Ottawa- In a “hand off” of sorts, Mayor Jim Watson gave the Lansdowne redevelopment project to the Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group on Thursday afternoon.

While there has already been work done at the site, like tearing down the stands, the formal signing ceremony marked the first official stage of construction.

“I know that … all of our partners in Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group that are here with us today are prepared to take the ball over the line to remake, revitalize, restore this site,” said Mayor Jim Watson, at the announcement outside Frank Clair Stadium.

Watson presented the OSEG with a golden shovel, to represent the official kick off to the construction project and hopefully the kick off to the CFL in 2014.

The mayor said he’s very focused on keeping the project on time and budget, in order to be ready for the 2014 season.

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon announced Wednesday that the capital is on track to join the league in 2014, as a ninth team.

After the announcement, Watson noted it was football season and took to the field with Councillor Maria McRae to toss a football back and forth.