Agreement reached at last minute for new NHL arena!
Today was the deadline and it looks like the build will get done:
The Ottawa Senators have made it happen at the last minute. On Friday, which was the deadline to reach an agreement, the Senators have a deal in place with the National Capital Commission (NCC) to build a new NHL arena – technically an events centre – at LeBreton Flats. LeBreton Flats is located just two kilometres (or 1.24 miles) southwest of Parliament Hill and three kilometres southwest of the ByWard Market.
Wayne Scanlan at Sportsnet has reported that the agreement has been reached and will be explained this afternoon in a news conference.
Some details of the pact are expected to be revealed in the presser. We are likely to find out that there are still several more steps that must be completed before shovels are in the ground.
One issue in reaching a deal had been linked to the parking, which has been a priority for owner Michael Andlauer. However, once the news broke, it was reported by TSN 1200 that the parking issue has been resolved, the parcel of land has been extended and the Senators have an option to buy the land and not lease it .
On several previous attempts, the Canadian franchise has sought an arena near the downtown core under the previous ownership of Eugene Melnyk. Now owner Michael Andlauer has been working had on securing a new arena deal for his team and had praised LeBreton Flats as “the best piece of land available in any major city in North America” during an introductory press conference.
Since 1996, the Senators have played its home games at the Canadian Tire Centre in rural Kanata - about 27 kilometres west of downtown Ottawa.
Today is a step in the right direction for the team’s future and the city.
