Lebreton lawsuit: Project manager refutes Melnyk allegations

OTTAWA • Graham Bird, the president of a firm consulting for Rendezvous Lebreton Group, has denied allegations made by Eugene Melnyk’s company, which filed a $700-million lawsuit related to the Lebreton Flats redevelopment in downtown Ottawa.

Bird, who released a written statement Tuesday, said the claims “are entirely false and will be vigorously defended.”

Capital Sports Management Inc., whose parent company also owns the Ottawa Senators, filed the lawsuit last Friday, alleging Trinity Developments and Bird used the Lebreton Flats project to benefit the Trinity-involved mixed-use complex planned for nearby 900 Albert St.

Bird and his GBA Development and Project Management firm are named as defendants, along with Trinity-related companies and Trinity founder John Ruddy.

Melnyk and Ruddy are the main business partners in Rendezvous Lebreton Group.

“We have worked so hard, along with so many team members, and those at the National Capital Commission and the City of Ottawa. We are ready, willing and able to proceed with the LeBreton Flats development,” Bird said.

“As a lifelong resident of Ottawa, I remain committed to the redevelopment of Le- Breton Flats and the transformation of our downtown core. My firm is committed to working to restore the historic landmark of Lebreton, to stop the leaching of contaminants into the Ottawa River, and to continue pursuing the right solution with willing partners including the National Capital Commission.”

Ruddy has also denied the allegations.

None of the allegations in the lawsuit has been tested in court.