Ottawa is one step closer to a new area

Ottawa Senators reach deal to purchase land for new arena at LeBreton Flats. But it's getting a mixed reaction from stakeholders

For 30 years, Sens fans have had to hop on the highway and travel to the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata to watch a game. While it’s been a boost to the suburban businesses, it’s not always the most convenient place for attendees. 

On Monday, the National Capital Commission and Senators announced they have reached a deal to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats near Downtown Ottawa. It comes with the perks of being on the light rail line and in a more central part of the city. 

But progress won’t come fast and there are still a lot more details to work out. We still don’t know much about what the 11-acre parcel sold for, but sources have told the Ottawa Citizen they believe the Senators have agreed to pay about $30 million. 

The new arena will cost an estimated $1.1 billion. A similar arena being built for the Calgary Flames has been priced at $1 billion. 

“We are pleased to reach an agreement of purchase and sale with the NCC to take the next step in this process. There are still many more hurdles to clear and we look forward to working with the NCC and other stakeholders to achieve our shared vision of creating an event centre at LeBreton Flats that can be enjoyed by our Ottawa-Gatineau community,” said Cyril Leeder, president and chief executive officer of the Ottawa Senators.  

Design work, further approvals, and a cleanup of the site are also needed before shovels can go into the ground. 

The NCC said the commitment for a major events centre near downtown would “provide a lively and convenient attraction for residents and visitors, inject new energy and excitement into the core of the Nation’s Capital and further catalyze the development of LeBreton Flats.” 

“This agreement builds on the two previous real estate transactions completed by the NCC since 2022 on the Building LeBreton project that will see over 2000 new housing units along with new retail and commercial spaces built on the site,” said NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum. 

The mixed reaction over a new arena site 

There will be pros and cons to a new downtown arena. Foot traffic will be increased in nearby neighbourhoods like Little Italy and Wellington West, but so too will real estate prices in the area, reported CBC. 

Still, the downtown BIAs expect it will mean a boost in business. On LinkedIn, Jacqueline Belsito, president of the Senators Community Foundation, expressed excitement over what fans can one day expect. 

“Imagine this: walking downtown on a crisp winter night, grabbing dinner, and then joining thousands of fans to watch your favourite team hit the ice,” wrote Belsito. “It will be a major economic driver, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and anchoring growth in the core. A new event centre and arena district will also host concerts, community events, and world-class entertainment, bringing new life, energy, and pride to our downtown.”

The site of a proposed new Ottawa Senators arena. Photo by Charlie Senack.

Questions are also starting to mount over what the current Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata could one day be used for when it’s no longer needed as an NHL hockey arena. Area councillor Allan Hubley has previously said it would make a good entertainment district or theme park. 

“Ottawa is over a million people, we could use a theme park in this area, it would be well supported. Picture a waterslide coming off the fourth level,” Hubley previously told CTV. 

Fans have also suggested it could be used as a casino or a concert venue. 

Whatever happens with the site, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has indicated it will need to benefit the business community in Kanata which will be negatively impacted when the Sens move out. 

Sutcliffe says he is excited for the team to be located downtown, but has indicated the city isn't intending to pick up any part of the bill.  

“I don’t think there is an appetite for public dollars to go into an NHL hockey arena. There are other priorities that we are working on right now to invest in public assets including recreation facilities, including Lansdowne Park, including roads, sidewalks and bike lanes,” Sutcliffe told CTV. 

For now, the Sens have indicated they plan to stay at their current arena for at least another four to six years.