LeBreton Flats 2.0 (RendezVous LeBreton) | Cancelled

[J.OT13]

It's too ad there isn't (and will never be) an active front between Lebreton and Zibi, but it will still be a scenic walk from one end to the next.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by acottawa

This is a few days old, but interesting line from a Citizen story.

Goudie declined to comment about the rumoured possibility OSEG could one day acquire the Ottawa Senators from mercurial owner Eugene Melnyk. But this seems an unlikely fit financially. The Senators, like many National Hockey League franchises, tend to lose money on operations but more than offset that through the increased value of the team. This sort of strategy demands a hefty bank account or a willingness to borrow against the increased value of the team’s assets. OSEG appears to be run too conservatively to absorb this kind of risk, especially following years of financial losses.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/osegs-new-chief-this-is-the-end-of-our-startup-phase

OBJ conducted an interview with Mark Goudie, OSEG's soon to be CEO. This time he categorically refuted rumours surrounding OSEG's possible bid to buy the Sens.

One thing the organization is not contemplating, he says, is buying the Ottawa Senators from Eugene Melnyk – despite continuing rumours to the contrary.

“We’re flattered that people enjoy what’s happening with the Redblacks and consider us as a potential (owner), but that’s nothing we are pursuing,” Goudie says.

http://obj.ca/article/new-oseg-chief-goudie-everything-just-seems-have-led-me-job

[J.OT13]

Half-assed apology from Melnyk.

I want to hear him say "I understand the hard circumstances in Ottawa. I understand the arena's location has been an issue for 2 decades, and with LeBreton Flats, we're working on it. Here's what we can do now to help in the meantime (reduced parking rates, transit deal like Lansdowne, do something!) And I understand that the Phoenix Pay System has caused a lot of problems and financial anxiety to many of our fans. The arena was packed for 10-15 years, and now we have to brace ourselves for a few tougher years, but we'll be back and stronger than ever once the downtown arena opens in 4-5 years."

Melnyk reaches out to Senators fan base

Bruce Garrioch
January 31, 2018

Eugene Melnyk has reached out to the Ottawa Senators’ fan base to try to mend the fences.

The Senators’ owner is doing a media tour in Toronto Tuesday and he indicated it was “unfortunate” his comments about possibly moving the team last month if they didn’t get support didn’t sit well with the people of Ottawa.

Melnyk, who is working with a Toronto-based public relations firm, told CTV’s Your Morning he is fortunate to own an NHL team and is committed to trying to bring a Stanley Cup to Ottawa.

“Whatever was said in December, it’s unfortunate that it hit a real nerve in Ottawa,” Melnyk said. “The reality is I love the city, I love the people, I love the fans and it’s actually my privilege to be there and to ice a team like the Ottawa Senators.

“I’m really pleased with what’s happened so far.”


Melnyk said the fans in Ottawa know hockey.

“It’s a rollercoaster and what I have to deal with in Ottawa is some of the best fans in the NHL,’ he said “They’re some of the most passionate fans. They watch very, very carefully and they’re very astute. You can’t make a hockey move without somebody pointing something out.

“That’s great because the alternative would be kind of a dead zone where nobody really cares and then you’re in trouble.”

After getting the green light to redevelop LeBreton Flats from the National Capital Commission last week, Melnyk is excited about the project. He is going to Edmonton next week to see the new Rogers Place Arena.

“It’s a big, big deal. It’s huge. It’s a $3 or $4 billion project that’s going to basically remodel the city of Ottawa,” he said. “I’m so excited for it because it’s going to revive a lot of things including building a state of the art arena for the fans to truly be engaged in a great experience.”

Melnyk added: “In the end, I think the people of Ottawa will be very, very proud to walk around the world and when they say, ‘I’m from Ottawa’ the first thing people will say is, ‘Oh, I’ve been to your LeBreton Flats area and I’ve been to your RendesVouz’. I just want to make sure people have their heads held high and are proud of the Ottawa Senators.”

Melnyk said he is determined to bring a Stanley Cup to Ottawa.

“I’m committed. This is going to happen. I don’t want to jinx things,” Melnyk said. “We’ve got smart people in the hockey organization. We stepped back this year and that’s unfortunate but it also leads to opportunities for us going forward.

“I really believe we have the where with all and the vision and we’re very, very committed to bringing a Stanley Cup to Ottawa.”

Melnyk was honest when asked if the team had what it takes to make the playoffs this year?

“No. We’re trying, there’s a way outside chance, things happen but it’s kind of a longshot for us this year. That’s not to say we’re not going to keep trying but as the season goes on I think we have to start thinking through what happens if we don’t,” Melnyk said.

[email protected]

http://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/melnyk-reaches-out-to-senators-fan-base

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Half-assed apology from Melnyk.

