Ontario Construction News staff writer
The first phase of the $418.8-million Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment project is moving along as planned, with major site prep nearing completion and above-ground construction scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2026, according to a recent update provided to Ottawa City Council.
In a memo dated July 21, Tammy Rose, General Manager of Infrastructure and Water Services, indicated that the project remains within its approved financial limits six months after physical work began on site in December 2025.
“Construction is now well underway on the first phase of the project, centered on the new Event Centre,” Rose mentioned in the memo. “Significant progress has been made, with major site preparation and early construction milestones largely complete. At the same time, the City continues to prioritize safe access to the site, coordination with ongoing programming, and clear communication with the public.”
The focus for phase one is building a new Event Centre-a modern venue that will hold up to 7,000 people for concerts and 6,600 for hockey games. So far, crews have moved about 60,000 cubic meters of soil, which means major excavation is approximately 95 percent done.
Key achievements during the first half of 2026 include:
Completion of excavation support systems (shoring) to facilitate deep foundation work. Foundation work across the Event Centre area has been ongoing since April. Installation of two tower cranes indicates we’re ready to move into above-ground construction. Upgrades to underground utilities beneath TD Place’s north side include new sanitary services and emergency power systems.
The next significant visible change on-site will take place in the third quarter of 2026 when structural concrete and steel placement for the Event Centre begins.
The report also notes that total spending so far stands at $59.5 million-about 14 percent of the overall $418.8-million budget set aside for both the Event Centre and replacing North Side Stands.
General contractor EBC Inc. has a $312.8-million contract for this work; as of now, they’ve spent $31 million (10 percent). The city has used $5.2 million from its $37.8-million contingency fund (14 percent) and expended $326,000 from a budget framework meant for parking totaling $19.2 million (two percent).
An aerial view shows progress at the Event Centre alongside a REDBLACKS practice session from late June.
The memo also points out that municipal officials are working with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) to explore options that could enhance team-specific areas inside the new Event Centre. These changes aim to adjust spaces initially intended for PWHL’s Ottawa Charge so they can better serve tenant needs and visitor experiences based on recent league updates.
Traffic management measures continue around Glebe’s construction area. Heavy vehicle traffic is limited to specific routes along Bank Street, Queen Elizabeth Place, and Wilton Crescent during weekday hours. Traffic control personnel are present as needed to ensure safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Municipal services are still operational; commercial retail shops remain open along with internal roadways and Lansdowne Park’s underground parking garage throughout construction efforts. Key public recreational facilities-including playgrounds for kids, skateboard parks, basketball courts, skating rinks, and water plazas-are all accessible.
A Canada goose views progress at the Event Centre; you can see that construction on concrete bleacher support structures is advancing in the top-right section while final excavation activities are happening in the bottom-left corner.
(Photos: City of Ottawa) The entire project timeline expects completion of this new Event Centre by Q3 2028 followed by demolition and rebuilding North Side Stands at TD Place Stadium-with substantial completion anticipated by Q4 2030.
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(Photos: City of Ottawa) The entire project timeline expects completion of this new Event Centre by Q3 2028 followed by demolition and rebuilding North Side Stands at TD Place Stadium-with substantial completion anticipated by Q4 2030.
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