Hel-LO Ottawa! CFL Returns to Nation's Capital

The CFL is almost officially back in Ottawa after a crucial vote today by Ottawa City Council on the fate of the former home of the Ottawa Rough Riders, Lansdowne Park. This issue was a hot-button one and it divided the city. Council ultimately voted 15-9 in favour of Lansdowne Live, the conditional owners of the Ottawa franchise who want to refurbish the decrepit stadium. The official word will happen in June when Ottawa city council gives its final vote on the studies, agreements and planning/design work surrounding the new stadium.

From the Ottawa Citizen:

Council approved the $250-million project in principle after two crucial changes were made to the deal.

The partnership agreement with four Ottawa businessmen was amended, on a motion from Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, to give the city a return on its contribution of $12 million in cash to the project. Also, council decided, in motions from Councillor Peter Hume, to establish a panel, which will include urban designer George Dark, to advise on what the redevelopment should look like.

The Lansdowne Live project is the creation of four Ottawa businessmen: Jeff Hunt, William Shenkman, John Ruddy and Greenberg. Their partnership, called Ottawa Sports and Entertainment, wants to rebuild Frank Clair Stadium and the Civic Centre. The partners have a $7-million conditional CFL franchise and would field a team in 2013, after the construction project is completed.

The business group plans to build a commercial complex on 10 acres of the site, including a theatre complex, offices and restaurants.