A new sports arena at LeBreton Flats would be a catalyst for revitalization, the Downtown BIA executive director says.
In a statement on Monday, the National Capital Commission announced it would sell about 11 acres at LeBreton Flats to Capital Sports Development, which represents the Ottawa Senators. The NCC described the agreement as a “key step in bringing a major events centre and arena district, including mixed-use development, to LeBreton Flats.”
The agreement allows the process of building a new home for the Senators at LeBreton Flats to begin. The NCC said the next steps will include various zoning, design and other approvals as well as the decontamination of the former industrial land.
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Kevin McHale, executive director of the Downtown BIA, said Tuesday he was excited to hear that the sale had been finalized.
“It’s been a long time coming. Some people may say it’s 40 years too late but it’s a major investment in the downtown area. It’ll be a real beautiful anchor at LeBreton Flats, along with all the other housing and amenities being built down there,” he told OBJ.
Calling the future arena and entertainment district “a boon for businesses,” McHale said it would benefit businesses not only within his BIA, but also Little Italy, Chinatown and the rest of downtown.
In a statement, the Ottawa Board of Trade said that, “This announcement marks a major step forward in realizing the long-held vision for the development of LeBreton Flats as a transformative economic driver for Ottawa – one that will create thousands of jobs and attract significant investment to our city.”
Jacqueline Belsito, president of the Senators Community Foundation, posted a reaction on LinkedIn. “Imagine this: walking downtown on a crisp winter night, grabbing dinner, and then joining thousands of fans to watch your favorite team hit the ice. It will be a major economic driver, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and anchoring growth in the core. A new event centre and arena district will also host concerts, community events, and world-class entertainment bringing new life, energy, and pride to our downtown.”
But with a new arena not expected to open for years, McHale said he’s cautiously optimistic about its impact.
“It’ll just be an opportunity for people to hang out (at) the office a little longer. (It will be) increasing the time people spend downtown (and) increasing the number of people coming downtown,” McHale said, adding that out-of-town visitors may be more likely to stay longer.
SabriNa Lemay, executive director of Centretown BIA, said that while there are some challenges ahead, like issues around car traffic, the project will help the downtown core thrive.
“We are so thrilled to … have a staple like that so close to downtown. It’s only going to drive more traffic downtown,” she said. “I keep telling everyone (that) there’s no better time to invest in Centretown (and) downtown as a whole, because you’re a part of a collective change. There’s a big turnover happening and it’s very exciting.”
With a new entertainment district at LeBreton acting “as a marker of investment in the core space,” McHale said it could encourage other businesses to establish roots in the downtown.
“It’s a great opportunity for private-sector investment in the downtown area. We’re hopeful that this kicks off property owners and business owners or potential future owners to think about bringing their business downtown,” he said.
As Ottawa looks to revitalize its downtown, McHale said an arena will be a catalyst for change.
“There (have) been many things that we’ve been sitting here and waiting for. There’s been a hurry-up-and-wait approach to some projects … There’s going to be a hotel as part of this (project) and I think there’s an opportunity for downtown hotels to reinvigorate and reinvest in themselves,” he said, adding that the drive for change could also extend to office buildings, restaurants, retail and parking lots.
