Lansdowne Park Redevelopment Phase 1 | Completed

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Originally Posted by phil235

That's what was really lost here - a $250 million project is exactly what this city needs given the current goings-on, but that argument was really never made very strongly.

It could also help spur Ottawa and Ottawans to more readily embrace different businesses, industries, entrepreneurial ventures, etc. This is a chance to help make meaningful change in this city, and help us be less reliant on the fed for jobs and economic security. This would in turn have the added benefit of making Ottawa more diverse and vibrant, and not a city that shuts down after 5 p.m.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by Jamaican-Phoenix

It could also help spur Ottawa and Ottawans to more readily embrace different businesses, industries, entrepreneurial ventures, etc. This is a chance to help make meaningful change in this city, and help us be less reliant on the fed for jobs and economic security. This would in turn have the added benefit of making Ottawa more diverse and vibrant, and not a city that shuts down after 5 p.m.

I am glad to see Landsdowne proceeding but I'd be interested in understanding better how you see the project spurring that kind of change, Jamaican-Phoenix. Apart from the temporary construction jobs, all I see is some retail jobs, some more residential development in the core, and a renovated sports stadium, all of which is fine, but hardly earth changing. Is it the return of CFL that you are pinning your hopes on?

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

I am glad to see Landsdowne proceeding but I'd be interested in understanding better how you see the project spurring that kind of change, Jamaican-Phoenix. Apart from the temporary construction jobs, all I see is some retail jobs, some more residential development in the core, and a renovated sports stadium, all of which is fine, but hardly earth changing. Is it the return of CFL that you are pinning your hopes on?

I was actually talking about the reference to Ottawa's current goings-on, being the slashing of public sector jobs.

As for Lansdowne, my mom was telling me that she heard on the radio this morning that the plan is no longer getting the tenants they hoped for, and things like Jack Asstors and The Source are going in there. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

[c_speed3108]

Originally Posted by Jamaican-Phoenix

I was actually talking about the reference to Ottawa's current goings-on, being the slashing of public sector jobs.

As for Lansdowne, my mom was telling me that she heard on the radio this morning that the plan is no longer getting the tenants they hoped for, and things like Jack Asstors and The Source are going in there. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

They have not yet signed too many leases yet (just Wholefoods, LCBO and the cinemas as far as I have heard). There is a ton of prospects but not much signed on the dotted line.

The thing about smaller unique tenants is that they don't have as much room to sit around waiting for stuff to get built as the big corporations do. To attract them you need to build first and have space ready to go. Big corps can operate more strategically and have things in the pipe for the future.

I spoke to a guy in the city that was looking for a location for a new restaurant in a one of a few areas in the city - one of which is the Glebe. I suggested he try the new Lansdowne. He responded that he had spoke to a met with them and looked at the plans. He basically concluded it was too long a time to wait and he needed a location sooner and found another elsewhere.

The other things about retail is nothing is permanent so probably the tenant mix will evolve with time.

[McC]

it's pretty low-res, but you can see the Jack Astors pencilled in in the northeast corner.
http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/blogs/cityh..._PARK_Plan.jpg

[phil235]

Originally Posted by McC

it's pretty low-res, but you can see the Jack Astors pencilled in in the northeast corner.
http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/blogs/cityh..._PARK_Plan.jpg

That is awful. On the other hand, I don't mind a lot of the tenants that are shown there. I do note a Toronto bent to the list that I could do without - Spence Diamonds, Sporting Life (good idea in my opinion), Il Fornello etc.

Also wondering if places like Tiggy Winkles and Fratelli's would be relocating from Bank St. I suppose there will inevitably be movement while the rental market finds balance, but those are pretty key anchor stores in the neighbourhood.

What is that diagram?

[KHOOLE]

What is that diagram?

It's Trinity's tool to get potential tenants interested. Except for Whole Foods, LCBO and the cinema, the names probably mean nothing. They are just placeholders.

The map was posted on Ottawa CBC's Alistair Steele blog:

http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/blogs/cityh...kes-shape.html

[McC]

Originally Posted by phil235

What is that diagram?

it's from this post on Alistair Steele's @cityhall blog:
http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/blogs/cityh...kes-shape.html

[phil235]

Originally Posted by KHOOLE

What is that diagram?

It's Trinity's tool to get potential tenants interested. Except for Whole Foods, LCBO and the cinema, the names probably mean nothing. They are just placeholders.

The map was posted on Ottawa CBC's Alistair Steele blog:

http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/blogs/cityh...kes-shape.html

Thanks. I'm surprised that they would get as specific as stores like Sporting Life without some kind of commitment.

I've always thought that an anchor store like Sporting Life, plus other sporting goods retailers/health product stores would make a lot of sense for this project as it would create a niche that would complement, rather than detract from the neighbourhood. Plus, I'm tired of having to drive to the suburbs for sports equipment etc.

As for Jack Astors and the other corporate parking lot restaurants, that adds very little to the appeal for me. (Though I have been once at Yonge/Bloor and I will say that my kids were pleased with the choice.)

[kevinbottawa]

Originally Posted by Jamaican-Phoenix

I was actually talking about the reference to Ottawa's current goings-on, being the slashing of public sector jobs.

