Construction is set to commence on a new 5,850-seat arena and north-side stadium stands at Lansdowne Park following the approval of a $419 million redevelopment project by the Ottawa city council. Roger Greenberg, the executive chairman of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), expressed the necessity for a new arena, citing the outdated and inaccessible nature of the current facility. The majority of city councillors supported this viewpoint.
Advocates of the project view it as an investment in the city’s future, anticipating long-term benefits. However, skeptics question the guaranteed returns. Catherine Callary, Ottawa Tourism’s vice-president of destination development, highlighted the challenges faced in attracting major events due to the outdated arena. She believes the redevelopment will significantly contribute to Ottawa’s economy.
Despite overall enthusiasm for the project, concerns linger among local sports teams like the Ottawa Charge regarding the new arena’s reduced capacity. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful discussions on capacity. The current 9,500-seat arena will be replaced by a 5,850-seat facility with standing room for up to 6,600 fans.
The plan, approved by a 15-10 vote, includes amendments to address capacity concerns raised by the PWHL. The Ottawa Board of Trade expressed optimism for the project’s success and its potential to create nearly 5,000 new jobs. However, the lengthy construction period of up to nine years poses a challenge for existing businesses in the area.
Darrell Cox, executive director of the Glebe BIA, echoes the positive sentiments, emphasizing the support from local businesses for the project despite potential inconveniences during construction. Critics like Carolyn Mackenzie and Neil Saravanamuttoo remain skeptical, questioning the financial risks and the timeline for realizing the project’s benefits. They emphasize the need for accountability from city councillors and hint at potential future action regarding the decision.
