Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission (NCC) have reached a milestone in their efforts to build a new NHL arena at LeBreton Flats, signing an agreement in principle for a land sale.
With a goal of creating a vibrant, mixed-use community at LeBreton Flats, the land being sold to the Senators spans approximately four hectares.
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 the area.
The NCC said this agreement also includes building 6,000 new homes, parks and restaurants, creating a mixed-use neighbourhood.
“This agreement with CSDI and the Senators is great news for the National Capital Region. The major events centre and arena district will bring life and excitement to LeBreton Flats,” said Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission. “This partnership will build on the development phases already announced as part of the NCC Building LeBreton project that will see 6000 new housing units with an affordability target of 25 percent.”
Units will be built with a “zero carbon focus” in mind, said Paris, making “the Flats District and Lebreton Flats one of the most sustainable neighborhoods in Canada” and buildings will connect to “a future district energy system” to provide low carbon heating and cooling, she said.
The land sits on traditional Algonquin territory, and some nearby Algonquin First Nations had previously said they were looking to form partnerships around the redevelopment project.
The NCC plans to award a minimum of five per cent of the contracts to Algonquin companies and five per cent of the workforce on the project will be reserved for members of Algonquin First Nations, as well as five-year minimum apprenticeship opportunities.
Paris said designing this phase of LeBreton Flats will continue over the next year while the NCC and the proponents negotiate a ground lease by the end of 2024.
Efforts to bring a new arena to LeBreton Flats have been ongoing since 2022, when CSDI signed a memorandum of understanding with the NCC to work toward this goal. Although the agreement included deadlines, they were extended to facilitate continued negotiations.
“We are pleased to take this next step in the process with the National Capital Commission. 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,” said Cyril Leeder, president and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Senators. “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.”
