LeBreton Flats 2.0 (RendezVous LeBreton) | Cancelled

[rocketphish]

Devcore boss ‘confident’ Senators will play at LeBreton

David Sali, OBJ
Published on February 22, 2016

Before a gag order was imposed on the two groups vying to redevelop LeBreton Flats, Devcore president Jean-Pierre Poulin told OBJ the process was “fair” and he was confident the Senators will eventually play at the site no matter who wins the bid.

“I think it’s all exciting for Ottawa,” Mr. Poulin said in an interview on Feb. 8, just a couple of hours before the National Capital Commission’s deadline for public comments by the two competing consortiums.

“We have one chance to do this right to make (LeBreton Flats) the best it can be.”

Both the Devcore Canderel DLS Group’s LeBreton Re-Imagined bid and the IllumiNATION LeBreton bid led by the Ottawa Senators and Trinity Development Group include plans for an NHL-calibre arena.

But Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has publicly stated he will never sell the team and won’t be a tenant in a building he doesn't own. While there have been suggestions that the DCDLS group would make an offer to buy the Senators if it wins the bid, Devcore’s president would say only that he believes a deal can be worked out to ensure the team will play at LeBreton Flats.

“It’s all about can we sit around the table to do what’s best for the city and for Canada,” he said. “I’m confident that if we can, we’ll be able to get something done.”

Although the NCC originally told both groups they would have only two days in late January to sell their proposals to the public, it eventually extended the viewing period to Feb. 8. Mr. Poulin said at least 1,500 people came to check out models of the DCDLS proposal that were set up in Constitution Square at 340 Albert St., including about 300 on the final day.

“We welcomed the extra time and I think it was a good idea (to extend the deadline),” he said. “I think the process has been working so far if you look at the quality of the proposals.”

While some of the glitzier and more ambitious elements of the DCDLS proposal have garnered the lion’s share of the headlines, including the arena, a new public library and a car museum, the plan also mentions an “Innovation Centre” that would eventually be part of the mixed-use development.

The centre would include two towers with 20 and 25 storeys containing nearly 800,000 square feet of space that would be located at the west end of LeBreton Flats. DCDLS calls the envisioned area “a vibrant hub for the innovative research work being done” to support startup initiatives in conjunction with the nearby Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards slated to open later this year.

“I think there’s a synergy in that area,” Mr. Poulin said, suggesting companies based in the towers could work together with the startups at Bayview Yards.

The proposed towers would not be built until Phase 2 of the project, he added, meaning they are probably at least a decade away.

In the meantime, Mr. Poulin said, the LeBreton Re-Imagined proposal would promote innovation through partnerships with institutions such as the Canada Science and Technology Museum. He said his group has already talked with museum officials about setting up “rotating exhibits” from its collection in various offices and public places at LeBreton Flats.

For example, he said the museum is keen to loan some of the 100 vehicles in its possession to the World Automotive Experience centre featured in DCDLS’s plan, while some of the former’s collection of antique phones and telegraph equipment could be displayed at the proposed Canadian Communication Centre as a way of “cross-marketing” the institutions.

“There’s some treasure in there that should be accessible to everyone,” Mr. Poulin said.

Nearly 8,000 people submitted completed questionnaires on the proposals to the NCC after the bids were publicly unveiled on Jan. 26. A special committee will evaluate both proposals and make recommendations to the commission’s board of directors.

The proposals must score at least 60 per cent on each of six distinct requirements – the public anchor use, non-public anchor uses, the development plan, business terms, the financial implementation plan and ownership, management and financial capacity – to pass the evaluation. If neither bid passes, both could be rejected.

The committee’s recommendations will likely go to the NCC board for approval in late April. Any agreement must also be approved by cabinet, which is not expected to happen until next year.

This story originally appeared in the February 15 print edition of the Ottawa Business Journal.

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Constructi...squo%3B-Senators-will-play-at-LeBreton/1

[daud]

video of Lebreton Flats from a train 1946.

https://youtu.be/SuHh8TKNaa4

The gritty industrial side of it is quite visible in this video.

[waterloowarrior]

FYI the next NCC board meeting is scheduled for April 20/21...

[waterloowarrior]

NCC Decision to be announced April 28th 2PM

[rocketphish]

LeBreton decision looms as pivotal moment for Sens

Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: April 21, 2016 | Last Updated: April 21, 2016 7:50 PM EDT

It will be one of the most significant moments in franchise history.

The Senators may not be in the playoffs this spring but a massive waiting game the club is playing will come to an end next Thursday at 2 p.m.

That’s when the National Capital Commission’s board of directors will confirm which group they’re going to negotiate with for the valuable land at LeBreton Flats.

While the RendesVous LeBreton group led by Senators’ owner Eugene Melnyk and his partners was considered the favourite to build an NHL arena just west of downtown going into the bidding, the rival group Devcore Canderel made things interesting by proposing one as well.

