Construction is set to commence soon 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chairman of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), expressed the necessity of a new arena due to the outdated state of the current facility. He emphasized the importance of this redevelopment after the city council’s recent decision.
Advocates of the project view it as a strategic investment in the city, anticipating long-term benefits. However, skeptics question the guaranteed returns. Catherine Callary, vice-president of destination development at Ottawa Tourism, highlighted the challenges faced in attracting major events to the city due to the outdated arena. She believes the revamped site will significantly contribute to Ottawa’s economy, citing successful events in 2024 that boosted tourism revenue.
Local sports teams like the Ottawa Charge, currently based at Lansdowne, have concerns regarding the new arena’s reduced capacity of approximately 3,000 seats compared to the existing 9,500-seat arena. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) expressed disappointment over the lack of substantial discussions on capacity, despite raising concerns repeatedly.
The approved plan, passed by a 15-10 vote, includes amendments to address the PWHL’s concerns and retain the Ottawa Charge in the city. Sueling Ching, president and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to create nearly 5,000 new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the city.
While acknowledging the potential nine-year construction timeline as a challenge for existing businesses, stakeholders like Amit Kumar, owner of Sunset Grill at Lansdowne, are hopeful about the long-term benefits. Darrell Cox, executive director of the Glebe BIA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of the project on local businesses and the community.
Critics, such as Carolyn Mackenzie from the City of Ottawa’s planning advisory committee, remain skeptical about the financial risks of the redevelopment plan outweighing the future benefits. Neil Saravanamuttoo, executive director of City Shapes, expressed disappointment over the council’s decision and hinted at potential repercussions during the upcoming 2026 election cycle.