Lansdowne Park Redevelopment Phase 1 | Completed

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Bernie Ashe , the CEO of OSEG, is being honoured by his alumni association-the University of Ottawa Alumni Association. He is one of six alumni who will receive recognition during Alumni Week in early May.

I get a lot out of it when I meet students,” says Bernie Ashe (BAdm ’78), recipient of the Alumnus of the Year Award and CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG).

If you were one of the 24,000 who were at the opening of TD Place last July 18 to cheer the return of CFL football to Ottawa, it’s Ashe and his team you should thank. The stadium in question is the centrepiece of a huge $500 million Lansdowne Park redevelopment project led by OSEG in partnership with the City of Ottawa.

An accomplished manager himself, Ashe says he’s blown away by the calibre of the students he meets through his involvement with the mentorship and CEO-in-residence programs at the Telfer School of Management.

“I look at them and I'm intimidated by the breadth of the experience they accumulated at the University, the trips that they've been on. They belong to societies, associations within the university, they're volunteering. I wasn't like that. When I was at the university, our idea of a big trip was to jump in a car and drive to the Quebec City Carnival. Those were fun days,” he says, laughing.

But in addition to the years of enjoyment, university also meant the start of a new chapter for him

“My university degree at business school allowed me to transition from just a carefree guy to preparing for the stage,” he says. “Without it, I wouldn't be here.”

"When I was at the university, our idea of a big trip was to jump in a car and drive to the Quebec City Carnival. Those were fun days,” he says, laughing"

Hey I did that too. Must be a tradition.

[rocketphish]

Did somebody say cinema?

Lansdowne VIP Cinemas: An adults-only experience

Miranda Abraham, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: April 13, 2015, Last Updated: April 13, 2015 2:17 PM EDT

On March 27, Cineplex opened a 10-screen theatre in Lansdowne Park. After years of screens closing, just having a new movie outlet available in or near the city’s core is a positive. Included in the mix is what is billed as a VIP experience.

The Citizen decided to see what that entails. So, on April 3, I booked my tickets online, printed them at home and grabbed my boyfriend for a date night.

With tickets in hand, we skipped the line-up and went straight to the theatre entrance to have my tickets scanned. We also ended up getting carded. The VIP cinemas are 19+ because alcohol is served.

ID checked and tickets scanned, we wandered to the elevator. I must have looked lost because an attendant asked: “Are you here for VIP?”

She led me into a lounge, where there was a bar and a beautiful view of Lansdowne. Guests sit there and have a drink before their movies start.

The attendant also showed me where my theatre was and the separate kiosk where I could get more typical movie fare. I got some popcorn — what’s a movie without popcorn? — and headed into the theatre right away.

Inside, a host showed us to our reserved seats. If you purchase online, you choose your seats from a graphic representing the theatre you will be in. If you purchase at the box office, there’s a touch screen in front of the cashier that allows you to see the same graphic and choose.

The host explained the workings of the comfy leather chairs that recline at the push of a button and then left us with menus.

She told me to flag down a server when I was ready to order. It’s definitely a good idea to arrive a bit early, because the in-seat service stops when the trailers begin. But you can still head to the lounge to order a drink during the movie.

The seats have tabletops on the armrests that swivel out in front. There’s plenty of legroom to allow the servers to walk through the rows and get down on one knee to take orders and serve. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I commented to our server, but she said it wasn’t a problem because she uses a knee-pad.

The VIP seating is designed for couples. The chairs are grouped in twos and can be converted into a kind of love seat. Between each set of seats is a lower armrest without a tabletop that can be flipped back to optimize cuddling, which the duo beside me decided to do almost immediately.

While most VIP seats are paired, there was a row of single seats along the stairs in the theatre I was in.

The theatre was well staffed, with six very quick and friendly servers waiting along the stairs to take orders. I ordered a glass of wine, but the drink menu is quite extensive, including cocktails, martinis, and beer. There were also finger foods and appetizers, including burgers and poutine.

Once I got my wine, I kicked back in the recliner and waited for the film to start. From that point on, it was movie-going business as usual.

