Ottawa needs to rally behind the Lansdowne Live proposal being pushed by four local businessmen, CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said Friday.
Speaking to the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, Cohon said the Canadian Football League would be stronger with a franchise in the nation's capital - but he needs an answer from city council by mid-March.
A group of investors, including 67s owner Jeff Hunt, agreed in March to pay the CFL a $7 million fee to bring a new CFL franchise to Ottawa.
Their bid is part of the 'Lansdowne Live' plan, which promises to redevelop the area into a "people place," and includes a world class sports and entertainment stadium, a refurbished arena, an aquarium, exhibition space, an amphitheatre, formal gardens and ponds, shopping, a home for the Farmer's Market and a new hotel.
City council decided against holding an international design competition for the property.
The prospective ownership group is continuing talks with the city, Hunt said.
