Ottawa Senators, National Capital Commission agree to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats
CTV
Agreement in principle has been reached to build a new NHL arena at LeBreton Flats has been reached between the Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission (NCC), the two sides announced Friday.
An agreement has been reached that will allow the Ottawa Senators to build for a new NHL arena at LeBreton Flats.
After more than two years of talks, National Capital Commission CEO Tobi Nussbaum announced Friday that an agreement in principle has been reached with Capital Sports Development Inc. (CDSI) and the NCC.
Nussbaum said the NCC had initially 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 Sentaors will be buying is "just over 10 acres."
"Today's arena, you need a little more space, said Senators president Cyril Leeder. "This will allow us to have a site we can design around."
Leeder said design work has yet to begin, meaning a timeline for building the new arena is not available today.
"It will be years, not months, before shovels are in the ground," he said.
"While today’s announcement marks an important milestone, the NCC and CSDI acknowledge 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," the Senators said in a news release Friday. "Negotiations are also ongoing between the NCC and the Algonquin Nation to ensure the Nation secures short and long-term benefits and is a true partner in what promises to be a transformational opportunity for Canada’s capital."