The evening cost $80: the tickets were $19.99 each, the popcorn was $9, my wine was $10, my boyfriend’s Fruitopia was $7. I paid $9 to park but I didn’t have to. I found out later that I could have used my tickets as a free pass. I had not noticed the sign saying that was possible. The wine perhaps?

Maybe I just don’t appreciate life’s finer things in life, but having experienced the VIP treatment, I’d say I enjoy a $10 bottle of wine and Netflix on my couch, in my sweat pants, far more. Apparently, though, I’m the odd one out.

According to Cineplex communications director Michael Langdon, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s been very popular. We’re very pleased with the performance of the VIP cinemas. So far it’s done very well in every market in which it’s opened across Canada,” he said. There are 14 VIP locations across Canada, including Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Openings are scheduled for Calgary and Vancouver.

“We really haven’t been able to build them fast enough to service the demand,” says Langdon. The cinema is especially busy on Tuesdays because of a discount that day, he added.

The other moviegoers at my screening certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves.The drinks were flowing, a few pitchers were ordered and almost everyone ordered food. People really seemed to be indulging and enjoying the moment and the servers helped to capture that by taking several photos on phones for the patrons.

Langdon also noted that in addition to the luxury experience, the no-kids rule is helping.

“Our research showed the adults-only aspect of the VIP Cinemas experience really appealed to our guests. We think it’s an important part of what makes the experience a little more special. It really makes it an opportunity to escape,” he says.

Lansdowne’s four VIP screening rooms have capacity ranging from 70 to 119 seats. There’s no seniors discount, but a Scene card qualifies for 10-per-cent discounts on everything except alcohol.

For more information or to book your own VIP experience, you can visit cineplex.com

Cineplex Cinemas – Lansdowne VIP
Where: 325 Marché Way
VIP Tickets: Weekend – $21.99, Weekday – $19.99, Tuesdays – $14.99

http://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/l...ne-vip-cinemas-an-adults-only-experience

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Did somebody say cinema?

When I went to to see Cinderella on Easter Sunday, I just went to the regular movie theatre. Even if I go to the VIP cinemas, I will still have the usual like popcorn, coke, and chocolate. If I want to have lunch, I will probably try one of the restaurants at Lansdowne park. On Saturday, I am just going to Silvercity to see a National theatre play from London. Tomorrow, I am just going to the IMAX
to see the Wonders of the Arctic at the Museum of History in Hull.

Loga0082

[teej1984]

I biked past Landsdowne last night (ahh it was a glorious day for a bike ride!!) and I couldn't help but be shocked by how badly the veil weathered this winter! It looks drab and five years old already! They seriously need to slap some lacquer on that thing or it's going to actually look terrible in five years.

[1overcosc]

In the course of a few years, it's apparently going to weather down to a shade of grey that'll look nice.

[LarryW]

I noticed that Milestones had their patio open today. Joey Lansdowne, which opened last weekend, has fencing set up as they work on their patio. No sign of a patio yet for Local, but it can't be too far off.

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by LarryW

I noticed that Milestones had their patio open today. Joey Lansdowne, which opened last weekend, has fencing set up as they work on their patio. No sign of a patio yet for Local, but it can't be too far off.

As the days are getting warmer, it is good that those restaurants have patios outside. People can have a good view of the Aberdeen building and the lovely urban park. However, it is supposed to be raining all this week and the temperature is dropping down to 8 or 9 degrees. I do not mind eating outside in the patio in the summer.

loga0082

[Radster]

I had lunch at JOEY before the Fury game on Saturday and I was very impressed with the place. I asked about their patio, they are aiming for mid-May opening.
Both Local and JOEY are 2 thumbs up for me.
I also noticed that there is a new Italian restaurant coming to Lansdowne, in one of the units between Structube and the Cineplex, but I forgot the name.

[loga0082]

I will love to give these two restaurants a try one day. Maybe, if I want to see another movie at Lansdowne park, I will eat at one of those restaurants. I ate at Teriyaki on Easter Sunday, before I went to the Movies because it was quicker and service at church finished at 11:30a.m. I had to rush that day.

