OTTAWA, June 24, 2022 – It has been talked about for many years but it’s looking like the Ottawa Senators may eventually be moving to the downtown core. The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Capital Sports Development Inc. (CSDI), a group led by the Ottawa Senators NHL hockey team, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) toward the development of a major event centre at LeBreton Flats. This initiative will bring a significant and exciting venue to one of Canada’s premier city-building projects.
CSDI is proposing to build an NHL hockey arena and events venue surrounded by mixed-use development, located on Albert Street between Preston Street and City Centre Avenue.
This site was identified for a potential major facility in the 2021 LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan, reflecting the feedback of the more than 5,000 people who participated in public consultations during the creation of the Master Concept Plan. CSDI’s concept for an arena facility is still in the very early stages, and will be developed further over the coming months.
The plan envisions a place that is pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, surrounded by lively and active parks and plazas, including the dynamic Aqueduct District, the Ottawa riverfront and a large destination park. A diverse residential community will be supported by retail and employment opportunities, capitalizing on direct access to two O-Train stations.
While CSDI works to further elaborate on their concept and create an implementation plan, on the basis of the MOU, the NCC and CSDI will also work toward the goal of signing a long-term lease agreement by the fall of 2023. That lease agreement will include commercial terms, as well as clear targets related to sustainability, affordable housing and benefits for the Algonquin Nation. In parallel, CSDI will also work with the City of Ottawa to secure the required municipal approvals.
Districts
LeBreton Flats will contain four districts, each with unique features.
Aqueduct District
The heart of LeBreton Flats — a vibrant cultural hub and entertainment district spilling out onto public space along the two historic aqueducts.
Flats District
A predominantly residential community defined by intimate, pedestrian-oriented streets and a variety of housing types.
Albert District
A mixed-use neighbourhood anchored by the future Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility to the east and a potential event centre or major facility to the west, the Albert District provides space for homes and offices, as well as shops and services along Albert Street.
Parks District
A series of park spaces combining the community’s industrial heritage with its defining natural elements, creating a unique experience that will draw visitors from near and far to the western end of the community.
KEY FACTS
- CSDI’s proposal was presented with the support of these world-class firms:
- Sterling Project Development (SPD), a real estate management and advisory group experienced in working with professional sports teams on sports facilities and mixed-use development. SPD recently completed UBS Arena, the new home of the New York Islanders NHL franchise.
- Populous, a global design firm that has designed major sports facilities, such as Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Vidéotron Centre in Québec City, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
- Tipping Point Sports, a boutique sports finance and advisory firm focusing on transformational public–private partnerships for sports-anchored, mixed-use developments.
- Live Nation, a world-leading entertainment company that produces concerts and festivals.
- The NCC’s request for expressions of interest to seek major attractions at LeBreton Flats was launched in December 2021, and attracted multiple submissions. After careful review with the intent of securing a feasible and successful project, CSDI was identified as the preferred proponent.
- The development site identified in CSDI’s proposal is located between the Bayview and Pimisi O-Train stations, within a five- to 10-minute walk of either station. It is a short distance to downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, Canada’s Parliament Buildings, the Canadian War Museum, and a wide range of local amenities.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant move toward our long-term vision, a downtown arena at LeBreton Flats,” said Anthony LeBlanc, Capital Sports Development Inc. “We believe that this development will have a major impact on both the National Capital Region and our franchise, one that will help to shape the future of the city. We thank the NCC for their collaboration, and look forward to working alongside them as we take the next steps on this exciting journey,” said LeBlanc.
No timeline for the project has been announced but the video suggests the entire development of LeBreton Flats could be a 30-year process.
SOURCE notes National Capital Commission
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