Centre Slush Puppie [500 de la Cité, Gatineau] | 4000 seat arena | Completed

[1overcosc]

Originally Posted by acottawa

If they end up building a lebretton arena they can play there - it is less than 100m from Gatineau

Especially once Zibi is up, which would potentially provide a connected urban form across the river in the area.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by acottawa

If they end up building a lebretton arena they can play there - it is less than 100m from Gatineau

With attendance around 2,000 per game, we wouldn't want them playing in a 20,000 seat NHL stadium.

Gatineau needs a 4,000-5,000 seat multipurpose amphitheatre (as JHikka, Bob's great, but limited to hockey), not to compete with Ottawa (with our huge 10k and 20k facilities), but to add to their own economy, and by extension the economy of the region as a whole, by maybe attracting popular Québec artists that might be more inclined to playing such a venue and smaller sporting events.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

With attendance around 2,000 per game, we wouldn't want them playing in a 20,000 seat NHL stadium.

I would be curious if the Senators would be interested in doing something similar to the Flames/Oilers...owning a junior team and allowing them to play in the big rink (Hitmen/Oil Kings). I doubt it would ever happen given the fact that the 67's would be playing literally down Bank Street at Lansdowne.

Either way, it would be a shame for there to be a new rinks for the Senators at Lebreton, have Zibi become developed, and then for the Olympiques to not be able to take advantage of that sudden surge of people in the area. It would be a great bump for them to have increased foot traffic to their games.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by JHikka

I would be curious if the Senators would be interested in doing something similar to the Flames/Oilers...owning a junior team and allowing them to play in the big rink (Hitmen/Oil Kings). I doubt it would ever happen given the fact that the 67's would be playing literally down Bank Street at Lansdowne.

Either way, it would be a shame for there to be a new rinks for the Senators at Lebreton, have Zibi become developed, and then for the Olympiques to not be able to take advantage of that sudden surge of people in the area. It would be a great bump for them to have increased foot traffic to their games.

It would be interesting to see the Sens buy the Olympics (and build a properly sized facility in Québec) in a ploy to convert more people on the Québec side to Sens fans.

[JeffB]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

It would be interesting to see the Sens buy the Olympics (and build a properly sized facility in Québec) in a ploy to convert more people on the Québec side to Sens fans.

They have put money into the SensPlexes on the Ottawa side, so I suppose could build another one on the Quebec side. The seating capacity of the biggest rinks in the Ottawa ones wouldn't be the size needed for a team in the Q, but there is no reason they would need to keep them that small. The question would be how interested they are in trying to reach the folks in Gatineau.

[Horus]

Originally Posted by JHikka

The Bob, because it's an old run-down barn, is only good for hockey. Most other facilities in the Q can be used for concerts, trade shows, events...all of which generate income and economic spinoff for local businesses and the city as a whole. Building a new hockey arena also opens up the possibility of hosting one-off events (Russian Super Series, Prospects Game) or tournaments (Memorial Cup, World Juniors, etc.). Not to mention non-hockey events, including curling, figure skating, or perhaps basketball or other indoor sports if one so chooses. If City Council thinks none of these provide for a solid economic investment then i'm not sure what else could be said to sway them.

Not sure where you're basing that opinion on, but the Bob has hosted many other non-hockey events, even in the short time I've lived in this area. They have frequent wrestling/MMA/ring sports events and I can't think of any good reason why they could not already host curling/figure skating/basketball, concerts or other indoor sports you've quoted. Yes, the building is old and the capacity is what it is, but the limitation may just be the size and age of the building - nothing else.

As for trade shows, etc, that is a tough market to crack and I'm not convinced that even a new Multifunctional centre would be able to attract more business in that area. Between the Centre de Congres downtown (Hull) and the facilities at the Casino Lac Leamy Hilton, there is already a lot of trade show/convention space in Gatineau (Hull) - much of which is better suited for the trade show & convention audience. Not to mention all of the facilities over the river in Ottawa.

This will come down to the will to keep the Olympiques in Gatineau, and, as a long-standing and storied QMJHL franchise, I'd have to think there would be that desire. There is also a desperate need for more arenas (in general) in the Hull and Aylmer sectors of Gatineau, so the loss of the Bob (without replacement) will be impactful to minor and community sports as well.

