Recently, a proposed plan to redevelop Ottawa's Lansdowne Park by turning it over to private developers was made public. The plan was developed behind closed doors between the mayor and three prominent developers. Proponents of plan say it's a great way for the city to go from losing $1.5 million per year on Lansdowne, to making $15 million a year in tax revenue. They also claim this is the only way to pay for desperately needed repairs and upgrades to the park's Frank Clair Stadium. They say their plan includes green space and some retail operations.

But this means turning the public space over to private hands, an unacceptable outcome for many. Fred Kent is the President of Project for Public Spaces, a not-for-profit organization hired by municipalities to oversee the revitalization of public spaces.

I interviewed Mr. Kent on his concerns with how the bottom line is being measured in this case. He offers some suggested used of the area, most notably stating that to be successful, the park must have many smaller functions. We also address the difference between green spaces, and public gathering spaces dotted with activities. One is nice, but boring. The other works best.