Lansdowne 2.0 project addresses the need to reinvest in the site with more housing, better public spaces, and more destination retail. In particular, the project addresses the functionally obsolete TD Place North Side Stadium Stands and TD Arena. TD Arena is one of the City’s most energy inefficient buildings, and both arena and north side stands are reaching the end of their functional lives.
Proposal
In November 2023, City Council granted approval to proceed to the next stage of planning for Lansdowne 2.0 through the approval of the fourth report on Lansdowne, entitled the 2023 Lansdowne Partnership Plan – Authorization to Proceed to the Next Steps in the Redevelopment Report.
The report, on the basis of the due diligence efforts, put forward a revised Concept Plan incorporating sentiments for reduced complexity in construction, reduced residential density and intensification, and improvements in the public realm space. As a result, the primary changes were the reduction of the number of proposed residential towers from 3 to 2, thus a reduction in the number of residential units and residential parking spaces.
The revised proposal also recommended that the retail podium be developed as a two-story built form, with a reduction in the amount of space for commercial uses from 108,000 to 49,000 square feet, but an increase of 8,000 square feet compared to the current retail podium (J block).
New public realm space, as well as a dedicated number of Event Centre parking spaces were added to the project. Additional key changes to the Partnership Agreement were proposed, such as extending the life of the agreement to 2066 and elevating the City within the “waterfall” so the City will be receiving cash disbursements earlier, some portion of which is guaranteed. In this revised waterfall framework, the City is benefiting much more from the partnership than previously, and the risk allocation is more balanced.
The estimated cost to the City for the construction of this project was $419.1M as outlined in the approved report. The project was approved to be funded from the disposal of air rights, debentures premiums, capital budget, expected funding from senior levels of government and long-term debt. The long-term debt will be repaid in part by various revenue sources including a portion of the property tax uplift and payments from the closed financial system.
To learn more about the proposal, please visit the Lansdowne 2.0 Engage Ottawa page here.
Project update
On November 24, 2023, City Council passed both the Zoning By-law (By-law 2023-510) and Official Plan Amendment (OPA 19) and granted approval to proceed to the next stage of planning for Lansdowne 2.0.
Council also directed staff to assess the benefits and drawbacks of each proposed procurement model for the delivery of the new Event Centre and new North Side Stands. This is to ensure Council and the public is informed of the value and risks of each option. (Recommendation #7 of 2023 Lansdowne Partnership Plan – Authorization to Proceed to the Next Steps in the Redevelopment Report)
In the latest staff report (Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Options Analysis and Recommendations), staff is recommending that the Design-Bid-Build model, with the continuation of the project architects, as it is the most advantageous model for Council to proceed with. This delivery procurement model provides timeline advantages, as well as project knowledge advantages.
Council directed staff to develop a social procurement framework with OSEG to increase supply chain diversity and increase opportunities for those experiencing economic disadvantage and within equity-deserving communities in the construction and development of Lansdowne 2.0.
Progress on the social procurement framework is being reported back to Council as part of the procurement delivery method analysis, and the ongoing results of the social procurement framework will continue to be reported back through the annual Lansdowne Report.
Lastly the development of a framework of Request for Offer (RFO) criteria that will support the air rights disposal process is being presented to Council.
Based on the staff recommended procurement model of Design-Bid-Build (with the current project architects) and the associated design and construction schedule, the reasonable time to initiate the Request for Offer (RFO) process will be Q1 2025.This is the sixth report City Council will consider for the continued evolution of Lansdowne Park, more commonly referred to as Lansdowne 2.0.
Event Centre and Site Plan Control application
Since Council granted approval to proceed with the next steps, staff has also been working toward bringing forward a site plan control application for the Event Centre and new North Side Stands.
Having received an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), the Zoning By-law amendment and Official Plan Amendment will be considered by the OLT.
An OLT hearing will be scheduled according to the next available date on the Tribunal’s calendar with the City’s legal staff advocating for a date at the Tribunal’s earliest availability.
Work on the future site plan can still proceed during an appeal but without the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments in effect, a building permit for the new Event Centre and new North Side Stands cannot be issued, nor can a site plan control application be formally deemed complete and circulated, nor receive final approval.
The first phase of site plan approvals is the new Event Centre. The Event Centre site plan application will be supported by plans and studies, including engineering (civil, geotechnical, transportation), urban / planning design, landscape design, architecture, environmental, and heritage components of the project.
