[jt-mtl]

I agree...Though I am happy to see these kinds of developments, I would have preferred the new arena was in its original place, at the corner of Montcalm and Wellington to create a downtown vibrancy.

I think they decided to put it where it is because:

1. They want to rejuvenate that area of the city, hopefuly spurning more residential development in that are. You can already see a block away (on Carillon and Allumetieres), they have a condo/aprtment complex going up.

2. Easy access for cars/roadie trucks to get out, with the entrance to highway 50 right there, and for people who want to head back to Ottawa (via the bridge or highway 5).

3. And third, it still closer for Ottawa downtown folk to attend an event there, than Kanata or the RA Centre. If anything, this new building should attract more events than just the hockey games. I think that's why they are branding it a multifunctional centre rather tham just an arena.


One thing I love in the renders, is how they have the natural light coming into the arena...hopefully that will part of the new building.