On February 7, 2012, the City released updated plans for Lansdowne Park. http://ottawa.ca/en/city_hall/planningprojectsreports/public_consult/lansdowne_partnership/index.html. Here are some preliminary observations:

• The renderings of Bank Street make it appear as if the high-rise towers will shimmer in the sun and magically disappear from view. But they will be solid buildings up to 18 storeys high that will block sunlight from the street and cause wind tunnels.
• The new commercial buildings will block views of the Aberdeen Pavilion to such an extent that you will barely be able to see this historic landmark from Bank Street or Adelaide.
• The back of the relocated and de-designated Horticulture Building will be demolished and replaced with a glass entry.
• The drawings depict the site as a pedestrian precinct. In fact, Lansdowne Park will be cut through with roadways that will be congested with cars, buses and delivery trucks.
• The underground parking garage is 9000 parking spots short of what would be required under normal zoning requirements for this development.

Tickets are now available for the fundraiser hosted by the Ottawa South Community Association: Havana Night II on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 8 to 11pm, all the details here.

The City of Ottawa presented details related to the development of a Transportation Monitoring Program for Lansdowne Park at a public consultation meeting held December 1, 2011 at the Glebe Community Centre.

You can read the presentation material here and submit comments (deadline Dec 15, 2011) here.

Read Councillor Chernushenko's input on the issue here.

The fundraiser for Friends of Lansdowne held Nov. 23, 2011 at the Elmdale Tavern was a chance for former City of Ottawa councillor Clive Doucet to speak passionately about the issues surrounding the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park.

Thanks to Kevin O'Donnell for this video from Occupy the Elmdale!