Lansdowne Park Redevelopment Phase 1 | Completed

[Catenary]

Originally Posted by phil235

I've dealt with OSEG on a bunch of issues, and have always found them to be reasonable and willing to consider just about any proposal. That is definitely not the case with the politicians Menard and Watson (to a lesser extent). Menard seems to take every opportunity possible to create conflict (to further his political ambitions I expect), and Watson swats him away every time.

My big beef with Menard is that he is constantly harping about a lack of consultation, but that seems to only apply to others in his mind. Almost without fail he will stake out an absolutist and ideologically based position before he does consultation of any kind.

Yes, dealing with Menard is a pain in the ass. I've been in consultations representing issues where him and his staff show up and immediately stake out their opinions, some of which completely contradict the best practices regarding the issue I'm representing and they claim to have an interest in. When I reach out to explain my thoughts and ask to work together to at least understand where they're coming from; no response.

As for Lansdowne, the city does have a list of things that go on there fairly frequently, like movie nights, the salsa dancing, etc. They're just frequently disorganized and always poorly promoted.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by phil235

I think it's quite possible that your prediction comes true, but there are a few big drawbacks for OSEG. Moving a team out of Lansdowne so they can pay rent elsewhere is not good for their bottom line. The entire development is dependent on the sports properties there, which will include tenant organizations like the Blackjacks, so I have trouble seeing the incentive for them to give up 80+ dates of sports per year, plus concerts, university tournaments etc.

The second issue is the size of the arena. With very few exceptions, junior teams playing in NHL sized arenas have not been successful, as the atmosphere just isn't there, and the price structures in NHL arenas are not compatible with the OHL market.

Your first point is well taken. Would OSEG give up such a high number of event nights for most residential? I'm looking forward to seeing the City and OSEGs proposed solutions on adding density to the site.

In any case, the Civic Centre will likely have to be replaced, unfortunately. I wonder if it would be possible to build residential on top of the new arena, and how large a new Lansdowne arena could be. Likely smaller than the current (6,000-8,000).

As for a junior team in an NHL sized arena, a LeBreton arena would not be significantly bigger than the Civic Centre. Likely 16,000 (in line with Winnipeg and New Jersey, bigger than the newly renovated Uniondale Nassau Coliseum) vs the Civic's current 10,000. The new arena could be designed in a way to easily cover-up the top bowl in order to provide that intimate feel in a way that's more convincing than the Corel Centre.

[stolenottawa]

Does anyone know what's going in where the Petsmart was? There's been work going on.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by stolenottawa

Does anyone know what's going in where the Petsmart was? There's been work going on.

It looks like offices, unfortunately. Why they did not put a restaurant in that spot, at the entrance to the stadium, I do not know.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Your first point is well taken. Would OSEG give up such a high number of event nights for most residential? I'm looking forward to seeing the City and OSEGs proposed solutions on adding density to the site.

In any case, the Civic Centre will likely have to be replaced, unfortunately. I wonder if it would be possible to build residential on top of the new arena, and how large a new Lansdowne arena could be. Likely smaller than the current (6,000-8,000).

As for a junior team in an NHL sized arena, a LeBreton arena would not be significantly bigger than the Civic Centre. Likely 16,000 (in line with Winnipeg and New Jersey, bigger than the newly renovated Uniondale Nassau Coliseum) vs the Civic's current 10,000. The new arena could be designed in a way to easily cover-up the top bowl in order to provide that intimate feel in a way that's more convincing than the Corel Centre.

I think the idea of integrating more residential is an interesting one. I'm not sure that I've ever seen residential directly on top of an arena, but I do think you are onto something. It could end up going on top of those middle blocks, but I wonder what the disruption would be to do that.

It's also true that they are likely getting better at making arenas scalable, so maybe a 17,000 seater (that's the sweet spot I think) that can be transitioned to a 8000 seat rink would be ideal.

[Catenary]

Originally Posted by stolenottawa

Does anyone know what's going in where the Petsmart was? There's been work going on.

Blyth Academy.

https://blytheducation.com/blyth-academy/the-glebe/

[phil235]

Originally Posted by Catenary

Blyth Academy.

https://blytheducation.com/blyth-academy/the-glebe/

I guess if you are running a credit mill, mainstreet exposure is key.