The site plan control application for the new Event Centre and new North Side Stands will be phased in two separate approvals, beginning with the Event Centre site plan work in Q2 to Q3 2024. Below is a conceptual timeline that will be presented to Council for consideration.
Public engagement
Since the launch of the Lansdowne 2.0 Project, City staff have worked to ensure a robust public engagement process has taken place. This has included a dedicated project website for residents to review information, a dedicated email address for residents to send in questions and concerns, four public information sessions, multiple surveys, weekly coffee chats, pop-up events, and weekly meetings with the Ward Councillor.
Should City Council approve the recommendations in this report and continue with the project, there will be many more opportunities to engage with staff and the City on the site plan, detailed design work, and the public realm.
Public engagement during the pre-application stages of the Site Plan application is aimed to both inform and seek input from the public on matters such as:
- Event Centre and integration with public realm
- LEED / sustainability elements
- Heritage
- Accessibility (through the Accessibility Advisory Committee)
Stay tuned for key dates and upcoming public information sessions.
Committee and Council
The City will be considering Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Options Analysis and Recommendations and recommendations at:
- April 2, 2024 - Finance and Corporate Services Committee
- April 17, 2024 - City Council
Residents interested in speaking as a delegate at the Committee should contact the City Clerk’s office to register.
Next Steps
Should the OLT appeal be resolved in the City’s favour by end of Q4 2024, the site plan application will be able to proceed through a formal submission and circulation process.
The project will also be able to proceed with a Request for Offer of the Air Rights in Q1 2025, based upon the framework of criteria and based upon the progression of the design of the north side stands.
Progressing site plan and detailed design will afford the opportunity for the submission of a building permit submission on the Event Centre and north side stands by end of Q4 2024 to start of Q1 2025.
For more information, please visit the project webpage here.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please send us an email at LansdowneRenewal@Ottawa.ca.
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Update on the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for Lansdowne 2.0
Share Update on the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for Lansdowne 2.0 on Facebook Share Update on the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for Lansdowne 2.0 on Twitter Share Update on the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for Lansdowne 2.0 on Linkedin Email Update on the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for Lansdowne 2.0 linkOn November 24th, 2023, the notice of passing for both the Zoning By-law (By-law 2023-510) and Official Plan Amendment (OPA 19) were issued to commence the 20-day appeal period, with the appeal period closing on December 14th, 2023. This serves as notification that an appeal has been received against Council’s approval of the above-noted Zoning Amendment and Official Plan Amendment from the Glebe Community Association.
The amendment, therefore, will not come into full force and effect and will require determination by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) for disposition.
An OLT hearing will be scheduled according to the next available date on the Tribunal’s calendar with the City’s Legal staff advocating for a date at the Tribunal’s earliest availability.
NEXT STEPS
Notwithstanding the appeal, staff continue to move forward on elements of the project approved on November 9, 2023 (ACS2023-PRE-GEN-0009). This includes those that are targeted for a report back to Council in Q2 2024, comprising of:
- undertaking a procurement options analysis
- development of a social procurement framework
- development of the air rights evaluation criteria
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Council approves Lansdowne renewal plan
Share Council approves Lansdowne renewal plan on Facebook Share Council approves Lansdowne renewal plan on Twitter Share Council approves Lansdowne renewal plan on Linkedin Email Council approves Lansdowne renewal plan linkCity Council approved the plan for Lansdowne 2.0 today. The plan will help reinvigorate one of the City’s most important assets through the construction of a new mid-size event centre, new north-side stadium stands, a two-storey retail space and two residential towers. At the same time, it provides needed funds for affordable housing in Ottawa.
The existing arena and north-side stands are City-owned facilities that are functionally obsolete and will not be able to live up to their intended use in the future. Maintaining them would require costly, ongoing repairs to fix a growing number of deficiencies. By replacing them, the facilities will become accessible and the environmental impact of operating the building will be reduced. The arena is currently the least energy efficient City-owned facility. In addition, the City and its partner – the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) – will draw more major events to Ottawa, increasing potential City revenues and supporting Lansdowne businesses.
The City’s total capital cost is estimated at about $419 million, but taxpayers will pay only about one third of that – around $146 million. The approved plan will deliver new City-owned facilities for a net cost of about $5 million a year after factoring in revenues from the sale of subterranean and air rights.
