Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien has been talking with the two groups vying to build new stadiums, seeking to find common ground before councillors must make a firm decision.
"What I'm trying to do is find out if there's a different model that will allow us to have our cake and eat it too," O'Brien said.
"Is there a way that we can put everything on the table that is tax friendly, tax neutral for citizens? I'm just exploring these options with the two different proponents."
The Lansdowne Live proposal would renovate Frank Clair Stadium for the return of CFL football, upgrade other facilities, and improve several new developments to the Glebe site.
O'Brien wants Lansdowne Park revitalized after 20 years of neglect, calling the area a blight and an eyesore.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Senators' owner Eugene Melnyk wants to build a soccer stadium near Scotiabank Place in Kanata to attract an MLS franchise.
City council must decide on April 22 whether to back one or both of the proposals, or seek further studies.
Sources told CTV Ottawa last week that one possible business model could be developing Lansdowne Park without a stadium, giving the green light for a Kanata facility that would house both football and soccer.
Both groups have expressed disappointment that city officials have yet to decide on how to proceed.
"I guess the disappointing part from our end is that we've been at this a while and we still haven't had anybody step forward and say this is a good idea from the city's end," said Senators' COO Cyril Leeder.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