I want to hear him say "I understand the hard circumstances in Ottawa. I understand the arena's location has been an issue for 2 decades, and with LeBreton Flats, we're working on it. Here's what we can do now to help in the meantime (reduced parking rates, transit deal like Lansdowne, do something!) And I understand that the Phoenix Pay System has caused a lot of problems and financial anxiety to many of our fans. The arena was packed for 10-15 years, and now we have to brace ourselves for a few tougher years, but we'll be back and stronger than ever once the downtown arena opens in 4-5 years."

http://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/melnyk-reaches-out-to-senators-fan-base

Hopefully his Toronto-based public relations firm have told him it's easier to attract bees with honey than vinegar. Threats to move the team if fans don't come won't help. Improving value for money will (better experience or lower cost, take your pick).

[J.OT13]

DELETE: Miss read the article, comment retracted.

[Norman Bates]

Why is Melnyk talking to the Toronto media?

What a jerk. He doesn’t even know what city he should be talking to. Even Harold Ballard knew that.

Hopefully his daughters / or the team’s next owners will have PR people on staff.

[m0nkyman]

Not hiring an Ottawa based PR firm is a bit of a PR failure to begin with. Doesn't show faith in the hometown.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Ah yes, forgot to mention the irony of Melnyk working for a PR firm when he absolutely sucks at PR.

Working with, not working for. It shows he needs all the PR help he can get.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by roger1818

Working with, not working for. It shows he needs all the PR help he can get.

My bad.

[rocketphish]

Owner Eugene Melnyk says he has no plans to sell or relocate Ottawa Senators

By: The Canadian Press
Published: Feb 1, 2018 6:53am EST

Just a few weeks after enraging fans with his musings about possibly moving his NHL team, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk says he has no plans to relocate the club and remains committed to bringing a Stanley Cup to the city.

Last month, Melnyk raised the idea of a move during the city's festivities to mark the NHL's 100th anniversary, saying "if it doesn't look good here, it could look very, very nice somewhere else."

"That hit a nerve in Ottawa that really kind of exploded and it wasn't meant to hit the nerve of the city," Melnyk told The Canadian Press in an interview Wednesday. "There's no thought in my mind (of relocation).

"There's no reason it can't work in Ottawa. You've got to just find the right solution and we can do that."

But Melnyk is right about touching a nerve and he appeared to be trying to make things right Wednesday with media tour to discuss the team's future.

Despite some speculation around Ottawa, Melnyk also said he has no intention of selling the club.

A new downtown arena will be crucial to the Senators' success going forward. Ottawa's current home, the Canadian Tire Centre, is located 30 minutes outside the downtown core and inaccessible by public transportation. Hockey fans have complained for years about the inconvenience of the rink.

"It's critical," Melnyk said. "I think (Ottawa can survive in the NHL), without doubt, but it has to go forward with the arena project."

There was some progress on that front last week when Melnyk's RendezVous LeBreton Group and the National Capital Commission reached an agreement in principle to redevelop LeBreton Flats, a 21-hectare patch of land beside Ottawa's core. The bid's crown jewel is a state-of-the-art NHL arena but also includes a community centre, 4,000 housing units, a school and public space.

The development has a reported $4-billion price tag that includes tens of millions allocated to the cleaning up of contaminated soil. Melnyk estimates the arena is still 3 1/2 years away from completion.

"We have a great stadium now, there's nothing wrong with it," he said. "But there will be two intersections of the new (rapid transit line) so people could get to the (new) arena and not worry about whether it's snowing outside."

Melnyk said it's also easier to build fan-friendly elements into a new stadium than renovate an existing structure.

"Everything we do is for the fan experience . . . that's why LeBreton Flats is so important to us," he said. "Having different clubs (or seating areas) around your arena is the future of attendance at hockey games or any sporting event.

"With a new arena, you can build those right in. It's actually more efficient to start from scratch."

The lacklustre on-ice product hasn't helped matters this season. After reaching last year's Eastern Conference final, the Senators are currently second-last in the standings.

"Everybody still has that one hope that this could be a miracle," Melnyk said. "But the reality is we are way back."

Also making Senators' fans uneasy is captain Erik Karlsson's future. The two-time Norris Trophy winner has said he won't take a hometown discount when his six-year, US$45.5-million deal expires after the 2018-19 season.

Melnyk made it clear he wants Karlsson to remain in Ottawa. And while he'll be kept in the loop regarding Karlsson's situation, Melnyk said GM Pierre Dorion will ultimately decide the slick defenceman's fate.

"I hope (Karlsson's future in Ottawa) is a long and prosperous one," Melnyk said. "I like Erik, he's a great player, he's obviously an all-star and our captain.

"I leave it to Pierre. He knows I like (Karlsson), he knows his talent. It's a question of allowing Pierre to do his job because he has 20 other positions plus to fill and he's got to put the package together."

Not surprisingly, Ottawa's attendance has lagged. According to ESPN, the Senators stand 23rd in the 31-team NHL, averaging 16,196 spectators. Melnyk downplayed the low turnout.

