The Ottawa Senators have taken the first step towards potentially building a new arena in the downtown area.
The Senators were rumoured to be interested in submitting a bid to the National Capital Commission that could see the hockey team construct a new arena on land at LeBreton Flats set for redevelopment.
Senators Sports & Entertainment confirmed they will take the first step in the proposal process on Tuesday.
Via official release:
Senators Sports & Entertainment (SSE) is confirming it will make a submission to the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats. In respect of the NCC and its RFQ process, we will not be sharing any details of our submission or make any further comments at this time.
The Senators will have to meet a number of criteria in order to be considered for the winning bid. One major piece of the criteria puzzle that could pose as an obstacle to a new home for the hockey team is the NCC’s preference for a public institution to be built on the land. The Senators may have to get creative with their plans.
This is obviously just the first step, but it’s an indication that the club is serious about moving operations from The Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata to the downtown area.
The deadline for applications for the LeBreton Flats redevelopment project is Jan. 7.
