Senators from Ottawa agree to purchase property at LeBreton Flats in order to construct a new arena
"It's a great first step, but we got a lot of work ahead of us," Leeder said, adding that the goal is for the team to own the land by 2025.
The Ottawa Senators have taken a significant step toward building a new downtown arena at LeBreton Flats, with the team announcing the purchase of 10 acres of land from the National Capital Commission (NCC).
This development marks a crucial phase in the team's long-standing goal of relocating to a more central location from their current home at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, which is 25 kilometers from Ottawa’s downtown.
At a joint press conference, Cyril Leeder, President and CEO of the Senators, called the agreement a major milestone, although he emphasized that much work remains.
"It's a great first step, but we got a lot of work ahead of us," Leeder said, adding that the goal is for the team to own the land by 2025.
Design work on the new arena and surrounding development is the next focus, though no timeline has been set for construction or the arena’s opening.
The land purchase offers the Senators more than the six acres initially offered by the NCC, clearing an important hurdle by allowing the team to buy, rather than lease, the property.
The deal is part of a larger plan for LeBreton Flats, which includes building 6,000 new homes, parks, and restaurants, creating a mixed-use neighborhood.
NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum described the agreement as a significant win for the National Capital Region, noting that the planned events center and arena district will inject life into LeBreton Flats.
He emphasized that the broader LeBreton Flats project aims for 25% of the new housing units to meet affordability targets.
While financing details for the land purchase remain undecided, Leeder stated that he does not expect the project to rely on taxpayer money.
However, he stopped short of confirming that the Senators will definitely move downtown, though he acknowledged that a downtown location offers a better fan experience.
He explained that most new sports arenas are now built in urban cores, unlike when the Canadian Tire Centre opened 30 years ago.
The land in question sits on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation.
The news release highlighted ongoing negotiations to ensure the Nation secures both short- and long-term benefits, and remains a key partner in the transformative project for Canada's capital.
There is no set date for construction, and design work on the new facility has yet to begin. However, this agreement is a substantial step toward realizing the Senators’ long-term vision of a downtown arena, which is expected to improve access for fans and enhance the overall game-day experience.
