It seems that with every passing month there is another obstacle added to the list of things Jeff Hunt and Co. need to tackle in order to get football back in the nation's capital. Frustration in the front office must be at an all time high, as this week it was announced that the soil within the Lansdowne Park was contaminated (Soil contamination article). This now has to be all removed before they even start to think of replacing the field. Though the 2014 schedule is still on track, you have to think with developments like this what else is there (though I remain fully optimistic that the project will get done on time)!
The other hurdle that Hunt still needs to get through is the nagging case with the "Friends of Lansdowne" (FOL). This organization came into the Ottawa football scene months ago, as they see the contract Hunt was awarded by Ottawa city council as illegitimate due to improper procurement procedures. Months ago they lost their case against city council. However, they've decided they don't think this issue is dead yet. The FOL now have an appeal hearing on November 28th, where they will state their case... again... on why the Jeff Hunt's team should not have won the redevelopment of Lansdowne contract (Ottawa Citizen article). This to me feels like they are beating around a dead horse.
Unfortunately, this organization seems to be garnering a lot more public interest these days as recent FOL meetings have brought in hundreds of Ottawa citizens to hear out their case. Though getting lots of people doesn't necessarily equal public support, it at least is getting their name out there. As the old adage goes, there is no such thing as "bad" publicity, and I'm sure the FOL will take anything they can get. The FOL from their meetings have listed how much in terms of donations they have been receiving. Their last meeting they managed to raise $5000... though that seems like a lot of dough, in the legal lawyer world, that sum would be swallowed up within a couple days work. Which begs the true question, where are the FOL getting most of their cash support? Are the chair people funding most of their aims through their own pockets? What’s in it for them? Questions to think about.
On a positive note the renewing of Lansdowne field will truly start to commence on November 7th! The department of Public Affairs for the City of Ottawa most recently announced they had selected a company to complete the demolishment of the South Side stands of Frank Clair Stadium (They were half removed in 2008). This is at least one less obstacle Hunt needs to worry about. What's more is that the contract awarded was won on a budget of close to $1 million less than expected (City of Ottawa Presser). For people who know government... this is almost unheard of, hopefully this bid stays true to its original pricing scope!
There still seems like there is a rocky road ahead on seeing football in Ottawa again. However, there is still buzz on the project. People and fans are still interested and excited to see what's going to come in the short months ahead. Will the soil contamination be a bigger deal? Will FOL win their appeal and cause more havoc? To me, if I were running the upcoming franchise, I would try to install confidence. Give the fans a tidbit for things to come. Why not have a name/logo contest? Or a Rough Riders/ Renegades alumni party? Just something to give back to the fans to let them know that things are being taken care of and not to worry!
CFL in Ottawa for 2014! I still believe... let's get it "done" (right)!
