Councillors on the city's finance and economic development committee voted in support of a series of motions that effectively commits the municipality to the project.
Additionally, the public learned that at least four restaurants will be a part of a redeveloped Lansdowne Park, according to one of the private sector developers behind the project.
Speaking at a city committee meeting, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group partner Roger Greenberg named Local, Joey, South Street Burgers and Toronto-based Il Fornello as committed tenants.
They join previously announced retailers Sporting Life, Whole Foods, Empire Theatres and the LCBO.
Combined, those companies will occupy 45 per cent of the 360,000 square feet of retail space proposed for the redeveloped Lansdowne Park.
The city's finance and economic development committee is being asked to vote on a city staff recommendation to commit to the Lansdowne redevelopment plan. City council will vote on Oct. 10.
Mr. Greenberg said all eight tenants constitute “unique” uses of the urban park, and said it was difficult for OSEG to disclose the names of all committed tenants.
“Some retail tenants will not allow their names to be released until they open. It is a competitive environment for them.”
He added both the Glebe Business Improvement Area and retail consultant J.C. Williams urged OSEG to hold off on leasing more than 75 to 80 per cent of the retail space to provide a greater opportunity for small and independent shops to have a “significant” presence at Lansdowne Park.
He said those firms typically do not have the resources to commit to a project much more than six to nine months in advance of the space being ready.
Following Mr. Greenberg's presentation, city councillors heard from BOMA Ottawa's Pierre Azzi and the Ottawa Construction Association's John Devries, both of whom expressed support for the project. John Herbert, the executive director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association, also encouraged councillors to vote in favour of the plan.
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