CCN: “The Door is Open” at the New Senators Arena at LeBreton Flats

As the National Capital Commission searches for “bold and transformational” ideas for LeBreton Flats, Project Director LeBreton says the NCC is open to a possible arena for the Ottawa Senators.

“The door is open,” Katie Paris told reporters on Wednesday. “We understand that the Senators owner has been vocal in the media about finding an alternate location for the arena. If he’s interested in it or the Senators interested, then the door is open.

“But we also want to make sure that we continue with this project,” she added. “So we’re looking for other ideas and we want to make sure that we consider all of the ideas before we go ahead. “

LeBreton Plains are federal lands located in central Ottawa, near the Ottawa River. The Senators currently play at the Canadian Tire Center in Kanata, Ont.

The Senators previously planned for a new arena on LeBreton Flats after a site redevelopment bid was granted preferred status in 2016, but a legal dispute between team owner Eugene Melnyk and development partner Trinity Developments has makes plans fail.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, it’s not a priority issue for Melnyk at the moment, but the Senators owner is keeping his options open.

“We’re still open and interested in a new multi-purpose entertainment facility on LeBreton Flats,” Melnyk told Postmedia Thursday in a statement. “And understand how that can benefit our fans and the Ottawa Senators hockey club in general. “