Major Redevelopment Project Gets Green Light After Intense Debate
Following weeks of intense discussions, marathon committee meetings, and passionate public presentations, Ottawa City Council has approved the massive $418.8 million Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment project in a closely divided vote. The special council session on November 7, 2025 saw 15 councillors support the initiative while 10 opposed it, highlighting the controversial nature of the decision.
How Councillors Voted on Lansdowne 2.0
The councillors who voted in favor of Lansdowne 2.0 included David Hill, Steve Desroches, Tim Tierney, Matthew Luloff, David Brown, Allan Hubley, Isabelle Skalski, Laura Dudas, Clarke Kelly, Stéphanie Plante, Marty Carr, Cathy Curry, Glen Gower, Catherine Kitts and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. Those opposed included Shawn Menard, Jeff Leiper, Laine Johnson, Sean Devine, Rawlson King, Jessica Bradley, Riley Brockington, Theresa Kavanagh, Ariel Troster and Wilson Lo.
Arguments For and Against the Project
Councillors opposing Lansdowne 2.0 raised concerns about significant opportunity costs, suggesting the funds could be better spent on other capital projects and facilities across the city. Other opponents pointed to potential economic challenges, including looming cuts to the federal public service and the economic uncertainty associated with a contract extending to 2075.
Supporters of the project emphasized the economic benefits of redeveloping Lansdowne Park, highlighting job creation during the five-year construction phase and permanent employment opportunities once the site becomes operational. They also pointed to the potential for attracting world-class events and talent to the newly renovated modern facilities.
Specific Concerns and Counterarguments
Councillors from both sides expressed concerns about whether the new arena would be suitable for the highly popular Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women's Hockey League and whether the deal could guarantee the team remains as a long-term tenant.
Councillor Shawn Menard, whose Capital ward includes Lansdowne Park, questioned city staff about the opportunity costs that would be lost by moving forward with Lansdowne 2.0. Councillor David Hill countered this argument by stating that opportunity costs would not represent a surplus that could be redirected to other city projects.
Saying no to Lansdowne 2.0 does not simply translate to having an extra $419 bag of gold that we can spend on other projects, Hill said during deliberations. It simply means that we lose that opportunity for the revenue that will be generated through that partnership with OSEG.