Council carried several motions to further refine the Lansdowne plan, committing the City to:
- Increase the portion of estimated subterranean and air rights value to be allocated to the City’s affordable Housing reserve by 15 per cent (about $5.9 million), in line with the City’s Affordable Housing Land and Funding Policy.
- Direct 50 per cent of any revenues from the disposal of subterranean and air rights that are above the estimated value of $39 million to the affordable housing reserve.
- Remove the 770-unit cap on the number of dwellings that could be developed within the two residential towers and eliminate the minimum parking rate to help address housing needs and provide the City with additional funds through property tax uplift.
- Work with OSEG to develop a social procurement framework to help increase opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups through the Lansdowne 2.0 project.
- Extend the principles guiding traffic demand management for large events to other events held at Lansdowne.
- Increase the community programming plan in the urban park at Lansdowne to better leverage City facilities on non-event days.
- Advance options to increase and enhance public space at Lansdowne, including improving the interface between the event centre and the Great Lawn, improving access to washrooms and other amenities, and providing flexibility for community use.
- Explore options to re-create a berm in proximity to the Great Lawn, preserving the public art piece, Moving Surfaces.
- Assess the feasibility of possible new active transportation infrastructure, including a signalized crossing at Princess Patricia Way and Queen Elizabeth Drive (QED), pedestrian crossovers on both QED and Holmwood Avenue, protected cycling facilities on Fifth Avenue, a wider westbound bike lane at QED and extended sidewalks on Echo Drive.
- Work with the National Capital Commission and Parks Canada to explore adding boat up access to Lansdowne and a pedestrian crossover on QED at Princess Patricia Way.
- Work with OSEG to consider options for including a roof over the new north side stands.
- Work with OSEG to explore future opportunities at Lansdowne for Ottawa-based independent concert promoters.
- Prioritize a series of public realm improvements that would be funded from future City Budgets.
- Explore making Aberdeen Square a more hospitable and pedestrian friendly area, possibly by closing or further reducing through traffic.
- Consider providing electric charging stations and carshare facilities on City-controlled parking at Lansdowne, and including transportation demand management criteria in the request for offer for subterranean and air rights.
- Study options to help reduce the potential financial risk to taxpayers stemming from this project.
Today’s decision means City work to find an affordable option to secure a vibrant future for Lansdowne will continue. As the City and its partners move ahead with detailed design for the proposed redevelopment, there will be further opportunities for Council to consider before construction begins. That will include opportunities to consider a report on Lansdowne from the City’s Auditor General.
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Committees refer new Lansdowne plan to Council for decision
Share Committees refer new Lansdowne plan to Council for decision on Facebook Share Committees refer new Lansdowne plan to Council for decision on Twitter Share Committees refer new Lansdowne plan to Council for decision on Linkedin Email Committees refer new Lansdowne plan to Council for decision linkAt a joint meeting today, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee referred the plan for Lansdowne 2.0 to Council for consideration on Friday, November 10. This includes a revised concept plan and funding structure to build a new event centre, north side stands, a two-storey retail space and two residential towers.
The Lansdowne plan, which originally included three residential towers, was revised to reflect feedback received from the public. The residential tower closest to Aberdeen Pavilion has been removed and the two remaining towers would be 40 and 25 storeys. Removing one tower also creates an opportunity to introduce about 27,900 square metres of new public realm space adjacent to Aberdeen Pavilion. The updated plan reduces proposed housing on the site from 1,200 to 770 dwellings, and parking from 739 to 336 spaces. It reduces the available commercial space to 49,000 square feet from an original plan for 108,000 square feet.
The new event centre will accommodate nearly 4,700 general admission seats, more than 800 premium seats and standing room for 700. Seating capacity will be 5,500 for hockey games and 6,500 for concert events, with extra capacity available using retractable and flexible seating. The redesigned north side stands would see seating capacity reduced from 14,000 to 11,000, plus standing room for 900.
Over the next 10 years, the City would request capital funding through the annual budget process to enhance the urban park at Lansdowne. There is currently 170,000 square feet of green space, including the berm and, when the event centre is built, that will be reduced to 118,000 square feet of open space. That will be augmented by the additional 27,900 square feet of new public realm space for a total of 145,900 square feet of green and public realm space.
