Ottawa's mayor is encouraging residents to get out and have their say at a series of public meetings designed to gauge public opinion on plans to redevelop Lansdowne Park.
"It is important for people to understand this is your city -- this is your park. Get out there and have your say because we are listening very closely," said Mayor Larry O'Brien on Monday.
He said residents need to let the city know how much green space and how much retail space they want to have at Lansdowne Park. Residents also need to express their views on a sports stadium, as well as transportation to the park.
The Lansdowne Live plan currently before council 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 council in early September after months of consultation between members of Lansdowne Live, city staff, the National Capital Commission and Parks Canada.
Although O'Brien said he knows the current plan needs some tweaking, he told CTV Ottawa he stands behind the Lansdowne Live proposal.
"I think it's a great program. I think the overall package is exceptional. I think it's a right balance of what we can afford and what will make this part of the city an exciting part of the city for people from all over to go and visit, to enjoy, to go to games, to go shopping," he said.
"It's an opportunity to do something today. This thing has been sitting there for 20 years as a parking lot. It's time to fix it."
The first public consultation on the Lansdowne Live project will take place at Lansdowne Park in Salon A on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. Five other open house meetings are scheduled at various locations across the city within the next eight days.
Those who can't attend the public meetings can make their opinions known electronically.
City council will be briefed on the feedback on Nov. 2.
