Ottawa debates a referendum on $419M Lansdowne 2.0 as city readies June 16 tender for new arena and football stands; mayor opposes public vote.
Calls for Public Vote on Major Redevelopment
A heated debate surfaced at Ottawa City Hall this week as Councillor Shawn Menard urged colleagues to consider a referendum on the controversial Lansdowne 2.0 project. Menard, who represents the Glebe neighbourhood where Lansdowne Park is located, cited a petition with over 5,000 signatures calling for a citywide vote during the 2026 municipal election. The referendum would let residents decide whether to proceed with replacing the north-side football stands and building a new, smaller arena—an investment now estimated at $419 million.
City’s Plans Move Forward Amid Opposition
Despite public calls for a vote, city staff confirmed they will issue a tender for construction bids on June 16. The Lansdowne 2.0 plan, revised from earlier versions, now includes two highrise towers instead of three, but the price tag has climbed from $332 million to $419 million. The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), which manages TD Place and owns the Redblacks and Ottawa 67’s, remains the city’s private partner on the project.
Mayor Sutcliffe Stands Firm Against Referendum
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe dismissed the need for a referendum, arguing that the public has already had ample opportunity to provide feedback, including during the last municipal election. “We were talking about Lansdowne in 2022 when the previous municipal election took place, so there’s no need for a referendum,” Sutcliffe said, adding that council has the authority to make such decisions, as with other major projects like the central library and light rail.
Committee Fast-Tracks Debate as Tender Approaches
The finance and corporate services committee voted nine to three to debate Menard’s motion immediately, citing the urgency ahead of the June 16 tender. Menard, anticipating defeat, withdrew his motion to keep the door open for future discussion. City staff warned that the uncertainty of a referendum could undermine ongoing negotiations with developers and affect the credibility of the tender process.
Approvals and Permits Advance Behind the Scenes
While debate continues, city staff have been advancing key approvals. The building permit application for Lansdowne 2.0 was submitted on March 21, 2025, allowing the project to proceed under Ontario’s 2012 building code. The site plan, which details building design and municipal servicing, received final approval on May 26, though several technical conditions remain. Project lead Sean Moore confirmed that all necessary architectural and engineering drawings were ready on schedule, with only minor clarifications outstanding.
Next Steps for Lansdowne 2.0
With the tender scheduled for June 16 and negotiations ongoing for the residential tower air rights, city council is expected to receive updated pricing and select a contractor for final approval this fall. While the push for a referendum remains unresolved, city leadership is moving forward with the procurement process, aiming to modernize Lansdowne Park despite ongoing public debate over priorities and spending.
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