Staff recommend that 10 per cent of the property rights be allocated to affordable housing. The remaining 15 per cent, which would normally be deducted according to the City’s Integrated Transition to Housing Strategy, would be exempt. Allocating 10 per cent would provide the City an additional $3.9 million that can be used immediately towards the City’s affordable housing priority list.
The total capital cost for the City is estimated at approximately $419 million. This estimate includes the cost of preliminary works, construction, costs related to design and delivery, escalation allowances and contingency costs. The City will invest $419.1 million in assets for a net debt servicing requirement of $5.0 million. This equates to $95.4 million in net present value terms. That means taxpayers would be getting a $419.1-million asset for a net cost of $95.4 million.
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Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project
Share Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project on Facebook Share Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project on Twitter Share Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project on Linkedin Email Project update: Lansdowne 2.0 Project linkThe City of Ottawa has received a proposal from the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) to strengthen the partnership and redevelop Lansdowne to make it financially stable for the long term and to rehabilitate public infrastructure.
Proposal
The proposal is to demolish the existing north stadium stands and arena complex, and build a new, world-class event centre and north stadium stands. This new public infrastructure will make the venues accessible and sustainable, better positioning Lansdowne as an iconic, landmark site. A new retail podium and additional residential units are also included within the proposal.
Project Update
Since the launch of the Lansdowne 2.0 Project, City Staff have worked to ensure a robust public engagement process has taken place. This has included a dedicated project website for residents to review information, a dedicated email address for residents to send in questions and concerns, four public information sessions, multiple surveys, weekly coffee chats, pop-up events, and weekly meetings with the Ward Councillor.
The results of the City’s engagement can be found in the final As We Heard It report on the project website. The Lansdowne project team would like to thank everyone for taking the time to provide their feedback.
Over the last 10 months, city staff has been working on the following:
- The City launched it’s the planning process the required Zoning By-law Amendment and Official Plan Amendment
- The City launched its Public Engagement Process noted above
- The City initiated and completed its Request for Expression of Interest of the Property Rights (REOI)
- The City hired a third-party financial consultant for financial analysis on the 2022 funding strategy, as well as cash flow and financing projections that Council approved and directed staff to investigate further.
Key Public Input
The key themes of public comments from the three public information sessions, email correspondence and coffee chat series include:
Key Themes:
- Density and Intensification –3 towers and potential 40 stories in height
- Green Space - Loss of green space on Great Lawn, tree canopy
- Transportation and Transit - Car traffic within Lansdowne, traffic on event nights, access to QED
- Active Transportation - Cycling infrastructure, pedestrian safety
- Public Realm & Urban Park - Lack of public washrooms, insufficient shade, public art
- Financial Model - Transparency, financial risk
- Retail and Entertainment - Lack of local vendors
Key Changes
As a result of public feedback, financial due diligence, expert 3rd party advice, and proper city planning, many significant features have changed since the original OSEG proposal was received by the City in May 2022.
- 2 mixed-use towers – The original proposal included 3 high-rise towers. The staff report limits the potential to 2 towers only.
- 40 and 25 stories – The original proposal included 3 towers that could be up to 40 stories. Staff recommend capping the max unit number which would result in only one tower potentially being 40 stories in height.
- Max. 770 units - The original proposal included a unit count of 1200 units. Staff recommend capping the maximum amount of density at 770 units. This allows the flexibility of design but does not allow a second tower of 40 stories in height.
- 336 residential parking spaces - The original proposal included 739 residential parking spaces – reduction of 403 spaces and now implies a parking ratio of 0.4 spaces per unit.
- 35 parking spaces for Event Centre – The original proposal did not include any parking spaces for Event Centre. These new spaces will be dedicated to accessibility, and ease of access for events and minor sports at the Event Centre.
- 27,900 s.f. new public realm - The original proposal did not include any include of public realm space. With the removal of the 3rd tower, this opens up 27,900 square feet of new public realm space.
- 49,000 s.f. of retail - The original proposal included 108,000 square feet of retail space, this has been reduced to 49,000 square feet of retail space
Cost of Doing Nothing
The City has reviewed the cost of not proceeding with 2.0. It is important for residents also understand the current situation. Some of the key factors of not proceeding with making Lansdowne Park sustainable are as follows:
- The current Civic Centre (arena) is functionally obsolete and will eventually need to be replaced.
- The stadium (TD Place) and arena (Civic Centre) are City assets, and it is the City’s responsibility to replace them. They will need to be replaced eventually.
