A respected Carleton University business professor is criticizing the Lansdowne Live plan, warning taxpayers they'll be hosed if the city moves forward with the project.
Ian Lee, the director of the university's MBA program, calls the project "corporate welfare for council cronies."
The plan includes a renovated open-air stadium, arena, hotel, retail shops, condos and green space. The Aberdeen Pavillion will also be turned into a caf� and year-round farmer's market.
Lee, who is also a resident of the Glebe, says if the project is approved, Ottawa residents will be on the hook for $179 million.
"I'm not suggesting that there were any laws broken. What I'm saying is that this is unacceptable behaviour from the top public servant in the City of Ottawa," he said.
Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien shot back on Thursday, saying Lee's arguments are "grossly misleading and littered with factual errors."
"The process that we have taken, the process that was directed by council, has been fair and transparent," O'Brien said.
Now, the public will have the opportunity to have their say on the project.
Public consultations on the Lansdowne Live plan will begin Sept. 28. Those who can't attend the public meetings can make their opinions known electronically.
Click here to get the full open house schedule . . .
