Building LeBreton Flats - Master Planning

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by SL123

Man if this thing actually happy it will be the last piece of the puzzle to finally see Ottawa look and act like a real city. Would be completely game changer for both Downtown Ottawa and Downtown Hull in this location.

I can't believe we are within a couple of weeks of one of the most defining moments of this city's history. Heady Times.

[J.OT13]

Sounds like they've settled on the amount of land the Sens would be getting, so that's no longer an issue.

Leeder says the negotiations are focusing on more than just the size of the available land for an arena.

"It's more complicated than that. That's not the only issue in terms of the size of the parcels (of land). If that was the only issue, I think we would have solved that a long time ago."

Based on this quote, I gather that the Sens want to be able to build a temporary parking lot, maybe surface or a cheap parking garage like the Rideau Centre, while they build out the Arena District with permanent (and probably less) underground parking, and maybe while the City and RTG "fix" the O-Train.

"Initially, you're going to need some parking on a LeBreton site."

"Initially (the NCC) thought well you don't need any parking – it's going to be a public transit site. We all agree on that. Again, it's just how do you get there transitionally," Leeder said, noting LeBreton Flats will eventually be built up with housing and other buildings.

This could include the parks district as swing space and/or reopening Preston extension for a few years. Pure speculation on my part.

"I think over the last year when we've been discussing this with them, they've really come to appreciate it – look, we need some parking. It's going to be a transitional process until the site gets fully built out and I think we've made progress on that particular issue."

I'm usually very much opposed to surface parking, but to get a deal like this across the finish line, having a surface parking for 10-15 years could be an acceptable compromise. More so if it's a parking garage.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Based on this quote, I gather that the Sens want to be able to build a temporary parking lot, maybe surface or a cheap parking garage like the Rideau Centre, while they build out the Arena District with permanent (and probably less) underground parking, and maybe while the City and RTG "fix" the O-Train.

To hell with that. Let them satisfy their surface parking fetish and stay in West March, if that's their holdup.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Based on this quote, I gather that the Sens want to be able to build a temporary parking lot, maybe surface or a cheap parking garage like the Rideau Centre, while they build out the Arena District with permanent (and probably less) underground parking, and maybe while the City and RTG "fix" the O-Train.

Too often something they call temporary becomes permanent!

[Tesladom]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

No, that's not accurate. It's tide for 10th with six other arenas. We could say 9th if we consider the billion dollar work on MSG as a "new" arena.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Hockey_League_arenas

If the "Palladium" or CTC was originally built near downtown, I doubt we would be having this conversation. Nothing wrong with the building itself, or nothing a little lipstick won't fix.
It's not like they are having the same discussion with United Center in Chicago (at least I don't think?), although having been there for a game, the area is pretty sketchy after the game

[ponyboycurtis]

In true Ottawa fashion we should build half an arena... maybe just the lower bowl. In 10 years we can ask for more money to build the other half.

Kidding aside this arena NEEDS to happen for Lebreton Flats and the aquaduct district and all that to be fully realized. A proper continuous connection filled with lots of humans spanning from Dows Lake to Zibi and arguably through Wellington/Sparks and into the market is a dream I hope we fulfill.

All of Ottawas urban points of interest are fragmented from each other. I think of it in this way, hold up your hand.. and spread your fingers out. When you walk along the few interesting urban main streets we have you are basically just walking away from other areas of interest.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Tesladom

If the "Palladium" or CTC was originally built near downtown, I doubt we would be having this conversation. Nothing wrong with the building itself, or nothing a little lipstick won't fix.
It's not like they are having the same discussion with United Center in Chicago (at least I don't think?), although having been there for a game, the area is pretty sketchy after the game

Agreed, the building isn't bad at all, and I'll always support renovation over replacement when reasonable.

I don't know about Chicago (with its surface parking nightmare), but Toronto and Montreal teams have made significant investments in modernizing their respective buildings.

[zzptichka]

They did an ESA a month ago for the park (and forgot to remove the sign).

