Ottawa Senators Move Toward New Arena Development at LeBreton Flats

The Ottawa Senators are advancing their plans for a new arena at LeBreton Flats, marking a significant step towards rejuvenating the area. The proposed development includes not only a National Hockey League (NHL) rink but also a hotel, restaurants, and residential units, with projections estimating around 2,000 condos. This initiative aims to transform LeBreton Flats into a vibrant, multi-use community, reminiscent of its historical roots as a bustling working-class neighbourhood.

Historically, LeBreton Flats was a tight-knit community, home to about 2,800 residents, shops, and industrial sites, including a railway and a paint factory. In the 1960s, the federal government, citing urban renewal, expropriated the area, displacing its inhabitants and demolishing the neighbourhood. The National Capital Commission (NCC) had originally promised to develop a Department of National Defence complex on the site, a project that ultimately did not materialize.

As discussions about the new arena progress, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it “one step in a long process toward building an arena in the centre of the city.” There are still many details to finalize, but city officials view the development as a positive development for both the Senators and the broader community.

Meetings between Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden, and the Senators have focused on the project’s infrastructure. Lumsden, who has a background as a professional athlete, expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the new facility: “This new facility is going to be great for the city — not just for Ottawa Senators fans but for downtown businesses, restaurants, and hotels that will benefit from this fresh boost to the Ottawa sports tourism sector.”

In September 2023, an agreement in principle was reached between the Senators and the NCC regarding the purchase of the land. The recent news indicates a settlement on the price for the 11 acres at approximately $35 million, according to Postmedia. However, several steps remain before the deal is finalized, particularly concerning financing. The Senators’ owner, Michael Andlauer, has indicated that public funding will be essential for the project to proceed.

The financial aspect of such developments is significant; for context, the new arena for the Calgary Flames cost approximately $1.22 billion, with funding shared between the city, provincial government, and the team’s ownership. In addition to financial considerations, environmental issues must be addressed, such as the contaminated soil on the site, which requires careful management under government regulations.

Questions also linger regarding the future of the Canadian Tire Centre, the Senators’ current home located in Kanata. Mayor Sutcliffe noted the importance of having a plan for that site if the team relocates downtown. He stated, “If someday there is no longer an event centre on that site, there must be a plan for that site that continues to stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

The development of LeBreton Flats aims to create a destination that incorporates not only the new arena but also hotels, restaurants, and a significant number of residential units, with a commitment to include 25 percent affordable housing. While the exact affordability of these units remains unclear, the NCC has outlined a master plan that includes the closure of the Preston Street extension, replacing it with local roads and providing pedestrian and cycling access.

In terms of financing public infrastructure for the new rink, Premier Doug Ford has yet to make a public commitment regarding Ontario’s financial support for the Ottawa project. This has led to speculation about whether taxpayers’ money will contribute to the construction costs, a topic that Mayor Sutcliffe has addressed directly. He expressed doubt about the public’s willingness to finance a new rink for a successful NHL franchise, citing various priorities that the city is currently managing.

As the project moves forward, it appears that major community events like Bluesfest will remain unaffected. The festival, according to its founder Mark Monahan, is situated away from the proposed arena site. Monahan expressed enthusiasm for the potential developments in LeBreton Flats, indicating a mutual interest in revitalizing the area.

While the Senators’ arena project is a step toward modernizing Ottawa’s sporting landscape, it comes with complexities regarding financing and community impact. The NCC has characterized the agreement with the Senators as a significant milestone, signaling momentum for a project that aims to reshape LeBreton Flats into a thriving urban space.