[TransitZilla]

2nd private school at Lansdowne? Joining the 2 dentists?

World class retail mix!!

(Seriously- I like the restaurants; the patios have a nice atmosphere. But the collection of retailers is sad.)

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by bradnixon

2nd private school at Lansdowne? Joining the 2 dentists?

World class retail mix!!

(Seriously- I like the restaurants; the patios have a nice atmosphere. But the collection of retailers is sad.)

I would bet a couple bucks that Winners is out soon. That store is a ghost town. That second floor unit will be offices before long.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by Harley613

I would bet a couple bucks that Winners is out soon. That store is a ghost town. That second floor unit will be offices before long.

Funny, I'm not in there that often, but I've always found it surprisingly busy. It actually fills a pretty big gap, as there is not much lower end retail anywhere nearby.

[J.OT13]

Improvement discussion for Aberdeen Square.

Aberdeen Square proposals a good first step, but a greater vision is needed

Anthony Carricato, Glebe Report
November 12, 2020


Proposals for Aberdeen Square on an event day, with a stage set up for performance. When no event is taking place the modular stage platforms are repurposed as urban furniture. Illustration: OSEG

On October 19, the Glebe Community Association (GCA) along with community associations in Old Ottawa East and Old Ottawa South, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), the City of Ottawa and Councillor Shawn Menard hosted a virtual community consultation to review and provide feedback on changes that OSEG and the city have proposed for Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne Park.

The proposed redesign of the city-managed square follows a deal the city and OSEG made last year with the Casino Lac Leamy to invest $250,000 to rename and re-energize the square. OSEG CEO Mark Goudie and Dan Chenier, general manager of the city’s recreation, cultural and facilities services department, told the meeting that Aberdeen Square is not being used as much as it should be. The proposed redesign aims to make it a busier, more active gathering space that will give residents more reason to visit Lansdowne Park.

The plans call for less vehicular traffic through the square, more permanent “iconic street furniture” and seating, more foliage and a modular stage or performance area for small-scale events like concerts, comedy nights and exhibits. The architectural designs by Barry Hobin were designed to incorporate the historic Aberdeen Pavilion into the square, emphasize its heritage features and the history of the site and create “a more desirable urban cultural and lifestyle gathering place.” The plans also aim to accommodate the Ottawa Farmers’ Market, by far the most popular use of the square, and be flexible enough to adapt year-round for events like the outdoor Christmas Market. The farmers’ market has been consulted on the plans and does not object to them.

During the consultation, participants had plenty of questions about how these plans will come together, the impact on nearby residents, the effect on future programming, the impact on trees and how the approval process works. Residents on both sides of the Rideau Canal expressed concerns about increased noise, light and traffic during events in the square; the city said it sees no need for further studies at this time on those issues because studies were done when Lansdowne was first redeveloped.

Several residents said they don’t think the plans go far enough and want the city and OSEG to “dream bigger.” They point to squares in other cities such as Berczy Park in Toronto, Millennium Park in Chicago and the Piazza Navona in Rome where people are drawn in by unique art, statues and fountains that provide a greater sense of place.

The plan is more focused on creating a space for events and performances rather than a place where people want to spend time when nothing is going on. Lansdowne needs something exciting that will draw people from across the city for more than sports, retail or the weekly farmers’ market. It needs to be an attractive, flexible, pedestrian-friendly space with more shade and seating. Incorporating a performance stage to showcase local talent is a great idea, but the square needs much more character to be a destination. As one resident noted, transforming a space into a destination that attracts people requires inspiration and vision.

The good news is that the city and OSEG made it clear they are open to feedback and suggestions. In this spirit of collaboration, the GCA would like the timeframe for consultation extended until a mutually agreeable point when the community has had the opportunity to fully explore new ideas and a greater vision for Aberdeen Square specifically and Lansdowne more generally. The square is being used less during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that provides a chance to take a step back and put in the time required to design a square that is appealing, functional and truly magnificent. Ensuring we get this right isn’t just in our best interest, it’s in the best interest of the city and OSEG who stand to benefit from a more animated Aberdeen Square that reflects the vision and ideas of our community.

What is clear from this latest consultation is that residents care deeply about Lansdowne Park and want to see it succeed. These latest plans for an Aberdeen Square facelift are a positive first step; however, to get it right, more community engagement is required. After all, if the goal is to make Aberdeen Square (and Lansdowne Park) a place where residents go more often, it seems obvious to me that residents should have a greater say in the changes. The future of Lansdowne Park depends on it.

Anthony Carricato is a resident of Fifth Avenue and chair of the Glebe Community Associations’ Lansdowne Committee.

https://www.glebereport.ca/aberdeen-squa...rst-step-but-a-greater-vision-is-needed/

[J.OT13]

https://twitter.com/OttawaDrones/status/1347181726842417152


https://twitter.com/OttawaDrones/status/1347234390754136064


https://twitter.com/OttawaDrones/status/1347555293115404288


https://twitter.com/OttawaDrones/status/1347632018117566466

[OTSkyline]

Wow, great shots! Especially love the second one showing the node and CBD in the background.

[McKellarDweller]

Yes, great shots, and thanks for posting, J.OT13.

[qprcanada]

Great shots but I can't help but think it could of been so much better with more residential density.

[UrbOttawa]

Came across this recent wintery drone photosphere of lansdowne - looks like it could be the same person who posted the shots above

https://goo.gl/maps/PjCT9WR95NT88CgQ6

[J.OT13]

Awesome, thanks for posting!

[Lakeofthewood]

Originally Posted by UrbOttawa

Came across this recent wintery drone photosphere of lansdowne - looks like it could be the same person who posted the shots above

https://goo.gl/maps/PjCT9WR95NT88CgQ6

Wow this angle in the winter really highlights all of Lansdowne's flaws. So much cold, empty concrete near all the retail. If you're not in a store or restaurant, just nothing appealing about that part of the site whatsoever.

And I say this as someone who has spent uncountable hours at Lansdowne since the redevelopment.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

To bad that we can not get something like this a Lansdowne---for that matter it probably would be great at Lebreton Flats as well.

OverActive Media releases plans for proposed entertainment venue at Exhibition Place
TORONTO — OverActive Media has released details of its plan for a new entertainment venue at Exhibition Place.
28 minutes ago By: Canadian Press
Updated 20 minutes ago

20210222110244-e266794c6c7540ff9f5bd1833419242cce649dbb53e03f3c0f3f40024527d688
TORONTO — OverActive Media has released details of its plan for a new entertainment venue at Exhibition Place.

The esports company, home to the Toronto Defiant and Ultra teams, says the project is worth close to $500 million and includes a 7,000-seat theatre-style venue and hotel complex.

"We are building a world-leading, 21st-century sports media and entertainment company and this best-in-class performance venue will be the chosen home for a new generation of fans that think differently about their entertainment choices and experiences," OverActive president and CEO Chris Overholt said in a statement Monday.

The plan has yet to receive final approval from the Exhibition Place board of governors and Toronto City Council, however.

"We are in the final stages of putting our business terms together with city officials and we are optimistic that we can soon wrap up our discussions to everyone’s satisfaction," an OverActive spokesman said.

If approved, the new venue will be on a 1.6-hectare site next to the Hotel X Toronto at Exhibition Place. OverActive said it will host 200-plus events annually from concerts and esports to conventions and corporate functions.

OverActive owns franchises in the Overwatch League (Toronto Defiant), Call of Duty League (Toronto Ultra), European League of Legends (MAD Lions, playing out of Spain) and Counter Strike: Global Offensive (also MAD Lions).

In December, Overholt said his company had raised $80 million in private investment over the last two years.

OverActive's owners include Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and music star The Weeknd. The ownership group includes more than 80 individuals, including Pittsburgh Penguins part-owner Mike Kimel, as well as tech entrepreneur Sheldon Pollack.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by LeadingEdgeBoomer

To bad that we can not get something like this a Lansdowne---for that matter it probably would be great at Lebreton Flats as well.

Nice venue for sure, but this I truly don't understand. You gather thousands of people together in person to watch people play online games? I guess this means that I'm old.