Interesting that they chose to manufacture an actual sign for something this unimportant (actually at least two, there was one like that in French next to it). Kinda wasteful if you ask me, especially when we are looking for "inefficiencies"

[LRTeverywhere]

Really doesn't take much to make a sign when I'm sure the city already has a sign shop (at least OCT does anyways). And the metal can be recycled for other signs as well (if they dont forget the sign ).

Our pathway detour information is usually quite lacking so clear consise information about this closure was nice to see. If anything we should be doing this type of thing more.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by LRTeverywhere

Our pathway detour information is usually quite lacking so clear consise information about this closure was nice to see. If anything we should be doing this type of thing more.

Yup. For the counter situation, see the signage at the Kichi Sipi station, which, unless it's changed since last week, makes it seem as if the newly-opened crossing at the station itself is actually closed.

[rocketphish]

Senators owner Michael Andlauer 'hopeful' for a rink deal at LeBreton Flats

Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Citizen
Published Sep 09, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 4 minute read

If you build it, they will come.

And Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is confident his team will be able to get a lease agreement in place with the National Capital Commission to build a new rink at LeBreton Flats with a Sept. 20 deadline looming large and the clock ticking fast.

“I am hopeful (the lease will get done). But that’s just the first piece,” Andlauer told the Postmedia in a brief discussion before teeing off in the club’s charity golf tournament Monday at The Marshes in Kanata.

“Like I said before, everybody wants it and, like I said before, it has to be on the terms of the fans. That’s all I’m asking for.”

As Postmedia reported Thursday, sources say the Senators and representatives of the NCC finally have traction in their discussions towards getting an all-important lease agreement in place.

Andlauer made a point to say he’s not looking for special treatment from the NCC or the city of Ottawa and just wants to do what’s best for the fans so that the club can take another step into building a new rink.

“I’m not asking for a discount, I’m not asking for a special privilege like others may have in the past,” Andlauer added. “All I’m asking that they do what’s fair. Ultimately, our fans are the taxpayers and they’re the ones that if they want it, then we’ve gotta (get it done).

“I’m hopeful and I’m trying to be as open and transparent as possible (about the process) and I’m asking the city and the NCC to do the same.”

Andlauer wants the Senators to be a regional team and the proximity of LeBreton Flats to Gatineau will help sell this club on the other side of the Ottawa River. Later this month, the Senators will hold their annual Black and White intra-squad game at the Slush Puppie Center in Gatineau.

We’ve reached the 11th hour between the Senators and the NCC, which means both sides will act in their own best interests. The National Hockey League club has stated it wants a new arena on the site and the NCC signed an memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Senators in June 2022.

The two sides hoped to have a deal by last fall, but when Andlauer took over as the owner last September, he asked NCC chief executive officer Tobi Nussbaum for a one-year extension to study the MOU and to assemble a team to work with the NCC.

The NCC confirmed to Postmedia again Monday that it’s continuing discussions and is willing make changes to the MOU in an an attempt to get a deal in place to build a major events centre on the site located about 10 minutes West of Parliament Hill.

Postmedia reported Thursday that the two sides have had “give-and-take” talks that have resulted in progress. The NCC as much confirmed in this statement that’s the case.

“The NCC remains confident that providing the Ottawa Senators with the opportunity to build a downtown arena at LeBreton Flats is of tremendous value for the team, their partners and for fans,” the NCC said.

“We continue to demonstrate flexibility and openness in our conversations with the Ottawa Senators and we are aiming to have an agreement in place by the end of the month.”

NCC officials understand that if this deal falls apart, they’ll be the ones who bear the brunt of the criticism publicly and that may be a reason why there’s more flexibility at the bargaining table.

Getting a lease agreement isn’t the final step, but we’re told both sides are working now to see what they can agree to that will allow this process to move forward. A lease agreement is just one step in a long, winding road to putting shovels in the ground.

Once it’s done, it will still have to go to the federal Canadian Heritage department and the Treasury Board for approval.

The Senators have already approached the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa about the possibility of working with them to help fund the project, but the first step is to get a lease in place.

Andlauer, who met with Nussbaum and NCC officials last month to reiterate how important getting this deal done is to the Senators and the city, will meet with his development committee Tuesday at the Canadian Tire Centre and his limited partnership group.

Senators president Cyril Leeder has played a lead role in these talks with the NCC, along with Andlauer’s partners, George Armoyan and Paul Paletta, and with Shawn Malholtra of Ottawa’s Claridge Homes.

All three have a wealth of real estate experience to form the development committee that Andlauer has set up within his partnership group.

[email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/andlauer-hopeful-forrink-deal-lebreton-flats

[J.OT13]

Hopefully the LeBreton deal is signed and we can move on to the next steps. That's the easy part. Getting money from the City that's apparently broke (but can afford half a million for OSEG) and the Province that doesn't care about Ottawa will be a challenge far greater than the NCC. Tbf, the Province doesn't have a history of funding sports arenas anyway, so it's hard to argue for that funding (unlike the transit imbalance).

[OTownandDown]

Originally Posted by LRTeverywhere

Really doesn't take much to make a sign when I'm sure the city already has a sign shop (at least OCT does anyways). And the metal can be recycled for other signs as well (if they dont forget the sign ).

Our pathway detour information is usually quite lacking so clear consise information about this closure was nice to see. If anything we should be doing this type of thing more.

lol This City LOVES signs. Of course the sign shop will kick in some signs for the job. Some of these intersections with like 80 signs on it, we need that sign shop to keep running with full staff. how many signs you want? 10? sure! bilingual? Awesome! Better get in that overtime! MORE signs, MORE!

[J.OT13]

'A lot closer than we were': Senators owner provides update on talks for new arena at LeBreton Flats


Josh Pringle, CTV News Ottawa Producer
September 10, 2024

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer admits there's been "more hurdles than meets the eyes" in talks with the National Capital Commission to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats, with the clock ticking towards the deadline to finalize a deal.

"It seems that everybody wants an arena downtown, so let's get together, let's understand what it takes and do this collaboratively," Andlauer told TSN 1200's Mornings with John Rodenburg and Steve Lloyd.

"I think there's a willingness. We're a lot closer than we were."

The Senators and the NCC have a Sept. 20 deadline to reach an agreement to build an arena on the federal land just west of Ottawa's downtown. The memorandum of understanding the NCC reached with Capital Sports Development Inc. in June 2022 was to develop a new event centre on seven acres of land along Albert Street, between Preston Street and City Centre Avenue.

"What we had when we bought the team was not right for the fans; like no place to park, just a venue," Andlauer said Tuesday, noting the LeBreton Flats land has been empty for over 60 years.

"Don't want to build an arena and don't have the ability to have development around it. It's important that the development happens at the same time the arena is built."

Senators president and chief executive officer Cyril Leeder told TSN 1200 last week there's a "willingness to try to find a way to get something done" between the NCC and the Senators, adding "we're making some progress."

Andlauer says he's "very much involved" in the negotiations with the NCC.

"At the end of the day, it has to be right for the fans. But there are two jurisdictions; I think the NCC has a lot of land in the city and obviously LeBreton lands, and the city doesn't have the power over those lands, it's the federal government," Andlauer said.

"I've learned a lot … maybe more hurdles than meets the eyes."

The NCC told CTV News Ottawa last week that it is "aiming to have an agreement" with the Senators by the end of the month.

"The NCC remains confident that providing the Ottawa Senators with the opportunity to build a downtown arena at LeBreton Flats is of tremendous value for the team, their partners and for fans," the NCC said in a statement on Sept. 5.

"We continue to demonstrate flexibility and openness in our conversations with the Ottawa Senators."

Andlauer and his group finalized the purchase of the Senators and Canadian Tire Centre in September 2023. He says he thinks "the majority of people" want the arena to be built either at LeBreton Flats or downtown.

"I'm not in business of development. To me, it's doing what's right from an arena standpoint and making sure we have something sustainable that we're proud of for years to come," Andlauer said.

While the Senators look at a future home at LeBreton Flats or downtown, renovations continue at the Canadian Tire Centre to upgrade the facilities.