Gatineau city council and Mayor Pednaud-Jobin seem to have a firm cost figure in mind for what a new arena/multifunctional centre would and should cost and seem hell-bent on meeting that figure, or at least, not exceeding it without bulletproof justification. They may have painted themselves into a corner with the rejection of the current round of bids and this whole thing (if it proceeds in one form or another) could very well ending up costing more in the long run.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by JeffB

They have put money into the SensPlexes on the Ottawa side, so I suppose could build another one on the Quebec side. The seating capacity of the biggest rinks in the Ottawa ones wouldn't be the size needed for a team in the Q, but there is no reason they would need to keep them that small. The question would be how interested they are in trying to reach the folks in Gatineau.

The Blainville team in the Q plays in a Sensplex-like facility, that has four rinks - one with maybe 4000 seats and rest with just a few. It could happen, but probably not downtown, where this rink should be.

I can't see the Olympiques ever playing on the Ontario side, and particularly not in a 18,000 seat arena. They need something more appropriately scaled.

[Horus]

Maybe not a replacement for the Bob, but even a Sensplex may indirectly lead to a new arena for the Olympiques.

In any case, I hope there is something to this story. A Sensplex in West Hull/East Aylmer would be a godsend for minor hockey in Gatineau. Aylmer especially is feeling the crunch with only 2 tired arenas to serve a rapidly growing minor hockey association.

Build it and they won’t leave?

The Ottawa Senators could end up playing a major role in the building of a replacement complex for Gatineau’s broken down Robert Guertin Arena.

In so doing, they could also help keep the Gatineau Olympiques, one of the most storied franchises in major junior hockey, from leaving following the 2017-18 season, when the 56-year-old Guertin arena is scheduled for demolition.

In a statement Tuesday, Senators Sports and Entertainment president Cyril Leeder signaled the organization’s intention to work closely with Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneault-Jobin on “a strategy to meet the growing demand for new ice facilities in their community.”

There was no specific mention of the Olympiques or the Robert Guertin Arena, but in early June, Gatineau city council put out the call for private sector help after scrapping its plan to construct a facility which would have housed the Olympiques and included a performing arts studio. Rising costs – a facility boasting a 5,000-seat arena could cost anywhere from $60 million-$75 million to build – was the major reason for the vote against the project.

Now along come the Senators, who through their Capital Sports Management arm, already operate the Bell Sensplex, Cavanagh Sensplex and Richcraft Sensplex.

“Senators Sports & Entertainment, through our Sensplex model, is in the business of partnering with municipalities to deliver multi-purpose recreational facilities to the community,” Leeder’s statement read. “To date, we have had very preliminary discussions with city officials to express our interest in being part of a solution.”

On July 13, Capital Sports registered with the Quebec lobbyist registry, a necessary first step before engaging in talks with Gatineau city council.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by Horus

Maybe not a replacement for the Bob, but even a Sensplex may indirectly lead to a new arena for the Olympiques.

In any case, I hope there is something to this story. A Sensplex in West Hull/East Aylmer would be a godsend for minor hockey in Gatineau. Aylmer especially is feeling the crunch with only 2 tired arenas to serve a rapidly growing minor hockey association.

What is rumoured is a three, four or five rink complex in the Plateau district which is fast-growing and has no arenas at all. It's on the border of the former cities of Hull and Aylmer.

Not sure if this area is a suitable location for a new arena for the Olympiques. Most of their fans come from east of the Gatineau River (Autoroute 50 territory).

Another plan is by Brigil and would see the new arena and trade show facility next the St-Louis exit of A-50.

[Boxster]

Originally Posted by Acajack

What is rumoured is a three, four or five rink complex in the Plateau district which is fast-growing and has no arenas at all. It's on the border of the former cities of Hull and Aylmer.

Not sure if this area is a suitable location for a new arena for the Olympiques. Most of their fans come from east of the Gatineau River (Autoroute 50 territory).

Another plan is by Brigil and would see the new arena and trade show facility next the St-Louis exit of A-50.

The arena should remain downtown. Let it not be a mistake like the CTC.

[rocketphish]

Possible progress reported on new Gatineau arena, sportsplex

The Ottawa Citizen
Published on: September 12, 2015 | Last Updated: September 12, 2015 1:25 PM EDT

The long painful process of finding a new home for the Gatineau Olympiques hockey club appears to have taken another step forward, according to media reports.

The team and a group known as Vision Multisports Outaouais are said to have an agreement in principal to move forward on a new arena complex that would replace the Robert Guertin arena, according to a report in Le Droit.

The newspaper quotes the president of the junior hockey club confirming the plan. The development follows a rebuff by the provincial government to an entreaty by Gatineau for the funds needed to build a new rink.

The aging Guertin arena, popularly known as “The Bob, is now scheduled for eomolition after the 2017-18 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season.

