Senators, NCC strike tentative deal for new arena at LeBreton Flats

The Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission say they've reached an "agreement in principle" to bring a new NHL arena and major events centre to LeBreton Flats.

Senators president Cyril Leeder and NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum made the announcement Friday afternoon at the Canadian Tire Centre.

"This agreement reflects a shared vision to create a new vibrant and sustainable mixed-use community at LeBreton Flats and a premier destination for residents and visitors," according to a news release that accompanied the announcement.

Both the NCC and Capital Sports and Development Inc. (CDSI), the corporation representing the Senators in the project, "acknowledge that there is still significant work ahead," according to the statement.

Nussbaum said the NCC had originally envisioned a long-term lease, but through negotiation agreed to sell the land to the Ottawa Senators at fair market value. He said the parcel of land the being transferred is about four hectares in size.

Leeder acknowledged it will take years to get shovels in the ground, but called the agreement the first step in a "complex process."

Without a financial plan or detailed design plans, the NCC and CSDI said they will collaborate on the next steps to establish a more concrete project schedule.

Ongoing efforts to build a new arena on LeBreton Flats got a boost when Michael Andlauer bought the team last year. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has also promoted the project as a way of revitalizing Ottawa's downtown.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, left, and Ottawa Senators Owner Michael Andlauer, right, speak at Ottawa city hall on Oct. 19, 2023. (Francis Ferland/CBC)

In 2022, Senators-led Capital Sports Development Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with the NCC to work toward bringing an arena to the largely vacant area just west of Ottawa's downtown core.

The agreement came with built-in deadlines, but those were extended to allow negotiations to continue.

It's not clear what portion of the anticipated $1-billion project will be borne by the city and its taxpayers. Other questions, such as how Ottawa's beleaguered LRT service will serve a new entertainment district, remain to be answered.

A rebuilding Senators franchise is preparing for their upcoming NHL season with hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Residents who have seen plans for a new arena come and go will likely be wary of this latest development.

Like other Canadian NHL teams including Edmonton and Calgary, the Senators are hoping a new arena will coincide with success on the ice.