Following months of speculation, the Ottawa Senators have been granted “preferred bidder” status by the NCC for the LeBreton Flats parcel of land.
The NCC board of directors were informed Thursday morning that the NHL club, and their proposed new arena vision for the downtown piece of property had entered into an agreement in principle with the commission.
In addition to the Senators, Sterling Project Development, Popolous, Tipping Point Sports, and Live Nation, were also named as partners in the new deal. Based on the timeline provided by NCC staff, construction on the project could begin as early as 2024.
While residents of the area were not consulted on the 2022 decision, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum noted in April that residents had already voiced their opinion on what they’d like to see for the area in a public consultation back in 2019.
The deal marks the 2nd time the NCC has elected to enter into an agreement with Capital Sports & Entertainment after the original “RendezVous LeBreton” plan was chosen several years prior. That deal, struck between then owner Eugene Melnyk and John Ruddy, ultimately fell apart and spawned a very public and litigious fallout in early 2019.
Since then, ideas regarding the future of the Senators arena ranged from renewed efforts to revitalize the LeBreton concept, to refurbishing the existing arena, and even possible relocation of the team. The latter of which was quickly shot down by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and largely chalked up as a ploy to gain leverage by Melnyk.
The proximity to the downtown core of LeBreton, located just a short walk from Parliament Hill, has long been an enticing location for Ottawa’s largest pro-sports franchise. With light rail lines already in place, and Gatineau a stone’s throw away, fans are already buzzing at the thought of a downtown arena.
The oft maligned Kanata location has been convenient for those in the city’s west end, however has drawn the ire of most of the fanbase in other areas of Ottawa. A centrally located arena, and the subsequent boon for local businesses in close proximity to it, will go a long way towards shaking the “boring” title that non-residents have often associated with the nation’s capital.
Additional details surrounding the project are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner