Lansdowne legal challenge pushed to June

The legal dispute over the City of Ottawa's deal to redevelop Lansdowne Park has been delayed until June, according to the group behind the court challenge.

Friends of Lansdowne had been expecting a court date in April to make its case that the city broke its own procurement rules, acted in bad faith and accorded preferential treatment to Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group in awarding the group a sole-sourced contract worth $300 million.

The case is now expected to be heard the week of June 20, according to Friends of Lansdowne.

The city voted last June to form a public-private partnership with OSEG, which will oversee renovations of Frank Clair Stadium, and build a mix of condominium and retail space in the rest of the park.

Steven Shrybman, the lawyer representing Friends of Lansdowne has said the city acted illegally when it approved the contract.

Last month a court official ruled the city must disclose financial details of the partnership plan, and Friends of Lansdowne said sorting through that information has led to delays and extra work. The group is now seeking donations to help offset costs.

The group had been hoping for a court decision before a hearing of the Ontario Municipal Board slated for May. That hearing will look into zoning approvals needed before work on the project can begin.