Following public backlash over the format of the city's open house consultations on plans to redevelop Lansdowne Park, the city opted to include a question and answer session on the project at Ottawa City Hall on Wednesday.
"These questions were prepared for Monday -- when I was in shock in what I saw was a road show, not a consultation. But I do very much appreciate you coming," one resident told city staff at Wednesday night's meeting.
The city said the new format would give residents the opportunity to direct their questions to staff in a more formal setting, as opposed to the open house style that was set up for the first two public consultations. However, not everyone was impressed with the change.
"The conversation as advertized is a fraud and a fake, it's not a conversation. It's called Lansdowne Park, so why isn't it a park?" resident Garrett Patterson told CTV Ottawa.
A 15-year-old girl also joined the debate, asking city staff for a timeline on when the project will be paid for.
"I'm 15. How old will I be when I stop paying for this and the city starts making money?" she asked.
Although many spoke out against the plan, others stood firmly in support of the multi-million dollar project.
"Every time I walk in front of Lansdowne Park, I almost get tears in my eyes because it's such an eye sore. I think there is so much that could be done with it and I think it's in this proposal," said resident Angelo Toffolo.
The $250-million plan to redevelop Lansdowne Park includes a renovated open-air stadium, arena, hotel, retail shops, condos and green space. The Aberdeen Pavillion will also be turned into a caf� and year-round farmer's market.
The proposal was formally presented to city council in early September after months of consultation between members of Lansdowne Live, city staff, the National Capital Commission and Parks Canada.
Public meetings on the project will continue in various locations across the city until Oct. 6. Those who can't attend the public meetings can make their opinions known electronically. A phone survey will also poll the opinions of 1,000 residents.
City council will be briefed on feedback from the public in November.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Maggie Padlewska