FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2010

Friends of Lansdowne are disappointed with Council's decision to proceed with the Lansdowne Partnership Plan despite the strong opposition by so many citizens and a growing number of community associations across the city and in rural wards.

The biggest losers in this decision are City Council and city government. The 15-9 vote demonstrates a deep divide in city governance with nearly all councillors in the suburban and rural wards voting in favour while councillors in the inner core wards voted against.

Lansdowne is no longer a city building project which brings people together but one that divides us.

The Friends of Lansdowne believes that Council's decision to proceed on a sole source basis is deeply flawed. Spending $175 million dollars of taxpayers’ money without proper review processes is contrary to the principles of good governance. Moreover, taxes will rise once the city borrows $119 million or more for the project. With this Lansdowne decision, many citizens will lose confidence and trust in their elected representatives.

Nothing will actually be done at Lansdowne for some time after the next municipal election.

We call on citizens to become further informed on the details and to consider whom to vote for in the upcoming election.

For further information see the Lets Get It Right website at www.letsgetitright.ca

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Media contacts:

Bob Brocklebank 613 600-8713

Will Murray 613 867-2992