Ottawa's mayor says he's proud city council approved the Lansdowne Live proposal put forward by local developers to revitalize the historic park, parts of which have been neglected for years.
"I'm feeling very proud that council worked together to identify all the issues that were problematic. We worked together in a co-operative manner. I'm very proud of council today," Mayor Larry O'Brien told CTV Ottawa on Tuesday.
"Fifteen people did their jobs, and we got a transaction that is friendly for the taxpayer, going to be outstanding for the city, and I'm just delighted to be playing a role in it."
After a marathon debate lasting 12 hours, Ottawa city council voted 15-9 in favor of the $250-million project, as long as some conditions are met.
Those conditions include a traffic impact study and a design competition and panel to address public areas of the park. If they are met, a final vote on the project is expected in June.
The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group is partnering with the city on the multi-million-dollar deal, which includes redeveloping Frank Clair Stadium and improving the Civic Centre. The plan also makes room for green space, as well as retail and commercial space at the park.
If the deal gets council's final approval this spring, a CFL football team could be playing in the capital as early as 2013.
On Monday, the plan's loudest critic on council broke down in tears when he knew the fight was over.
"I think the only reason it's worth doing anything is because of love and it was through love of my city that I tried to protect Lansdowne Park," said Coun. Clive Doucet.
Much of the debate on Monday focused on finances, with councillors trying to determine if taxpayers would be left on the hook if the businessmen behind the plan bailed out early on the 30-year agreement. However, the developers say that won't happen.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
