Auditor General Tables Follow-Up Report on the Audit of Lansdowne Sprint 1

Ottawa – Today, Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon tabled her Follow-up - Audit of Lansdowne Sprint 1 report (“the report”), a follow-up to her June 2024 report, Agile Audit of Lansdowne 2.0 – Sprint 1 Financial Due Diligence (“2024 Audit”).  While the report confirmed that the actions taken by the City of Ottawa (“the City”) are consistent with the commitments made in the 2024 Audit, the report raises both new and ongoing risks associated with the Lansdowne 2.0 Redevelopment (“Lansdowne 2.0”). 

The report noted that the City has included a contingency allowance as part of the Lansdowne 2.0 construction cost, which is consistent with City Policy and industry standards for regular projects. Mme. Gougeon highlights that the contingency may not be sufficient to cover all potential unforeseen costs, given the size, duration, and interdependencies associated with the project as well as the current economic uncertainty.  

The Auditor General further highlighted risks associated with the various funding sources earmarked to cover the cost of the project and that some of these funding sources could be considered opportunity costs. 

The report also flagged risks with the financial assumptions supporting the financial projections associated with the Partnership Agreement with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), particularly with the Ottawa Redblacks future revenues and expenses. There are a number of uncertainties that could significantly impact returns to the City over the life of the Partnership Agreement. 

Three recommendations were issued as part of this follow-up report. 

A full copy of the Follow-up: Lansdowne 2.0 Sprint 1 report is available on the Auditor General’s website.  

For more information: 
613 580-9602 
OAG@ottawa.ca