The concrete surrounding Lansdowne Park could soon be overhauled with an inlet from the Rideau Canal, space for an outdoor theatre, or a covered plaza with video features, depending on which design the city chooses to redevelop the historic urban park.
The city unveiled five visions for reshaping Lansdowne Park on Thursday. The designs were created by firms from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Massachusetts and California.
The new look would transform the area between the Aberdeen Pavilion and Queen Elizabeth Drive. The plans range from $32 million to $88 million.
Some of the highlights include adding an inlet linking the Rideau Canal to the Aberdeen Pavilion; building a pedestrian footbridge over the canal; creating an outdoor curling pad; equipping the widest part of the canal with a man-made island; and designating an area for public art.
"All of the programs have exciting elements," said Coun. Peter Hume, who sits on a selection committee that will choose the winning design.
However, critics are still skeptical of the redevelopment, with many asking why there wasn't a design competition for the rest of the park, such as the sports stadium and plans for retail.
"This is definitely just tossing a little sidebar. Where the rest of it, it is going to be a shopping mall and a stadium," said Michael Tiger of Friends of Lansdowne.
A pre-selected jury composed of city representatives, community groups, urban planners and architects will weigh public opinion and pick the winning design on June 4.
The designs will be on display at various locations across the city for public viewing until May 31.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
