Ottawa names EBC Inc. to build $419M Lansdowne 2.0 as council readies Nov. 7 vote; city projects higher revenue from tower air rights sales.
Lansdowne 2.0 Cost Holds Steady as Ottawa Names Builder
City Confirms EBC Inc. for Major Redevelopment
The City of Ottawa has selected Quebec-based EBC Inc. to lead construction of the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment, confirming the long-anticipated project remains pegged at $419 million. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced the successful bid Monday, hours before the final staff report was released.
Sutcliffe described the outcome as “a terrific investment for the people of Ottawa,” emphasizing that all bids closely matched the city’s earlier cost estimates.
Financials Show Costs Steady, Revenue Rising
City documents show that construction costs now total $313 million, nearly identical to the 2023 estimate. The overall project cost sits at $418.8 million, consistent with previous projections.
However, city officials revealed a notable gain: the sale of air rights for two residential towers has generated $65 million, up from the earlier $39-million estimate. The increase provides an additional $25 million in revenue, reducing the net cost to taxpayers to $130.7 million after offsets.
Developer and Partners Identified
The city also named Mirabella Development Corporation of Toronto as the preferred developer for the tower air rights. EBC Inc., the construction firm chosen for the main build, has completed major infrastructure and civic projects across Quebec, including Montreal’s Percival-Molson Stadium expansion and the Brossard Aquatic Complex.
EBC previously contributed to Ottawa’s Art Gallery expansion, marking a return to the capital for the firm.
Council to Decide Fate of Project in November
The final report heads to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee on Oct. 29, followed by a council vote on Nov. 7. Councillors will determine whether to approve the next stage of Lansdowne’s transformation, which includes a new event centre, reconstructed north stands, and public realm improvements.
The financing model relies on a mix of debt, retail income, property tax uplift, and a ticket surcharge—mechanisms intended to minimize taxpayer burden.
Debate Intensifies Over Costs and Transparency
While the mayor argues that delay would only inflate expenses, critics warn of long-term financial risks. Coun. Shawn Menard disputes the city’s accounting, claiming the true figure exceeds $480 million when factoring in parking and retail podium costs.
Menard cautioned that projections assume decades of consistent returns. “No one can predict that,” he said. “Lansdowne 1.0 didn’t deliver on its revenue promises.”
Concerns Over Process and Oversight
Other councillors, including Jeff Leiper, criticized the timing of Monday’s announcement, saying it limited public and council review. “This isn’t how collaborative government works,” Leiper wrote on BlueSky, expressing concern that early briefings to media undermined trust in the process.
Ottawa’s auditor general Nathalie Gougeon has yet to finalize her audit of the redevelopment, pending access to the latest documents. Her findings are expected next month.
Mayor Says Delay Would Raise Costs
Sutcliffe maintained that moving forward now is the fiscally responsible choice. “If we wait, we’ll spend more and get less,” he said. The project, he added, will deliver modernized facilities, improved environmental performance, and contributions to affordable housing—“all at less than one-third of the cost to taxpayers.”