Loga0082

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

oseg to seek tourism designation for lansdowne 25

by jon willing, ottawa sun
first posted: Monday, april 20, 2015 12:40 pm edt | updated: Monday, april 20, 2015 01:00 pm edt


the ottawa sports and entertainment group will submit an application to declare lansdowne park a tourism site, the ceo says.

"we'll be working on that as soon as possible," bernie ashe said monday.

Ashe said the company is working with the glebe bia and hopes to have the paperwork filed at city hall within 60 days. From there, it will be up to council to make a decision.

Declaring lansdowne a tourist site would allow stores to be open on statutory holidays, adding to existing sites in ottawa that include the byward market and rideau st.

Whole foods at lansdowne received a visit from police on good friday when the store was open against the law. The grocer claims it thought lansdowne already had tourism designation.

Oseg, which is the city's partner in the lansdowne redevelopment, is the landlord for the retail stores.

Since council's meeting schedule thins out over the summer, ashe doesn't expect a quick turnaround on a decision.

Ashe on monday was at city hall fielding questions from council's transportation committee about the first year of traffic and parking for major events at lansdowne.

The committee, which includes lansdowne-area coun. David chernushenko, agreed the traffic and parking problem wasn't as bad as some thought it would be.

"it gives me great pleasure to say nobody is saying, 'i told you so'," chernushenko said.

The local community associations want the city to protect on-street parking for residents and get more people to take oc transpo.

The glebe bia wants the city to consider a free fare zone on bank st. To encourage transit use. Transpo says it's feasible but the lost revenue would need to be recouped somehow.

Orléans coun. Bob monette brought up concerns about transportation to the site in the winter and traffic gridlock on bank st.

Ashe said oseg would be open to allowing cars to park on td place field for events in the winter -- such as ottawa 67s games -- since it's not being used.

[email protected]

twitter: @jonathanwilling

leb

[rocketphish]

Whole Foods charged for opening store on Good Friday

Maha Ansari, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: April 20, 2015, Last Updated: April 20, 2015 5:31 PM EDT

Whole Foods in the Glebe is facing four charges for opening its store on Good Friday.

Police confirmed Monday the store is facing charges of carrying on business on a holiday, carrying on business and admitting the public, being employed and carrying on business and being employed while admitting the public on a holiday.

The U.S.-based organic supermarket drew crowds and criticism when it decided to remain open on the recent Easter holiday.

Store officials had tweeted it was going to be open because the outlet was within a “designated tourist area.” They also claimed at the time “team members volunteer to work” in exchange for double-time wages.

Police officers visited the store after receiving a complaint, and the store subsequently closed on Easter Sunday.

Retail stores that open on Good Friday and other prohibited days can be fined as much as $50,000 or the total amount of gross sales for the holiday. Businesses face minimum fines of $500 for a first offence, $2,000 for a second offence and $5,000 for a third or subsequent offence.

Stores may remain open if they are located in tourist areas indicated by municipal bylaws.

Whole Foods store manager Lisa Slater is scheduled to appear in court on May 21.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/whole-foods-charged-for-opening-store-on-good-friday

[acottawa]

Seems a little premature for a tourist designation. They just opened and haven't really established themselves as a tourist destination. Personally I am a little doubtful it would have much appeal to tourists. I would think Little Italy would have more appeal if the city was looking for another tourist designation.

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by acottawa

Seems a little premature for a tourist designation. They just opened and haven't really established themselves as a tourist destination. Personally I am a little doubtful it would have much appeal to tourists. I would think Little Italy would have more appeal if the city was looking for another tourist designation.

I agree. To me, Lansdowne park will not be an ideal place for tourists. The buildings do not look attractive enough for me. To me, the buildings look like boxed windows. I suppose the urban park might attract tourists. Many people like green space. Maybe organized tour groups could have picnics in the park in the summer. The Farmer's market might attract tourists. Some people are interested in buying all kinds of local stuff. If you are in a group, sometimes the bus might stop and eat at one of the restaurants. They might like to try Locale, Joey's, Milestones, or the future Italian restaurant. I doubt that they will be interested in the retail shops and the movie theatre. I do not believe that the tourists would go to Lansdowne to see football or the Ottawa 67's.

