National Capital Commission (NCC) CEO Tobi Nussbaum has confirmed that discussions with the Ottawa Senators regarding a new downtown arena at LeBreton Flats are progressing positively, though no specific timeline has been set for breaking ground.
Talks continue despite lack of formal agenda item
Speaking after the NCC's annual public board of directors meeting on Tuesday, Nussbaum addressed concerns that the arena project was not included on the meeting's agenda, stating that negotiations remain active and constructive between both parties.
"There is nothing worrying about the fact that it wasn't on the agenda," Nussbaum said. "The meetings between the teams continue on a regular basis."
It has been over 10 months since Senators owner Michael Andlauer and his partners agreed to purchase 11 acres of land from the NCC for a proposed downtown arena and surrounding ice district. According to reports, the Senators have agreed to pay $37 million for the land once the sale is finalized.
Due diligence and decontamination key hurdles
Nussbaum outlined the ongoing work, including due diligence on the Senators' side and discussions about decontamination plans for the site. "Their work, on the Senators' side, (is) on the due diligence portion of this agreement. We're also talking to them about the decontamination plan," he said.
Senators CEO Cyril Leeder previously indicated in January that resolving key issues—including site decontamination, Indigenous consultations, design, and financing—would take approximately a calendar year. Decontamination is expected to be a costly and lengthy process, though Leeder has suggested cleanup could begin concurrently with arena construction.
City of Ottawa involved in planning
Nussbaum noted that the Senators are also in discussions with the City of Ottawa, as municipal involvement is essential for planning and development of the arena and surrounding areas. All these elements must be addressed before a timeline for groundbreaking can be confirmed.
"The timeline is something that the Senators control and will be the lead on," Nussbaum said. "It's a reassuring point that I want to make, that the conversations are continuing, and the meetings are happening on a regular basis."
Once construction begins, Leeder has stated that building the new rink will take 34 months. Andlauer has emphasized that the development will be more than just an arena, envisioning a vibrant mixed-use district.
"In terms of that exact next steps, in terms of getting to the puck drop, I really want to give the Senators a chance to be in control of that time frame and what they're communicating," Nussbaum added.
