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The Ottawa Senators, the leading NHL team, have successfully secured a deal to build a new stadium in the heart of Canada’s capital city. The news came on Friday, following a joint press conference, where it was confirmed that Senators and the National Capital Commission (NCC) have reached an agreement on the development of the LeBreton Flats downtown area, which includes a multi-purpose area and a stadium.
The Land Purchase Deal: An Important Step Towards the Dream
The Senators were able to purchase a 10-hectare site in the LeBreton Flats area, a move that defines a milestone for the organization. The team had previously signed an agreement to work with NCC to develop the area, and the deadline for the agreement was set for Friday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The Senators overcame major hurdles, including an opportunity to buy land instead of leasing it, and an opportunity to secure more than the first six hectares offered by the NCC.
Starting the Next Phase of Development
“This is a great start, but we have a lot of work ahead of us,” commented Cyril Leeder, President and CEO of the Senators. He added that the agreement would pave the way for the “heavy lifting” part of the project, including designing and pricing the new facility.
“It will take years, not months, before we start over,” Leeder admitted.
Long-Awaited Migration From Outskirts to Downtown
The Senators were determined to move from their current location on the outskirts of Ottawa to downtown. Since 1996, they have been playing at the Canadian Tire Center in western Kanata. The 15-mile commute from downtown Ottawa to the Kanata center has been a constant obstacle to attracting spontaneous spectators to the games.
“Downtown areas have become a trend for large facilities, including arenas and stadiums,” Leeder said. It wasn’t like that when we first came here 30 years ago.”
A New Chapter After Past Troubles
The Senators’ journey to the new stadium has not been without its hitches. A previous redevelopment deal for LeBreton Flats, led by former owner Eugene Melnyk, fell through in 2019 due to disagreements with business partner John Ruddy. After Melnyk’s death in 2022, his family sold the team to Michael Andlauer the following year. Now, with this new deal, the Senators are ready to write a new chapter in their history.
