Ottawa residents should find out Monday if the city is going to move forward with a plan to refurbish Lansdowne Park into a sports and entertainment destination.
At least one city councillor says he feels positive about how the session has rolled out so far.
"I think we're headed in the right direction. The more I'm seeing the debate go and the more I'm seeing the comments from the councillors, the more positive I'm feeling," said Coun. Bob Monette.
"It's a good proposal, it's been costed out, it's revenue neutral and I think it's the way to go."
Monette said he believes some councillors were using the public delegations to grill anyone who supports the plan on details of the plan, including finances.
"Let's be realistic here, the average citizen does not go through mounds and mounds of financial details on this decision. I'm sure if I asked the same question to anyone who opposed it they would not be able to answer it," he said.
Residents divided on benefits
The $270-million plan to revitalize the historic park includes building a new stadium and incorporating retail and commercial space at the park, including a hotel and movie theatre. The plan also includes green space.
There were some residents who said there was nothing wrong with the old space.
"Most of you sitting around the table all enjoyed the 2004 Grey Cup, free tickets and all. And most of you got there and obviously you all got back home," resident Shirley Mosely told city council.
Others said the new plan did not take into account the increased traffic a revitalized stadium would bring.
"You're going to have massive overflow of parked cars, not just in the Glebe but into Ottawa east and south as well," said David Jeanes of Transport 2000.
CFL could be back by 2013
The CFL commissioner told city council on Thursday if they don't engage in a partnership with Greenberg's group, he doubts professional football will have a future in Ottawa.
"Clearly, if this doesn't go forward I'm pessimistic about the CFL here in Ottawa," said Marc Cohon.
"It's a great (group) and it's a team I've called the 'Dream Team' in the past. They're the guys that we believe in and I'm here to back them."
If the Lansdowne Live proposal is approved, Cohon said a CFL football team could be playing in the capital by 2013.
By the time public delegations wrap up, about 100 groups and individuals will have the chance to express their views on the future of Lansdowne Park.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee and Jonathan Rotondo