Though Melnyk has insisted he’s not going to sell the franchise and he’ll keep playing at the Canadian Tire Centre if the Senators don’t win the right to play downtown, the people at DCDLS have refused to take ‘No’ for an answer and if they get selected you can bet they’ll turn up the heat publicly.

At this point, it’s anybody’s guess who may come away the winner.

The betting money is the NCC will choose one group and negotiate with them but you never know.

Would the board of directors try to bring the two groups together by negotiating parts of both proposals?

It sounds far-fetched, however, never say never where the NCC’s concerned.

The possibility of both bids being rejected seems unlikely. The NCC has come this far and there’s no turning back now.

Though both groups put their best foot forward with proposals that include an arena, greenspace, condos, restaurants, shopping and museums, there weren’t a lot of similarities after the rink because the two groups have different ideas of how this space should look once the project is completed.

After the public presentations came to an end in early February, the people at the NCC have spent the past eight to 10 weeks going over the proposals and trying to determine which will make the most sense, because there’s no question there’s an appetite to have the Senators move downtown.

Both sides have been told to keep quiet publicly, which means you’re not going to hear much from either party for the before the big announcement.

It’s believed they won’t be given any advance notice as to who has won the bid.

Like the public, both groups will have to show up to find out.

The decision is slippery for the NCC, though, because they could be wading into the ownership of a hockey team if they decide to award the bid DCDLS group, which is being fronted by Gatineau-based Devcore but has the backing of builder Canderel, along with billionaire’s Guy Laliberte and Andre Desmerais.

“If we get the site, hopefully the current ownership will come and talk to us,” said Daniel Peritz, vice-president of Canderel, told Postmedia in an editorial board meeting Feb. 2. “We basically have opened the door to have any form of discussion in that regard, and we’re hopeful that it will ultimately materialize.”

They’ve made no bones about the fact they want to buy the team if they win the bid. Melnyk, meanwhile, has said every every chance he gets that isn’t happening.

“I have zero interest, as I’ve said, in selling so we’ll get that out of the way immediately … zero interest,” Melnyk said on Feb. 5 in his chance to speak to the editorial board.

The reality is Melnyk already has an NHL team; if DCDLS wins the bidding, then they’d have to go looking for a main tenant.

“We’ve arrived at a defining moment in the LeBreton Flat’s story,” said NCC chief executive officer Dr. Mark Kristmanson the day bids were released to the public on Jan. 27 at the Canadian War Museum.

It’s also a defining moment for the Senators.

[email protected]
Twitter.com/sungarrioch

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...ecision-looms-as-pivotal-moment-for-sens

[daud]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

[B]LeBreton decision looms as pivotal moment for Sens

My gut says the Sens have this locked. Was this April 28 within their stated timeline for announcing a decision?

If its early, I especially think this will go to the Rendez-Vous group. Edit-looking at the NCC site, seems to be following the timeline.

[YOWflier]

Originally Posted by daud

My gut says the Sens have this locked.

What would you say is your gut's track record in correctly predicting such things?

[daud]

Originally Posted by ac888yow

What would you say is your gut's track record in correctly predicting such things?

There isn't enough relevant data to arrive at any statistical value. I guess if you were forced to predict one, which would you pick?

I liked the devcore proposal and even went to bat for it on this forum, but I just think the plan was more conceptual and the rendezvous plan was kind of more shovel ready.

In any case, its very exciting times, I just hope that there will be enough demand for housing in coming years to ensure we see this development materialize a bit faster than the last lebreton project.

[AndyZagg]

i prefer the Devcore bid. When I look at the RendezVous bid I just see a ton of condo towers. Devcore looks like a place I could live or visit. Also, entrusting this parcel of land to a man like Eugene Melnyk is very risky.

[YOWflier]

Originally Posted by daud

There isn't enough relevant data to arrive at any statistical value. I guess if you were forced to predict one, which would you pick?

I like elements of both proposals, but overall I'd give the slight edge to RV. If I had to predict an outcome though, I'd say Devcore will win it. Devcore is backed by some very powerful people; powerful people who know other powerful people who are capable of influencing decisions like this behind the scenes.

I also don't discount the idea that the NHL brass is salivating at the idea of Devcore winning, and is likely working its influence to make it happen behind the scenes. I don't have a burning hatred for Melnyk like others do, but I think his "story" is growing a bit old among the NHL brass and the BoG.

Edit: I realize that Melnyk is the one with the team, not Devcore. However, if Devcore wins, I think the NHL will flex and muscle Melnyk out of his ownership..

[J.OT13]

I think RV's bid is much more realistic, more shovel ready (as daud said) and far superior in terms of urban planning/design. I strongly believe they should win however, I am worried preference may be given to Devcore since one of their partners, Desmarais, is closely aligned with the Liberals.

[AndyZagg]

Can I ask generally what is appealing about the RV bid because I have been living in fear of it for the past few months and increasingly so.

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by AndyZagg

Can I ask generally what is appealing about the RV bid because I have been living in fear of it for the past few months and increasingly so.

