Senators reach land deal for new arena

NHL franchise the Ottawa Senators have taken a key step forward in their long-term pursuit of a new arena through the announcement of a land deal.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Capital Sports Development (CSDI), the company leading the project for the Senators, have announced an agreement in principle regarding the sale of land to bring a major events centre and arena district to LeBreton Flats.

The two parties said the 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.

Friday’s announcement came amid the impending expiry of a pact signed in June 2022. At that time, the development of a new arena returned to the table years after the collapse of a previous proposal in acrimonious circumstances, after CSDI was chosen to develop land at the LeBreton Flats area of the city.

CSDI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NCC, the Crown corporation responsible for development, urban planning, and conservation in Canada’s Capital Region, which focused on the development of a major event centre at LeBreton Flats surrounded by mixed-use development.

In September 2023, Toronto billionaire Michael Andlauer completed his acquisition of the Senators, promising to listen to fans when deciding on a location for a potential new home arena. Andlauer celebrated his one-year anniversary in charge on Saturday, with the Senators’ new owner having been granted time to analyse what a new arena would look like and need to deliver on.

While the NCC and CSDI said Friday’s announcement marks an important milestone, the two parties acknowledged that there is still significant work ahead. With the start of the due diligence period, the NCC and CSDI will now work together to outline next steps and project timelines.

Cyril Leeder, president and CEO of the Ottawa Senators, said: “Our ultimate desire is to build a world-class, multi-event centre in the heart of Ottawa-Gatineau that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Today represents an important step towards achieving that goal and we are committed to working with the NCC and other key stakeholders to make this a reality.”

Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission, added: “The major events centre and arena district will bring life and excitement to LeBreton Flats. This partnership will build on the development phases already announced as part of the NCC Building LeBreton project that will see 6,000 new housing units with an affordability target of 25%.”

The Senators have played at their current Canadian Tire Centre home since the arena opened in 1996.