This Week at Finance and Corporate Services Committee (FCSC)
On Tuesday, the FCS Committee reviewed the Lansdowne’s 2024 annual report. While partnership revenues with OSEG rose by 4% to $59.5M, higher interest payments and ongoing financial losses remain concerns. Despite increased activity—180 ticketed events at TD Place, full leasing of 350,000 sq. ft. of retail/office space, and a 27% jump in parking revenue—the net loss from recurring operations was $9.2M. The city still receives no distributions under the 40-year agreement, as OSEG has yet to recover its equity.
I remain concerned about Lansdowne’s financial burden on the City and its limited public benefit. Plans to shrink arena seating seem misguided, especially given record-breaking PWHL attendance. As a season ticket holder, I question whether Lansdowne truly serves residents as a public space or primarily benefits private interests. This is valuable city land is not being used to its full potential as public space for all residents to enjoy.
Potential Tariffs and the City of Ottawa
The Committee also directed staff to assess the impact of a potential Canada-US trade war on procurement and develop a strategy prioritizing local, Canadian, and non-American goods and services. Mayor Sutcliffe will engage local businesses and collaborate with Gatineau to eliminate trade barriers. I am in support of these directions. Regardless of the outcomes of the Federal Government’s talks with United States, supporting local trade can strengthen economic resilience, creates jobs, reduces emissions, and can help Ottawa be more self-supporting. This is a good direction for the city.
This Week at Planning and Housing Committee
On Wednesday, Planning and Housing Committee, received the Greenfield Residential Land Survey, confirming Ottawa has enough land to meet growth projections while prioritizing density in existing urban areas. This is good news for the environment, infrastructure, and long-term costs, as it maximizes existing services and reduces the need for costly new infrastructure.
To accelerate Official Plan policies, the Committee directed staff to amend the zoning bylaw now to permit shelters in all urban zones, rather than waiting for the full Zoning By-law update. While the long-term solution to homelessness is affordable housing, this change ensures the city can access potential 2025 funding for emergency and transitional housing if needed.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
The Committee also approved zoning amendments for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to regulate location, size, and screening. These systems support the City’s Energy Evolution Plan by storing electricity for grid reliability and climate resiliency. With energy demand expected to rise 75% over the next X years, BESS can help prevent blackouts during peak use at a lower cost than expanding traditional power infrastructure.
We also heard resident concerns about battery safety. Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is actively involved in ensuring BESS safety through fire prevention, suppression systems, and site-specific training. Proponents must meet OFS safety standards, and policies are informed by Hydro One and National Fire Protection Association guidelines, including a 150-metre setback for critical infrastructure.
Recommendations from both Finance and Corporate Services and the Planning and Housing Committees go to Council on February 12.
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