Where councillors stand on Lansdowne 2.0

With possibly just weeks to go before more information becomes available on Lansdowne 2.0 costs, more city councillors are hinting where they stand. 

In his weekly newsletter, Barrhaven East Coun. Wilso Lo said that while he voted yes to the project in 2024, he only did so as a way of learning more information. Now he says he is likely to vote no, as his confidence in the project has fallen. 

“As you know, I changed my position to support the planning process back in November 2023, as I felt an uninformed no was just as bad as an uninformed yes,” Lo wrote. “Since then there have been six Lansdowne-related updates, including the auditor general’s first audit of the proposed waterfall agreement. The other updates were mostly related to planning stages, like detailed design, site plan, and non-binding contract information.”

Lo, who was not available for an interview with the Lookout on Thursday, said in his newsletter that his no vote goes beyond cost. The Barrhaven area councillor said it was staff’s answers to questions which have made him the most uncomfortable.

Questions raised included what happens if there are severe labour fluctuations, the residential market slows down by the time two residential towers are constructed in 2030, or if any of the sports teams decide to pull out — a concern which has been raised given the fewer seats at the arena. 

Lo said city staff’s answers to most of these questions were “we’ll deal with it when we get there.” 

“How much debt servicing there is depends on the final cost of the project. If the mayor and staff’s $419 million figure turns out to be correct, then we’re looking at about $16 million a year in debt servicing for 40 years, starting in 2031,” said Lo. 

That would total a little less than a one per cent property tax increase, he noted, but would be higher than that if the auditor general's 2024 $493 million price tag estimate is correct — which could be even higher when the final totals are released this fall. 

It is important to note the city won't be picking up the tab for the entire project. The current existing tax base on the original number is about $160 million. The bigger chunk of the cost will be covered by the development’s residential and retail property taxes, and revenue from financial arrangements. 

During the last Lansdowne vote, there were 16 votes in support, but only 13 are needed in order for Lansdowne 2.0 to pass. The Lookout has not heard from any previous no vote councillors who intend to change their votes to yes. In fact, some previous yes votes have indicated off the record they are seriously considering changing their vote to no. 

Gloucester Southgate Coun. Jessica Bradley recently said in her newsletter that she still intends to vote no again. 

“I voted against the plan because it posed significant financial risks, failed to deliver affordable housing, and did not address key transportation and public realm concerns. Unfortunately, very little has changed since then,” wrote Bradley. 

Bradley also said the City of Ottawa is carrying the highest debt in its history, ”with urgent infrastructure needs that should take priority over a half-billion-dollar entertainment project.” She predicts the costs of the project will only rise — especially due to U.S.-imposed tariffs. 

Instead, Bradley believes a “modest investment” should be made into Lansdowne Park that would enhance the site “without exposing taxpayers to such high financial risk, but these have not been fully explored.” 

The Lookout has also spoken to College Ward Coun. Laine Johnson and Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill who both said it was too soon to give an opinion on how they’d vote. Previously, Johnson voted n,o whereas Hill voted yes.  

Here is how the last Lansdowne vote went down in November 2023:

“Better Ottawa” petition launched 

A petition with over 6,000 signatures has been started by an advocacy group called “Better Ottawa” to encourage councillors to vote no. 

It references the $210 million Lansdowne 1.0 project, which was supposed to create $104 million in profits, which did not materialize. With Lansdowne 2.0 the city says it will generate $359 million in profits for taxpayers, but the group is worried about “broken promises.” 

“Ottawa Charge fans will lose 4,000 seats in an arena that often sells out. RedBlacks fans will lose 3,000 seats and the roof of the north side stands,” a flyer with the petition reads. “Festival goers will lose almost half of the lawn. Families lose a cherished toboggan hill. All for higher ticket prices and 40 years of debt.” 

City council was expected to debate the matter in mid to late October, though sources have indicated it could be moved to November, given delays.