Andlauer tells TSN 1200 the renovations to the players areas are important.

"I don't want an excuse that the fact it's Ottawa, it's cold and the taxes are higher than other jurisdictions in the U.S. I want people to know that when they come in here, they're going to be treated better than other (cities)," Andlauer said.

"Ottawa is an incredible place to live. I just love this city, Gatineau and the people. It's not a big city which is refreshing. It's truly Canadiana. They're passionate about their hockey, they care and that's what I love about this city."

https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/a-lot-closer-t...or-new-arena-at-lebreton-flats-1.7031995

[rocketphish]

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer on LeBreton deal: 'I think we'll get there'

Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Citizen
Published Sep 11, 2024 • 4 minute read

The Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission are working overtime to get a lease in place for a new rink at LeBreton Flats.

And with the deadline to come to an agreement with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two parties set to expire next Friday, Senators owner Michael Andlauer believes the two sides are closing in on a deal and remains confident they’ll get it across the finish line.

“There’s been some roadblocks along the way,” Andlauer told Postmedia in an interview Wednesday. “I think there’s willingness, that’s the thing, so I think we’ll get there.”

The discussions between the two sides are ongoing now.

“We’re working hard and the NCC has no problem getting together after hours,” Andlauer said. “It hasn’t been as easy as I thought, but it’s the nicest piece of land out there.

“There’s definitely a willingness from the NCC (to make a deal).”

Andlauer, who is passionate about the project for a new arena closer to the downtown core, reiterated that he’s not looking for any special treatment from the NCC or the city of Ottawa in these talks.

But if he’s going to build on the site located only 10 minutes West of Parliament Hill, Andlauer wants to make sure that the NCC does its part by continuing the development of the area so that LeBreton Flats is a destination where people want to spend time.

“Like I said, I’m more than happy to pay fair market value for the land. It has be the right size of land we have to make sure that the land around it does get developed,” Andlauer said.

“That becomes a two-way street: There’s a commitment from ourselves and there has to be commitment from the NCC to continue. I don’t want this to become another arena where people go and there’s nothing else to do.”

Andlauer said he wants to do what’s right for the city and the club’s fan base, moving the Senators closer to Gatineau because he believes wholeheartedly the club hasn’t done nearly enough to engage with people on the other side of the Ottawa River.

Senators president Cyril Leeder has played a lead role in these talks with the NCC, along with Andlauer’s partners, George Armoyan and Paul Paletta, and with Shawn Malholtra of Ottawa’s Claridge Homes.

All three have a wealth of real estate experience to form the development committee that Andlauer has set up within his partnership group.

Though, he can see the finish line with the two sides making progress towards an agreement, it hasn’t been easy to get there.

“It’s been a struggle,” Andlauer admitted. “I’m not a politician, which is ironic because I’m in a government town, and I need to educate myself a bit more. It’s incredible when you see that many people wanting this to happen and yet you can’t get to the finish line.

“Then, you ask yourself, ‘Why?’ and then you realize all the obstacles that have to be cleared.”

Though the land owned by the NCC is located in the city limits, it’s not controlled by Ottawa city hall. That’s why once this deal is completed, it has to be approved by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).

But the Senators have to work with both parties if they want this project to happen and that adds another layer to all of this.

“I like to collaborate. Our coaches offices are all wide open because that way they can talk to each other throughout (the day),” Andlauer said. “I’ve asked, and I didn’t realize the NCC is in the city of Ottawa, but it’s the city of Ottawa and the NCC inside it.

“It’s become very difficult for the city and the NCC. I’ve said, ‘Let’s bring everybody together and let’s collaborate.'”

Getting a lease agreement isn’t the final step, but we’re told both sides want to will allow this process to move forward. A lease agreement is just one step in a long, winding road to putting shovels in the ground.

Naturally, the next step is getting the financing in place.

Andlauer isn’t asking for a free rink and is willing to pay his share for a new home for the Senators, but he’s going to need involvement from all three levels of government.