The role of the Ottawa Senators in the development of a new complex in Gatineau continues to be of interest. The team’s name is being mentioned in these latest reports but Cyril Leeder, Senators president and alternate governor, has told the Citizen in the past that recreational rinks are more the focus for the team’s activities in Gatineau for the time being.

“We’ve been talking to the city (of Gatineau) about their municipal arena situation,” Leeder said in a recent interview.

“They’ve got some rinks they need to replace, more of a Sensplex model. In casual conversation, they’ve also said they’ve got the Guertin they’re trying to rebuild” with the implication that maybe the club could help with that, Leeder told Citizen columnist Wayne Scanlan.

“We haven’t really done a lot,” Leeder says. “Because that’s predicated on the business deal between the city and the Olympiques. I’m not sure we can add a lot until they sort out what they’re doing between the two parties.”

Once the municipal council and the hockey club agree on what should be built, the Senators could get involved in “design, managing it, bringing in events,” if Gatineau is interested in the NHL organization’s expertise in that area.

Leeder said he hopes to get the go-ahead for a Sensplex-style facility from Gatineau council this month. The building of five outdoor rinks in Gatineau should get started this year, he said.

In June, Gatineau council voted to scrap plans to build a new Robert Guertin Arena after countless hiccups and an investigation by Quebec’s anti-corruption squad stalled the project for almost 10 years. The multi-purpose centre under discussion would have included a performing arts space.

The vote to cancel the project after already having invested $7 million came only a few months after the city renewed its call for bids, increasing the initial estimated cost of $63.5 million to $74.4 million.

The issue has made it into the federal election campaign, with late-arriving Hull-Aylmer Conservative candidate Etienne Boulrice saying the first thing he would do if elected (and the Tories are returned to power) would be to convince the government to re-establish a $15-million grant for the Guertin Arena that had been promised by former MP and cabinet minister Lawrence Cannon.

The offer, under the Conservatives Canada Works, was specifically to modernize the Guertin but Boulrice says he would fight to have the money applied to any “clear and viable” project.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/0913-gatineau-3

[wingman]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

[B]Possible progress reported on new Gatineau arena, sportsplex

The team and a group known as Vision Multisports Outaouais are said to have an agreement in principal to move forward on a new arena complex that would replace the Robert Guertin arena, according to a report in Le Droit.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/0913-gatineau-3

VMO is the organization the runs the Midget AAA team in Gatineau. They recently partnered up and had the Branchaud-Briere Complex built. It is a 2 pad facility with an indoor soccer field. Think Sens Plex West on a smaller scale. They have the expertise to make this happen, but the money is going to have to become a priority.

The Olympiques owners do NOT want to leave the area, but if they don't have a facility to play in they will be left with no option.

Personally I hope this gets done, and soon.

[Kitchissippi]

It's a smart move for the Sens to get involved in this, as the goodwill has the potential to grow their fan base in Gatineau, which gravitates more towards the Habs

[J.OT13]

Very impressed with the Sens' efforts over the last few years to gain favour in the Outaouais.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Very impressed with the Sens' efforts over the last few years to gain favour in the Outaouais.

They are doing better than they used to but I am afraid it will always be an uphill battle for them.

Unless the Habs going into a deep multi-year slump.

Within a year or so we will likely see the return of the Nordiques, which will hyper-energize the national francophone media even more with an obsessive focus on the Habs vs. the Nords as was the case in the 1980s.

Even more challenging times ahead IMO for the Sens on this side of the river if they want to get noticed.

[Horus]

Originally Posted by Acajack

They are doing better than they used to but I am afraid it will always be an uphill battle for them.

Unless the Habs going into a deep multi-year slump.

Within a year or so we will likely see the return of the Nordiques, which will hyper-energize the national francophone media even more with an obsessive focus on the Habs vs. the Nords as was the case in the 1980s.

Even more challenging times ahead IMO for the Sens on this side of the river if they want to get noticed.

Still, it's better than no effort at all. It would be pure folly to disregard the 250,000+ potential customers completely.

The Sens do a lot of work with Hockey Outaouais - providing coaching clinics and other hockey training resources to the various minor hockey associations and also do a lot of promotions to encourage minor hockey players and families to come to an NHL game. I had the pleasure of experiencing a Future Sens day with my son's team last year. The kids loved the chance to scrimmage on the CTC ice and take in a live NHL game all in one day.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Acajack

They are doing better than they used to but I am afraid it will always be an uphill battle for them.

Unless the Habs going into a deep multi-year slump.

