Ottawa could apply for provincial funding to build Lansdowne 2.0, minister said

Ontario Minister of Sport says the City of Ottawa could apply for provincial funding for Lansdowne 2.0. CTV’s Katie Griffin reports.

The City of Ottawa could apply for provincial funding to help build the Lansdowne 2.0 project, according to Ontario’s minister of sport.

A final report will be presented to the finance and corporate services committee and council this fall, seeking approval for the cost and construction of a new 5,500-seat arena and a new north-side stands for TD Place. The Lansdowne 2.0 plan includes the construction of two residential towers next to the new north-side stands at TD Place.

The city previously estimated the price tag for the new event centre and north-side stands at $419 million. In June 2024, the auditor general warned construction cost estimates could be understated by $73.4 million for the new stadium and north-side stands.

Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden was in Ottawa on Monday to announce more than $8 million in funding to upgrade the Alexander Community Centre. CTV News Ottawa asked Lumsden if the Ontario government is open to the possibility of providing funding for Lansdowne 2.0.

“We’ve talked about it. I’ve had conversations with the mayor and it’s a fantastic idea,” Lumsden said.

“We’re going to, hopefully, launch a new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. I don’t know what the timing is going to be and I’m not sure the amount, but that would be an opportunity for them to apply at that point.”

Last month, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe took Premier Doug Ford on a tour to Lansdowne Park to discuss Lansdowne 2.0.

“I shared with the Premier how the plan will bring new visitors, tourists, and events to our city, and new housing to the site,” Sutcliffe said in a post on Instagram.

“And how the revenue streams from Lansdowne 2.0 will help us save money, by bringing the total investment down to less than half the cost of maintaining our aging, deteriorating facilities by doing nothing. Thanks to the premier for his interest and support for Lansdowne and all our city projects.”

According to the draft plans, the Lansdowne 2.0 project will be built in three phases. Construction of the new event centre will run until 2027, while the new north side stands will be completed by mid-2029. The city says construction on the residential development will run from 2030 to 2034.