Plans for what's supposed to be a landmark in Ottawa for generations to come, has landed the city in provincial court.
The redevelopment of Lansdowne Park is now before the Ontario Superior Court.
A group called Friends of Lansdowne is behind the court case, which got underway Tuesday and is expected to last two weeks.
The group is fighting to prevent the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park, which includes plans for a revitalized stadium, retail space and housing at the historic site.
The project was approved by council last year, but Friends of Lansdowne argues the city broke the rules when it "sole-sourced" the project to the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG).
"(The city) broke the law. They broke the law on bonusing, they broke the law on purchasing, they broke the law in regards to bad faith," said Doug Ward, of Friends of Lansdowne.
Delaying construction
The legal proceedings are delaying construction. Shovels were supposed to go into the ground this month, but not anymore.
"It is frustrating because, in my opinion, we've lost a season of CFL football, a season NASL soccer, and a year of everything Lansdowne will mean to the city when it's finished," said Jeff Hunt, one of the project's partners.
"When you don't have certainty about a project's go-ahead, you're limited to how much you can do."
OSEG says if Friends of Lansdowne wins the ruling, the group is prepared to walk away from the deal.
Possiblity of an appeal
But if the city wins, Friends of Lansdowne may appeal that decision, which could stall construction for at least another year.
The city told CTV Ottawa on Tuesday that it won't comment on the possibility of an appeal until the judge delivers his ruling.
"Council will consider their options based on the outcome of the court case . . . The City remains confident of their position," the city said in a statement.
Time to move on
People on the streets of Ottawa, though, say it's time to move on.
"Well, I'd like to see something come out of it really soon -- whether it's an MLS team or get the CFL back," one resident told CTV Ottawa.
"I think we should get it done. I think it's time," said another resident.
But another person added: "You shouldn't ever rush something just because it's been stalling for a long time."
A judge is expected to deliver his ruling in late-July or mid-August.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