Feasibility

Devcore depends on the other proponent being willing to sell the hockey team, and mostly features pavilions dependent on vague or ill-defined (or in one case a possible hoax) partnerships. Supermarket is nice though.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by AndyZagg

Can I ask generally what is appealing about the RV bid because I have been living in fear of it for the past few months and increasingly so.

Connectivity; pedestrians, cyclist and vehicles can easily go anywhere within the site, thanks to the street grid and covered Confederation Line as opposed to Devecor's proposal where the public and mixed use realms are physically separated by the Confederation Line (think unsightly catenary wires, a trench and 8 foot chain link fences);

Life; with so many condos, offices and retail space, the place will be lively all day, every day as opposed to Devecore's proposal where all the attractions would likely close at 5 p.m, making it a ghost town every evening just like the CBD;

Location of arena; having it at the centre of the site encourages people to stop at restaurants and cafés before and after the games/concerts while walking between the metro station and venue. It also splits the pedestrian traffic between two stations. Devecore's arena directly connected to Bayview will encourage people to get-in, get-out without spending their time and money somewhere else on the site or elsewhere downtown. It would also shove nearly EVERYBODY in one metro station.

That's just three of the big reasons why I believe RV is a much better proposal.

Originally Posted by daud

My gut says the Sens have this locked. Was this April 28 within their stated timeline for announcing a decision?

If its early, I especially think this will go to the Rendez-Vous group. Edit-looking at the NCC site, seems to be following the timeline.

Preferred proponent was to be chosen at the end of March, later extended to end of April. Initially, they were planning on revealing the winning bid in January 2017 however, it seems they finally came to their senses and realized the winner would eventually be leaked (or easily deducted just by looking at Melnyk).

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by ac888yow

I like elements of both proposals, but overall I'd give the slight edge to RV. If I had to predict an outcome though, I'd say Devcore will win it. Devcore is backed by some very powerful people; powerful people who know other powerful people who are capable of influencing decisions like this behind the scenes.

I also don't discount the idea that the NHL brass is salivating at the idea of Devcore winning, and is likely working its influence to make it happen behind the scenes. I don't have a burning hatred for Melnyk like others do, but I think his "story" is growing a bit old among the NHL brass and the BoG.

Edit: I realize that Melnyk is the one with the team, not Devcore. However, if Devcore wins, I think the NHL will flex and muscle Melnyk out of his ownership..

Why does the NHL want to dump Melnyk? If they do, why do they want Devcore to own the team? If they do why do they need this process? If a league wants to dump an owner (e.g. The clippers) they can do so without the NCC.

[AndyZagg]

Not comparable to the Clippers. In that case they had an unrepentant racist who was toxic to the brand (and other owners). His wife had a power of attorney and sold the team. None of that is the case with Melnyk. He is a terrible owner and bad person, but not in the same category as Sterling.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by AndyZagg

Not comparable to the Clippers. In that case they had an unrepentant racist who was toxic to the brand (and other owners). His wife had a power of attorney and sold the team. None of that is the case with Melnyk. He is a terrible owner and bad person, but not in the same category as Sterling.

Think you're going a little bit too far. He's opinionated and not afraid to show it. And I'm sure Bettman doesn't appreciate that (both stubborn "my way or the highway" type people). He can also sometimes go a little too far and hurt people's feelings (Cameron). But the guy has done a lot for the community through the Sens Foundation and personal work. He cares about the city, the team and the fans.

He could have packed up and left for a more profitable market but instead stayed in a Ottawa where he breaks even at best.

[canabiz]

I agree with J.Ott's assessment on Melnyk. He has become somewhat a meddlesome owner (and we don't know what he is thinking, having had to deal with the liver transplant last year) but he is the owner of the team and he wants to see the team succeed as much as the fans do.

His residency claim in the Barbados, and subsequent tax ramifications, is a topic for another day but his team and his charitable organization have done a lot for the community and for that I am grateful.

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by AndyZagg

Not comparable to the Clippers. In that case they had an unrepentant racist who was toxic to the brand (and other owners). His wife had a power of attorney and sold the team. None of that is the case with Melnyk. He is a terrible owner and bad person, but not in the same category as Sterling.

He seems like a bit of a dick, but so are most of the owners in professional sports. What is the rationale for other owners wanting him out? What is the rationale for the owners wanting to engage in a complicated conspiracy involving the federal government, a local car dealership chain, and a few Montreal businessmen to push him out rather than using existing mechanisms in the league constitution? Why has bob Mackenzie (or other credible journalists) not reported on this story?

[YOWflier]

Originally Posted by acottawa

Why does the NHL want to dump Melnyk?

I'm not saying it does, I'm saying I have a hunch his story is growing old. He's one of the most outspoken owners and incessantly complains about financial matters in the public realm. He publicly threw his ex coach under the bus before the season was over and pretty clearly meddles in hockey affairs more than any owner should.

If they do, why do they want Devcore to own the team?

Money.

If they do why do they need this process

Opportunity. This process is the only one during which another group has publicly stated that it wants to buy the team from him. To 'ditch' an owner you need a willing, ready, and able alternative.