Ottawa Senators Secure Land Deal at LeBreton Flats for New Arena

The Ottawa Senators have reached a significant agreement to purchase 10 acres of land from the National Capital Commission (NCC) to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats, as announced during a news conference held by NCC chief executive Tobi Nussbaum on Friday. Capital Sports Development Inc. (CSDI), which represents the Senators, has agreed in principle to purchase the land at a fair market value. This marks a crucial step forward in the team’s longstanding effort to relocate closer to Ottawa’s downtown core.

Cyril Leeder, the CEO of the Senators, indicated that, while design work for the arena has yet to commence, construction would be a matter of “years, not months” before breaking ground. Leeder also mentioned that they anticipate taking ownership of the land within the coming year, acknowledging the significant work still required, including soil remediation and environmental studies, before finalizing the deal.

The announcement was met with optimism, but both the NCC and CSDI noted ongoing negotiations, particularly with the Algonquin Nation, to ensure the Nation’s involvement and benefit from this development. The NCC aims to create a dynamic, mixed-use community at LeBreton Flats, including more than 6,000 new housing units, with 25% designated as affordable housing.

The exclusive 10 acres for the Senators’ arena surpasses the initial estimate of six to seven acres, necessary due to modern arenas requiring more comprehensive facilities and larger loading docks. Leeder stated, “Today’s arenas, you need a little more space,” highlighting the advancements in arena design and infrastructure.

There is currently no fixed budget for the arena, though previous estimates by Leeder placed the cost between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion. He emphasized that the burden on taxpayers would not align with traditional funding models, which often do not rely on public finances in Canada. Ottawa’s Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed his approval via social media, underscoring the economic potential this project holds for the city.

The NCC will retain a pivotal role in overseeing the broader LeBreton Flats development, ensuring co-operation and alignment across multiple projects. This development promises to inject new energy into the LeBreton Flats area, which has remained largely undeveloped for several decades. The expectation is also to attract more events, particularly those that cater to Ottawa’s bilingual and multicultural identity.