Loga0082

[phil235]

Originally Posted by loga0082

I agree. To me, Lansdowne park will not be an ideal place for tourists. The buildings do not look attractive enough for me. To me, the buildings look like boxed windows. I suppose the urban park might attract tourists. Many people like green space. Maybe organized tour groups could have picnics in the park in the summer. The Farmer's market might attract tourists. Some people are interested in buying all kinds of local stuff. If you are in a group, sometimes the bus might stop and eat at one of the restaurants. They might like to try Locale, Joey's, Milestones, or the future Italian restaurant. I doubt that they will be interested in the retail shops and the movie theatre. I do not believe that the tourists would go to Lansdowne to see football or the Ottawa 67's.

Loga0082

Well, you've mentioned a few things that would draw tourists to Lansdowne. I would add to that festivals such as Winterlude and City Folk, and events like the Sporting Life 10k.

Football, soccer and the 67s definitely draw tourists to Lansdowne, particularly fans following visiting teams.

I think they've got a decent shot at the designation.

[loga0082]

Events
Silvia Logan
April 20 2015
You are right. Winterlude, City Folk, and Sporting Life 10 k will attract tourists. I did not think about it. I always thought that tourists would prefer to come to Ottawa in the fall, spring, and summer. It is true that a fair amount of tourists would love Winterlude. Some people do love winter sports and activities. I am not a sports fun and I never thought about city folk.

loga0082

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by phil235

Well, you've mentioned a few things that would draw tourists to Lansdowne. I would add to that festivals such as Winterlude and City Folk, and events like the Sporting Life 10k.

Football, soccer and the 67s definitely draw tourists to Lansdowne, particularly fans following visiting teams.

I think they've got a decent shot at the designation.

Do any of those teams have any home games on statutory holidays? Labour day is the only one I can think of and I think only toronto and Hamilton play in the east. Also, the restaurants and bars can all open anyway. To me they should have to demonstrate that they are attracting actual tourists and I don't see a lot of signs of that (at least not yet) such as hotels wanting to open nearby, Lansdowne related attractions appearing in high spots on tripadvisor, tour busses going there, etc.

[HighwayStar]

Well... how many tourists are drawn to the Metro on Rideau ?? Sounds like "tourist zone" is fuzzy enough to be contorted into almost anything...

And what if the Canal "water taxi" concept takes hold this summer... surely "tourists" would get off at Landsdowne and just walk around...

[phil235]

Originally Posted by acottawa

Do any of those teams have any home games on statutory holidays? Labour day is the only one I can think of and I think only toronto and Hamilton play in the east. Also, the restaurants and bars can all open anyway. To me they should have to demonstrate that they are attracting actual tourists and I don't see a lot of signs of that (at least not yet) such as hotels wanting to open nearby, Lansdowne related attractions appearing in high spots on tripadvisor, tour busses going there, etc.

I'm not sure, but I don't think that would be the test for whether something is a tourist zone. The teams wouldn't have to play on the actual statutory holiday for Lansdowne to be considered a tourist zone.

It is definitely possible that the teams would play on statutory holidays. The 67s don't typically play at Christmas, but they could play on any of Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Family Day or Easter. Likewise for the RedBlacks - Canada Day, Civic Holiday and Thanksgiving are all possibilities. You are right that the traditional Labour Day games are Toronto/Hamilton, but that doesn't mean that Ottawa could never host a game that day.

No idea about the Fury, but I expect they would be the same.

[MoreTrains]

Would need a hotel nearby...

[jitterbug]

Originally Posted by MoreTrains

Would need a hotel nearby...

Interesting discussion, and apparently all because a large company (Whole Foods) decided to challenge the law by opening on a statutory holiday.

I'd vote "No" for the tourist designation, on the matter of principle. Sure some out-of-town visitors will make their way to Lansdowne, but will they be doing groceries or shopping for sports equipment there? Unlikely. As for local residents, they'll always have the option of doing their shopping either the day before or after a stat holiday.