Mayor floats new downtown arena site for Sens: but not LeBreton
Now that it appears the ownership of the Ottawa Senators is settled, the biggest question left about the team – where will the Sens play in the future?
Ottawa’s mayor Mark Sutcliffe commented about the sale of the team and where he’d like to see a new arena on Wednesday.
"If we want to attract more people to downtown Ottawa and if we're facing challenges because federal workers aren't coming downtown as often and the federal government is disposing of some of its buildings downtown… Is there an opportunity to put a new arena in downtown Ottawa that would attract people and become a new destination," asked Suttcliffe, adding it would help the downtown.
Until now, the first and preferred option for the Senators new home has been LeBreton Flats, and there is a deal with the NCC to make it happen.
The Mayor said he’s been thinking about a different site but didn’t specify where it might be.
"I'm talking about right downtown, LeBreton flats is close to downtown, but it's not right downtown."
While a location is still up in the air, experts suggest a move to a new arena under ownership is inevitable.
"You don't have the interest in buying the senators if not for the prospect of moving them downtown," said Michael Narraine, Associate Professor of Sport Management at Brock University.
Narraine said the team’s price tag of $950M, according to Postmedia reports, can also be attributed to the prospect of a new arena.
"Part of that is the bait-in effect of the team moving from Kanata to LeBreton or Bayview or somewhere downtown," said Narraine.
With Michael Andlauer at the head of the table a new era for the Senators begins but there’s still no clear direction on the location of a new arena for the team.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Key mediator Qatar urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a cease-fire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring a ceasefire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.
Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.