- As they age, the cost to maintain will only increase.
- The sports facilities are the most energy inefficient buildings the City owns – also increasing cost to operate.
- The Partnership with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) is not financially sustainable – year over year deficits since 2014.
- Cannot assume that OSEG will continue to fund these deficits.
- Finding another investor/operator either from the private or non-profit sector will cost the City much more than today. We currently pay nothing into the Partnership’s closed financial system.
- Could cost the City up to $400M or more to keep the old building and continue operations for the next 42 years.
The business case for Lansdowne 2.0 is positive. The City will gain a $419 million dollar asset for $5 million annually in debt serving investment from the City. No other City asset has a stream of revenue similar to Lansdowne to help to fund it. Lansdowne Park has City owned assets that will need to be renewed eventually and the City gains, and retains ownership, of new assets – Event Centre and North Side Stands
Committee and Council
Following months of engagement and review, the City will be considering the Lansdowne Partnership Plan - Authorization to Proceed to the Next Steps in the Redevelopment Report and recommendations at:
- November 2, 2023 - Joint Finance and Corporate Services and Planning and Housing Committee
- November 6, 2023 - Built Heritage Committee
- November 10, 2023 - City Council
Next Steps
Should City Council approve of this report and continue with the project, there will be many more opportunities to engage with staff and the City. Some of the next decision points that will come back to Council in the future include:
- A report of the construction procurement model
- Event Centre Site Plan
- Issue the Request For Offers (RFO) for mixed-use towers
- Construction Procurement tender price
For more information please visit the project webpage here.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please send us an email at LansdowneRenewal@Ottawa.ca.
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The Lansdowne 2.0 report
Share The Lansdowne 2.0 report on Facebook Share The Lansdowne 2.0 report on Twitter Share The Lansdowne 2.0 report on Linkedin Email The Lansdowne 2.0 report linkThe Lansdowne 2.0 report is now live and available for review here.
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Who's Listening
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Timeline
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A report identifies significant financial challenges to the Lansdowne Partnership Plan
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageNovember 2019
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Lansdowne Annual Report and COVID-19 Impacts Update report, City and OSEG explore options to enhance the sustainability and financial viability the LPP
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageDecember 2020
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Council approves Lansdowne Park Partnership: Path to Sustainability and Next Steps report, the framework for improving the LPP’s sustainability, develop a proposal to revitalize Lansdowne Park
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageJune 2021
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The Lansdowne Partnership Sustainability Plan and Implementation Report approved at FEDCO
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageMay 5, 2022
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The Lansdowne Partnership Sustainability Plan and Implementation Report approved at Council
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageJune 8, 2022
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Survey on the Concept Plan
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageWinter 2023
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Launch of the Request for Expression of Interest (REOI)
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageApril 2023
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Closure of the Request for Expression of Interest
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageJune 9, 2023
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Accessibility Advisory Committee
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageAugust 15, 2023
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Ongoing Public Consultation
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stage2023
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Joint Finance and Corporate Services Committee & Planning and Housing Committee
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageNovember 2 2023
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Built Heritage Committee
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageNovember 6 2023
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Council
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageNovember 10 2023
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Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Recommendations Report
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageFinance and Corporate Services Committee - April 2nd
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Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Recommendations Report
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageCouncil - April 17
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Event Centre Site Plan Open House
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageDrop - In
Tuesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 8 pm - Inside Gate 2 at TD arena -
Event Centre Site Plan Pop-Up
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stagePop-up event, drop-in
Sunday, August 11, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Lansdowne Farmers Market -
Event Centre Site Plan Application - Submission to City
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageAugust 2024
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Final Site Plan Virtual Information and Comment Session
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageSeptember 10, 2024
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Zoom registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof-qhrz0pE9VrRL4YEbNQ0gm-P-TFzMaS -
Urban Design Review Panel
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageOctober 4, 2024
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Accessibility Advisory Committee
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageOctober 15, 2024
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Accessibility Advisory Committee
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageNovember 19, 2024
