Lansdowne Park is a urban park, historic sports, exhibition and entertainment facility in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, owned by the City of Ottawa. It is located on Bank Street adjacent to the Rideau Canal in The Glebe neighbourhood of central Ottawa. Lansdowne Park contains the TD Place Stadium and Arena complex (formerly Frank Clair Stadium and the Ottawa Civic Centre, respectively), the Aberdeen Pavilion, and the Horticulture Building. In 2012, the park began a major redevelopment. The stadium complex were partially rebuilt and major retail and residential developments were added to the site. Along the Rideau Canal, the open space which used to be parking was converted into an urban park with green space and recreation facilities. Parking for the site was relocated underground. Basketball courts, a skate park, and water features were also constructed. History In 1847, the then Bytown was deeded acres by the government of the Province of Canada, and acquired another bought from owners over several years, to make up the initial grounds of what is now called Lansdowne Park. Two notable exhibitions occurred prior to the first Central Canada Exhibition. In 1875, the City of Ottawa hosted the thirtieth annual Exhibition of the Provincial Agricultural and Arts Association. In 1877 an exhibition included the first public demonstration of the telephone in Canada. A third provincial exhibition was held at Lansdowne in 1879. In order to provide sufficient space for subsequent fairs, the City acquired more of Lansdowne and the buildings that were there in 1883 for $25,000. The Central Canada Exhibition Association was formed in 1888 and the site witnessed many improvements, including the erection of a new Horticultural Hall and Grandstand. The first Central Canada Exhibition opened on 20 September 1888 and was held annually until 2010. In 1890 the park was named for the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1883 to 1888. The Aberdeen Pavilion has figured prominently in military matters: troops of Lord Strathcona's Horse were encamped there during the Boer War; the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry mustered there before being sent to France in the First World War; and during World War II it served as an induction centre for thousands of Canadian troops heading overseas and was the home to The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards). In 1947, the Marian Congress was held at Lansdowne Park from June 18