The self-dubbed citizens' coalition will make its case in the Ontario Court of Appeal, alleging that the city broke its own procurement rules through sole-sourcing the $300-million redevelopment contract to the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.
"This case raises fundamental questions concerning transparency and accountability in municipal governance, and the obligation of city staff and councillors to act in good faith and with due diligence," read a factum on the group's website.
"It questions the extent to which the court should show deference when the legality of municipal government action is put at issue."
The Ontario Superior Court dismissed the allegations this summer, saying the city "acted in good faith" when it awarded the contract.
"This project has had unprecedented transparency and extensive public consultation," the city said in a statement at the time.
"The ruling confirms that staff presentations to council and the public never underestimated the city's contribution, and council has always had an accurate presentation of the expected financial results of the partnership plan and the expected return of the city."
The ongoing court case has delayed the redevelopment until at least 2015, city staff stated in August.
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