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Phase 2 North Side Stands Site Plan Application
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageNovember 2024
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Lansdowne 2.0 Public Meeting
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stagePublic Open House - January 15, 2025 6:30pm to 8pm (TD Arena)
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Lansdowne 2.0 Public Meeting
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stagePublic ZOOM Meeting - January 16, 2025
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Urban Design Review Panel
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageMarch 7, 2025
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Request for Offer of Air Rights Tender
Lansdowne 2.0 has finished this stageQ2 2025
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Tender for Construction
Lansdowne 2.0 is currently at this stageQ2 2025
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Final Council Report
this is an upcoming stage for Lansdowne 2.0Q4 2025
Documents
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Background Information
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Lansdowne 2.0 Procurement Options Analysis and Recommendations
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Lansdowne Partnership Plan - Next Steps in the Redevelopment Report (10.6 MB) (pdf)
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Report_Lansdowne Park Partnership: Path to Sustainability and Next Steps_2021-07-21 (801 KB) (pdf)
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Report_Lansdowne Public Engagement Strategy_2021-07-21 (293 KB) (PDF)
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Report_Lansdowne Partnership Sustainability Plan and Implementation_2022-05-06 (1.29 MB) (pdf)
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Report_OSEG Proposal to FEDCO_2022-05-06 (6.09 MB) (PDF)
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Presentation_Urban Park/Public Realm Strategic Investment Plan_2022-06-01 (538 KB) (pdf)
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Presentation_Lansdowne 2.0 Proposal Summary_2023-02-01 (1.41 MB) (pdf)
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The 2019 TD Place Functional Obsolescence Report (11.4 MB) (pdf)
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Public Sessions
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Accessibility Advisory Committee Presentation (3.33 MB) (pdf)
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June 18 2024 - Open House Lansdowne Event Centre (16.6 MB) (pdf)
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Lansdowne Park 2.0 Event Centre Site Plan - Public Information Session September 10 2024 (6.82 MB) (pdf)
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AAC Sept 17 EC Presentation_AS 2024 09 05 (1) (15.4 MB) (pptx)
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Public Information Session January 16 2025 (6.96 MB) (pdf)
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Construction Impacts Presentation - May 28.25.pdf (1.96 MB) (pdf)
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As We Heard It Reports
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What We Learned Report - North Side Stands (201 KB) (pdf)
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Lansdowne 2.0 Project Final As We Heard It (752 KB) (pdf)
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Concept Plan Survey As we heard it report (2.65 MB) (pdf)
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Concept Plan Survey Appendix A (563 KB) (pdf)
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Concept Plan Survey Appendix B (212 KB) (pdf)
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As We Heard It Report_April 27 Public Session - Finance_Air Rights_2023-05-18 (229 KB) (pdf)
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As We Heard It Report_Concept Plan Survey_2023-05-18 (2.43 MB) (pdf)
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As We Heard It Report_Concept Plan Survey_2023-05-18_Appendix A (458 KB) (pdf)
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As We Heard It Report_Concept Plan Survey_2023-05-18_Appendix B (212 KB) (pdf)
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Public Realm_Urban Park_Survey - As We Heard It Report Final (1.36 MB) (pdf)
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Public Realm survey_Appendix A (444 KB) (pdf)
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May 17 Public Session - As we heard it report (1.16 MB) (pdf)
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Public Realm _May_17_Appendix B (909 KB) (pdf)
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Pop-up engagement As we heard it report (1.3 MB) (pdf)
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Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment - As we heard it report (1.03 MB) (pdf)
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Appendix A_July 13 - September 6 QA (326 KB) (pdf)
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June 18 2024 Open House As We Heard It Report – Lansdowne 2.0 Event Centre Site Plan Application (152 KB) (pdf)
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August 11 2024 Farmers Market Pop-Up As We Heard It Report - Lansdowne 2.0 Event Centre Site Plan Application (89.7 KB) (pdf)
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As We Heard It Report_September 10_Virtual Lansdowne 2.0 Event Centre Site Plan Application Public Information Session (214 KB) (pdf)
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Planning Studies
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Request for Air Rights
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RFO LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (858 KB) (pdf)
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ADD1 LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (164 KB) (pdf)
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ADD2 LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (77.2 KB) (pdf)
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ADD3 LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (78.7 KB) (pdf)
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ADD4 LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (107 KB) (pdf)
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ADD5 LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (99.4 KB) (pdf)
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ADD6 LANSDOWNE PARK REVITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.pdf (54 KB) (pdf)
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ANNEX C Term Sheeet Lansdowne Park Revitlization .pdf (175 KB) (pdf)
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