A recent paper by University of Ottawa researchers explores the governance issues surrounding public-private partnerships (PPP or P3) by comparing two local cases: the Robert Guertin area in Gatineau and Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. They conclude that forms of PPP may deliver efficiency gains and service improvements in some policy areas but these benefits may involve substantial political and democratic costs:  

We also lament the fact that efficiency gains are too often seen as a trade-off to democratic principles, when in fact they should be seen as two sides of the same coin.

Read how Lansdowne Park fits into the P3 framework.

The Lansdowne redevelopment process and the public policy issues involved are the subject of a research paper presented at the Canadian Political Science Association Annual Conference. A group of Carleton University academics trace the steps of the design process and examine a number of fundamental questions that underpin the discussion surrounding Lansdowne and conclude that the manner in which the city addressed these considerations was inadequate and unsatisfactory.

How does the city decide the use of public space? What is the rationale behind the change in land use with a public context? Who are the drivers of the redevelopment process? Have the principles of good governance and urban planning have been set aside in order to expedite the deliberations?  

A joint meeting of the Pedestrian and Transit and Roads and Cycling Advisory Committees (PTAC) & (RCAC)  recommended to Council that the Lansdowne Live Plan be opposed until a more rigorous pursuit of incorporating the massive venue with the Transportation Master Plan is apparent, and in pursuit of an enhanced 40% modal split by connection to major City of Ottawa transportation facilities.

Design plans for Lansdowne seem to have adopted the SLOAP principle (Space Left Over After Planning) with regards to greenspace and trees. The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC) urges the city to show leadership in creating a world-class, environmentally sustainable urban showcase and create significant public greenspace on the whole Lansdowne site, not just the ‘Front Lawn’. Read the full motion to the City here.