As for Lansdowne, my mom was telling me that she heard on the radio this morning that the plan is no longer getting the tenants they hoped for, and things like Jack Asstors and The Source are going in there. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

I thought Roger Greenberg, or another of the OSEG partners, said they got so much interest they'd have to build another development to fit everyone who was interested. I could be wrong, but I thought I heard that yesterday.

[S-Man]

The Jack Asstor's is clearly a strategic bar to feed and fuel the stadium-goers. They're not all likely to go to Whole Foods after a game and drive home for a dinner of lentils and artichoke. Would be nice is it was incorporated into the stadium building itself though.

Hopefully there'll be a big red donkey ass glowing neon sign overlooking Holmwood/Bank, buzzing and forever casting a Seinfeld/Kenny Rogers Roasters - type glow into the FOL's houses.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by kevinbottawa

I thought Roger Greenberg, or another of the OSEG partners, said they got so much interest they'd have to build another development to fit everyone who was interested. I could be wrong, but I thought I heard that yesterday.

Yup, he did say that; but I suspect he was talking about the retail interest shown in the development, not the number of retailers ready to sign on the infamous dotted line.

And yes, he was on the radio this morning talking about Jack Astor’s, The Source and the lack of commitment from smaller retailers because of the uncertainty of the whole project. But I'm sure that once we are out of the woods and start digging, it the problem will resolve itself.

BTW, the reason for the very common Source store is not about lack of commitment but because the Glebe BIA told OSEG that the neighbourhood is lacking any sort of electronic store.

[JFFournier]

Originally Posted by S-Man

Hopefully there'll be a big red donkey ass glowing neon sign overlooking Holmwood/Bank, buzzing and forever casting a Seinfeld/Kenny Rogers Roasters - type glow into the FOL's houses.

Lol...John Martin lives on Holmwood, so I'm board with this.

Can we start a group to make it happen? Friends of big red donkey ass glowing neon sign overlooking Holmwood/Bank? Or FoBRDAGNSOHB for short?

[phil235]

Originally Posted by JFFournier

Lol...John Martin lives on Holmwood, so I'm board with this.

Can we start a group to make it happen? Friends of big red donkey ass glowing neon sign overlooking Holmwood/Bank? Or FoBRDAGNSOHB for short?

Catchy acronym. I'm in!

[McC]

A "FOBRDAGNSOHB"? didn't I buy one of those from IKEA?

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Ottawa Farmers' Market On The Move

Phil Gaudreau
Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Ottawa Farmers' Market will be setting up shop in Brewer Park every Sunday from now on.

Construction at Lansdowne Park means the weekly markets will be found at Brewer Park, near Carleton University, starting this Sunday at 8.

Market President Robin Turner tells CFRA News their new location has some attractions that he believes customers will appreciate. "It's a beautiful park and there's a lot of activities that are compatible with family outings for the day. There's the whole playground and ball courts and there's this little wading pool and...it gives them something else to do while they're there."

Turner says they won't have to turn any of their current exhibitors away but, "...in terms of if the market's going to grow or expand from its current footprint, it may be a bit more of a challenge than it was at Lansdowne."

Visitors will be able to park at Carleton University so Turner's not worried about a lower turnout in the new spot.

Would it not be funny if the new site worked out so well that they refused the invitation to return to LP when it is ready?

[gjhall]

Heck yes!

For immediate release:
May 4, 2012
Ottawa scores winning bid to host FIFA Women’s World Cup
Ottawa – FIFA today announced that Ottawa has been selected as one of the Canadian cities to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 – the world’s premier women’s sporting event.
“We are thrilled to serve as an Official Host City for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and look forward to welcoming the athletes, spectators and media from across the country and around the world,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Hosting events like this is a spectacular opportunity to showcase our beautiful capital city to the world while generating significant investment in our local economy.”
The World Cup event, which will be held at Lansdowne Park, is expected to generate approximately $12 million to the City of Ottawa and attract more than 20,000 visitors. The City of Ottawa has committed to providing $400,000 of in-kind funding through policing, paramedic and transit services.
Promoting the nation’s capital as an ideal location for major national and international events and conventions is a cornerstone of the City’s economic development plan. Through a partnership between the City and Tourism Ottawa, a special events office is helping to bring more high-profile events to the capital.
This announcement comes on the heels of Ottawa’s very successful 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend and the JUNO Awards and week-long celebration. In 2013 the City will also host the IIHF Women’s World Championships of Hockey.
“Our philosophy is simple – bid more, win more, host more – and so far we are seeing this strategy pay off with more world-class events coming to Ottawa and growth in our hospitality sector,” said Mayor Watson. “Our hotels, restaurants and shops are filled, the airport is working at capacity and we are seeing a clear return on our investment both in the prosperity of local businesses and in Ottawa’s emerging international reputation.”
-30-
For more information:
Media contact
613-580-2450
Public inquiries
3-1-1

[McC]

nicely; also I don't think I've ever heard such a snappy line from Mr Mayor: "Our philosophy is simple – bid more, win more, host more" zing!

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Something tells me this will only serve to further incense the FOL crowd. In any case, this is awesome news!

[bikegypsy]

Fantastic!