Published on October 27, 2009 8:17 PM
Finally, an argument that doesn’t fall to quick counter-points with no basis to win minds. Throwing out many of the points of attack stated ad nauseam for months, this analysis focuses on the lack of imagination in the retail plans for the site. The proposed components do not provide anything to bring visitors to the Glebe. However, the original proposal’s aquarium, which could have provided that unique centrepiece, was rejected. Banal, unimaginative, but safe is what you get when you plan by committee and try to reduce as much risk as possible.
It is too late to make the plan better now, too much time has been wasted attacking it.
Published on October 25, 2009 9:10 PM
A realist view of a revitalized Lansdowne serving as a retail and entertainment hub for the Glebe neighbourhood. As much as anyone would like a solution that doesn’t involve any commercial development it is not possible, nor beneficial to the city or neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, the issue continues to be muddied. You can’t have a USL/MSL ready stadium and have a 400-meter track. If you want a track, then that eliminates soccer and puts fans an extra 20-25 yards back for football. Since track athletics wasn’t a requirement, I can’t see how this can come into play now, when much smaller venues would suit many of the athletics competitions Ottawa could bid for. Building a multi-purpose stadium to suit every possible competition ends up suiting none.
Published on October 24, 2009 9:15 PM
This is for sure now with a $458-million deal signed with the contractor. Construction to begin after 2010 Winter Olympics and the Lions will be playing at a temporary site (likely the Empire Stadium site — see the press conference video) for all of 2010 and the early part of their 2011 season.
Published on October 22, 2009 9:19 PM
Great on the commissioner to not stoop to the level of the detractors who will make any statement to support their side, the facts be damned. A simple defence of the CFL with supportable facts shows the CFL won’t be a whipping boy in this country for antiquated, outdated stereotypes not supported by the present situation.
Published on October 21, 2009 8:55 PM
Going to be in Calgary for the Grey Cup? Then the place to be on Friday, Nov. 27th is the CFL Alumni Legends Club Luncheon. Sit with CFL Alumni and hear stories of past battles and it all supports a worthy cause, the CFL Alumni Association Dire Needs fund.
Published on October 20, 2009 9:27 PM
There is still no certainty how Ottawa council will vote on the collaborative Lansdowne proposal, nor whether a green-lit project will be kiboshed or delayed by legal action. Objections to the proposed management agreement as subsidizing the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group fail to see that the city’s previous $400,000/year rent for a single occupant of the stadium without re-investing any money back into the site upkeep led to the situation faced today. The current plan provides for the maintenance of the site permanently and private management will certainly be motivated to attract more than 10 events to the site per year (another reason for locals to oppose the plan).
As business vocalize their concerns, no one offers any idea as to what is acceptable in their objections to the retail competition the revitalized park will bring. To be clear, these big box outlets will not be subsidized — you can be sure they will be charged the maximum rent possible for the location and size.
Unfortunately, Canada’s capital and a city of a million people may end up with no outdoor stadium. After demolishing all the equity in the what they have, Ottawa citizens will certainly not be able to agree to spend public funds to fully fund an outdoor stadium in Kanata or elsewhere in the future.
Published on October 15, 2009 11:48 AM
A game that means something, a regular season game between the Toronto Argonauts and an unannounced opponent in September 2010, will provide a much better product than previous exhibition games for Atlantic Canada fans. I am still watching with interest to see how the Université de Moncton site changes with the 2010 IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics and then for the CFL regular season game.
Published on October 8, 2009 8:24 PM
The debate continues and I think realistic opinions like this are well thought out from the individual’s perspective and should be respected. I still think the opposition misses the boat on their arguments which present no alternative, just accusations of corruption and greed while ignoring the factor if time. The more I read about the proposal, the more I believe the principals have spent their time creating a detailed vision. It is not perfect, but no one can claim their plan is. It is all a matter of trade-offs.