“This cannot happen without public support,” he said. “I’m fully going to do my part. It’s not like I feel like I’m privileged and I’m sitting there saying, ‘Do you know who I am? I’m the Ottawa Senators and therefore I should be getting (this all paid for).’

“(No, no) … this is about what the fans want. As I said at my beginning press conference (last September), I’m just holding the torch for a period of time, hopefully a long time, of this hockey club and I just want to do what’s right for our fans.”

[email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/andlauer-on-lebreton-deal-think-well-get-there

[SL123]

^Sounds promising! Realistically tho we are probably still a good 5 years away from the first shovel in the ground

[DTcrawler]

For me I'm ok waiting even 10 years for a new arena as long as we keep ticking all the boxes on the road to get there, and that the new arena is one that fans, the Sens and the whole region can be proud of.

It's not like the CTC is falling apart at the seams (unlike the Saddledome in Calgary) and even as a downtown resident I'm happy to make the trek out to Kanata to continue to support our team. It's been a breath of fresh air to be able to put my trust in Andlauer and his group and not have to continually worry about either side acting in bad faith behind closed doors (or even publicly) as was often the case with the old regime. Even the NCC seems to be a good actor throughout all of this though I maintain the onus is on them to grant the concessions necessary to make the deal work - maybe it'd be different if they hadn't been sitting on their hands for decades already re: Lebreton.

The next couple of weeks should be exciting, hopefully this thing gets done.

[ponyboycurtis]

Originally Posted by DTcrawler

For me I'm ok waiting even 10 years for a new arena as long as we keep ticking all the boxes on the road to get there, and that the new arena is one that fans, the Sens and the whole region can be proud of.

It's not like the CTC is falling apart at the seams (unlike the Saddledome in Calgary) and even as a downtown resident I'm happy to make the trek out to Kanata to continue to support our team. It's been a breath of fresh air to be able to put my trust in Andlauer and his group and not have to continually worry about either side acting in bad faith behind closed doors (or even publicly) as was often the case with the old regime. Even the NCC seems to be a good actor throughout all of this though I maintain the onus is on them to grant the concessions necessary to make the deal work - maybe it'd be different if they hadn't been sitting on their hands for decades already re: Lebreton.

The next couple of weeks should be exciting, hopefully this thing gets done.

Same. Take all the time in the world but please lay down a concrete plan that is 10/10 and the best possible venue available with great connections and surrounding area. There is no rush.

[J.OT13]

Not going to post the entire article because it's much of the same, but it sounds like this is pretty much a done deal. That said, the Sens still need to get the City and Province on board (and not get shafted by the next Federal Government), which will be an even bigger challenge than the NCC.

GARRIOCH: Senators and NCC moving closer to taking the 'next step' at LeBreton Flats
"They (the Senators) are very likely to go to the next step with the NCC, but that is just the next step."

Author of the article:Bruce Garrioch
Published Sep 15, 2024 • Last updated 1 day ago • 4 minute read

https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/...o-taking-the-next-step-at-lebreton-flats

[rocketphish]

‘Waiting for a trigger’: Business community keen for news of LeBreton deal between NCC and Sens

Mia Jensen, OBJ
September 17, 2024 4:23 PM ET

News of a deal – or lack thereof – between the Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats is expected by the end of this week and local business leaders are eager to see which way the decision will go.

Sept. 20 is the deadline to firm up details for an agreement between the NHL hockey club and the NCC. Earlier this month, the hockey club’s president and CEO Cyril Leeder said that talks were intensifying and he was hopeful that a deal would come through.

“We’re still talking with the NCC,” Leeder told OBJ, following the Senators’ season launch event at the Canadian Tire Centre Sept. 4. “We’re still trying to find some common ground … It’s our expectation that (by Sept. 20), we’ll know whether we’ll be able to come to terms with the NCC on the future of an arena on LeBreton Flats. That’s what the agreement says at this point. That’s what we’ve been working towards, is trying to finalize terms that would work for them and for us.”

<more>

https://obj.ca/business-community-news-lebreton-deal-between-ncc-and-sens/