Within a year or so we will likely see the return of the Nordiques, which will hyper-energize the national francophone media even more with an obsessive focus on the Habs vs. the Nords as was the case in the 1980s.

Even more challenging times ahead IMO for the Sens on this side of the river if they want to get noticed.

I know. It's a sad situation we're in.

To Horus' point, I've been trying to convince some of my Habs fan friends that the Ottawa Senators do so much work in the community in Gatineau while the Habs never spread their work outside the Montreal area. Supporting the Ottawa Senators is supporting the community and economy of the federal capital region, including Gatineau. Supporting the Habs doesn't do anything for our region.

[rocketphish]

Senators, Quebec builder have plans for new Gatineau arenas to house Olympiques

Norman Provencher, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: October 7, 2015 | Last Updated: October 7, 2015 9:32 AM EDT

The Ottawa Senators have presented one of two proposals now being studied by municipal officials in Gatineau to replace the aging Robert Guertin Arena, home of the city’s major junior Olympiques.

Published reports indicate the Senators are planning a Gatineau version of their popular Sensplex facilities: A main arena with about 4,000 seats, along with three or four community ice pads.

The 60-year-old facility, known locally as the “Bob”, is to be demolished in 2018. The cost estimates to replace it range up to $75 million.

The city has already voted against using municipal funds to pay for a new arena.

The Senators told the Citizen in August that it had plans to increase its presence in the Outaouais, but president Cyril Leeder was coy on the club’s intentions vis-a-vis a new home for the Olympiques.

“We’ve been talking to the city (of Gatineau) about their municipal arena situation,” Leeder said in an interview at the time. “They’ve got some rinks they need to replace, more of a Sensplex model. In casual conversation they’ve also said they’ve got the Guertin they’re trying to rebuild — ‘maybe you could help us with that’.

“We haven’t really done a lot,” Leeder says. “Because that is predicated on the business deal between the city and the Olympiques. I’m not sure we can add a lot until they sort out what they’re doing between the two parties.”

Like the two Sensplex models in Ottawa, the Gatineau Sensplex would be owned by a not-for-profit organization. The proposed locations would be in Gatineau’s Le Plateau area in Old Hull, or in Gatineau’s east end.

Meanwhile, Le Droit newspaper reports the Brigil construction company has resurrected an idea it first proposed about five years ago to cede a six-acre property it owns near Highway 50 at the St-Louis St. exit for $1 for construction of an arena.

Brigil owner Gilles Desjardins had previously made the offer to former mayor Marc Bureau, but it was rejected.

The property carries a municipal valuation of about $3 million. Brigil’s plan would involve construction of condos on the 40 acres surrounding the proposed arena site. Like the proposed Sensplex, the Brigil project would involve one major junior rink with about 4,000 seats, as well as three or four ice pads for community groups.

Desjardins said the only conditions would be that the main arena be home to the Olympiques and that the facility carry the Desjardins family name or that of the Brigil company. He also said his company would not be involved in the construction aspect of the facility.

Brigil is in discussions with Gatineau over a controversial plan to build two high-rises, of 55 and 35 storeys, in the ‘Place des peuples’ area, near Jacques Cartier park.

Desjardins says the two projects are not linked.

Gatineau city council is expected to make a decision regarding the Olympiques arena by Oct. 20.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...-new-gatineau-arenas-to-house-olympiques

[Acajack]

For those who did not hear the news, Gatineau decided this week to partner with an organization called Vision Multi-Sports Outaouais, and not the Senators, for this project.

VMSO is a private organisation that built the 25M dollar Branchaud-Brière multi-arena and indoor soccer complex on Labrosse in eastern Gatineau.

No word yet on the site but it could be on the Brigil land at A-50 and St-Louis. Could also be on the existing Guertin site downtown but unlikely IMO as VMSO wants several rinks, not just one. So they need a lot of land.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Acajack

No word yet on the site but it could be on the Brigil land at A-50 and St-Louis. Could also be on the existing Guertin site downtown but unlikely IMO as VMSO wants several rinks, not just one. So they need a lot of land.

If they plan on it being multiple rinks it could end up similar to the rink in Blainville - cookie-cutter suburban plot similar to (I suppose) what the Sens would have proposed. I guess the difference would be that the Sens would have proposed an arena suitable for them to play a preseason game in, or use as a potential practice/training facility. Not saying VMSO can't build something of similar quality but there would have been more of an assurance from a Sens bid.

I do really enjoy Branchaud-Briere, though, so we'll see how this turns out.

If the Olympiques are without a home for a season will they be playing at Lansdowne or at Branchaud-Briere?