Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction on the first phase of the $418.8-million Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment project is progressing on schedule, with major site preparation nearly complete and above-ground structural work set to begin in the third quarter of 2026, according to a staff update provided to Ottawa City Council.
In a memo released July 21, Tammy Rose, General Manager of Infrastructure and Water Services, reported that the project remains within its approved financial framework six months into physical site works, which began in December 2025.
“Construction is now well underway on the first phase of the project, centered on the new Event Centre,” Rose stated in the memo. “Significant progress has been made, with major site preparation and early construction milestones largely complete. At the same time, the City continues to prioritize safe access to the site, coordination with ongoing programming, and clear communication with the public.”
Work on phase one is focused on constructing the new Event Centre, a modern venue with a total capacity of up to 7,000 for concerts and 6,600 for hockey. To date, crews have removed approximately 60,000 cubic metres of soil, bringing major excavation to approximately 95 per cent completion.
Key milestones achieved during the first six months of 2026 include:
- Completion of excavation support systems (shoring) to accommodate deep foundation work.
- Foundation construction across the Event Centre footprint, which has been underway since April.
- Installation of two tower cranes, signaling the transition to above-ground construction.
- Underground utility upgrades beneath the north side of TD Place, including new sanitary services and emergency power systems.
The next major visible transition on site will occur in the third quarter of 2026 with the start of structural concrete and steel placement for the Event Centre.
The report notes that total spending on the project to date stands at $59.5 million, representing 14 per cent of the total $418.8-million budget allocated for the Event Centre and the replacement of the North Side Stands.
General contractor EBC Inc. holds a $312.8-million construction contract for the works, of which $31.0 million (10 per cent) has been expended to date. The city has drawn $5.2 million from its $37.8-million contingency fund (14 per cent) and spent $326,000 of the $19.2-million parking budget framework (two per cent).
The memo also highlights that municipal officials are collaborating with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) to evaluate options for optimizing team-dedicated spaces inside the new Event Centre. The adjustments aim to refine areas originally designed for the PWHL’s Ottawa Charge to better support tenant and visitor experiences following recent league developments.
Traffic management measures remain active around the Glebe construction zone. Heavy vehicle haulage is restricted to designated routes along Bank Street, Queen Elizabeth Place, and Wilton Crescent during weekday working hours. Traffic control personnel are stationed as needed to manage access and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Municipal operations, commercial retail outlets, internal roadways, and the underground parking garage at Lansdowne Park remain open throughout construction. Key public recreation amenities—including the children’s play area, skateboard park, basketball court, skating court, and water plaza—remain accessible to the public.
(Photos: City of Ottawa)
The overall project schedule anticipates completion of the new Event Centre in the third quarter of 2028. Demolition and reconstruction of the North Side Stands at TD Place Stadium will follow, with substantial completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2030.