"It's always a concern if you are not analyzing who's not coming," he said. "In the case of our attendance it's actually the cheapest seats (that aren't selling).

"A lot of that has to do with previous discounting policies where we had 40 different promos going on at one time."

http://www.obj.ca/article/owner-eugene-melnyk-says-he-has-no-plans-sell-or-relocate-ottawa-senators

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

"But there will be two intersections of the new (rapid transit line) so people could get to the (new) arena and not worry about whether it's snowing outside."

That sounds like there will be some sort of sheltered pathway from the arena to the stations. Other segments of the journey may not be so sheltered, but that first leg is a big one as that where the biggest crowds (and potentially longest wait) are.

[J.OT13]

Based on the rendering, it looks like people will be able to walk from the arena to the hotel at least.


http://www.1310news.com/2016/04/28/preferred-lebreton-bid-to-be-revealed-this-afternoon/

Then looking at the site plan, it's not too much of a stretch to think maybe they will keep a indoor pedestrian pathway all along the aqueduct to Pimisi Station. That sort of pathway probably isn't possible west to Bayview.


http://archives.ncc-ccn.ca/planning/master-plans/lebreton-flats/rendezvous-lebreton-group

I imagine the parking garage will probably take up the entire northern part of the site, with all buildings connected (like Lansdowne).

[1overcosc]

By superimposing that map of the street grid onto a regular map and measuring, it appears the walking distance from the Lebreton Square next to the arena will be around 350m-400m to each station. If an entrance is placed at the other side of the arena, the walking distance from there to Bayview is only around 200m.

[enrigue8]

There are many incredible mega projects happening in the world,but Canada has some great one too. I am proud to witness all these beautiful development at this time.
The Lebreton flats development are featured in the video .
Please enjoy the video !

• Video Link

[J.OT13]

Sharp, but a lot of inaccuracies for a few (if not all) of these cities/projects. For example, the library (although planned a block away) is no longer part of the project and not yet confirmed; a few DCDLS renderings were shown; arena is 18,000 not 28,000.

[kevinbottawa]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Sharp, but a lot of inaccuracies for a few (if not all) of these cities/projects. For example, the library (although planned a block away) is no longer part of the project and not yet confirmed; a few DCDLS renderings were shown; arena is 18,000 not 28,000.

And technically Vancouver isn't Canada's third largest city. It's the eighth largest city but it's a part of the third largest metropolitan area.

[rocketphish]

Interesting... I wonder what Anselmi's role has been in the Lebreton negotiations?

Senators parting ways with president and CEO Tom Anselmi

The Canadian Press 02.09.2018

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators are parting ways with president and CEO Tom Anselmi.

The team announced in a Friday release that Anselmi, who was hired Jan. 27, 2017, will be "vacating his position."

The Senators also announced a three-year contract extension for general manager Pierre Dorion, saying the team's goal remains to win a Stanley Cup.

"Having come within one goal of last season's Stanley Cup Final, we were hopeful entering this season," Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in the release. "Obviously our results have challenged those expectations.

"What remains unchanged is the dedication that goes into evaluating every aspect of this organization."

Anselmi replaced Cyril Leeder, one of the founders of the Ottawa franchise, when he was hired as president and CEO just over a year ago.

The Toronto native worked for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for 17 years before joining the Senators. He was promoted to COO of MLSE in 1999 — the year Toronto moved from Maple Leaf Gardens to Air Canada Centre. Anselmi was named president of MLSE in 2012 and left the company in September, 2013.

Melnyk and the Senators are in the early stages of a potential move from their current suburban arena to a new downtown space that Melnyk has called "critical" to the franchise's success moving forward.

There was some progress on that front last week when Melnyk's RendezVous LeBreton Group and the National Capital Commission reached an agreement in principle to redevelop LeBreton Flats, a 21-hectare patch of land beside Ottawa's core.

Ottawa is 19-25-9 this season, second last to the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference.

Friday's moves come less than three weeks before the NHL's Feb. 26 trade deadline. Melnyk hinted that "changes" may be coming to Ottawa's lineup.

"Today's announcement reflects a renewed commitment to scouting, drafting and development," Melnyk said. "It may require changes to our lineup. Rest assured, we will only tolerate pain with an end game in mind: building an organization that wins — at all levels — year in and year out."

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/anselmi+sens+president/16966611/story.html

[YOWflier]

He was purportedly brought in to have a lead role in the Lebreton development. Something was obviously up when he wasn't front and centre at the milestone announcement.

[bless-u]

Great video. I am liking the direction these major Canadian cities is heading: very glamorous and futuristic.

[McKellarDweller]

I wish an indoor waterpark like this one going up in Calgary were part of the proposal:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/se...ds-largest-ymca-surf-simulator-1.4548676

Yes, we all get it that the land is expensive, and the up front development costs would be enormous, but once it were open in downtown Ottawa, it would be a busy major attraction, and a licence to print money.