The push for a downtown arena for the Ottawa Senators is facing new scrutiny, as recently released documents reveal the National Capital Commission (NCC) is emphasizing eco-friendly transportation and carbon-neutral construction as key conditions in the deal. Documents obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act reveal that the NCC is making environmentally sustainable design and mobility a priority. It wants fans to arrive by light-rail, foot or bicycle, rather than by car, and is requiring the Senators development group to design and pay for a pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Preston Street to the site. “I would love a downtown arena,” says Rob Near, a resident who supports the project. “To my mind, this is the biggest piece of available land.” The team’s preferred site, a 10-acre parcel at LeBreton Flats, has long been seen as prime real estate near downtown. But while the Senators and the NCC signed a memorandum of understanding last September, the land sale is still pending final price negotiations. Some residents, while in favour of the location, questioned whether such infrastructure should fall solely on the hockey franchise. “I don’t understand why the Sens should be particularly responsible for that,” he said. “I feel like the NCC, as a public agency, should be responsible for public infrastructure. Obviously, a lot of people drive, right, it’s very convenient, especially in the winter. If they can come up with some sort of park-and-ride scenario where you’re parking somewhere outside the core and then commuting in via the LRT, I think that would be ideal.” Other residents believe the eco-friendly transit-first model is achievable, especially given the location. “I walk and use public transportation, and I think this is a viable option,” said Carlos Dimoteo, who lives nearby. “I believe it would be very important to maintain some of the green space that we have in the neighbourhood. We have the infrastructure, we have the train, which is running very frequently now.” The agreement outlines that the arena and related buildings must meet the Canada Green Building Council’s zero carbon standard. The site is also required to tie into a broader energy system planned for LeBreton Flats. Florence Lehmann, president of the advocacy group Bike Ottawa, expressed support for the active transportation requirements, noting the site’s proximity to two LRT stations and existing pedestrian networks. “The area is beautiful, and the space is limited. Can you imagine actually building a hockey arena with all the surface parking that you have in Kanata - no. You need in that area to make it efficient and enjoyable for everybody,” said Lehmann. “We’re not advocating per se for everybody to leave their car at home. This is not what it’s about. It’s about building a neighbourhood for the future. It’s about giving people options to get there in efficient modes.” NCC planning documents also highlight the agency’s long-term goal of reducing automobile dependency in the area. Despite public support and a shared desire to relocate the team from its current suburban location in Kanata, hurdles remain. “I guess this is why we haven’t come up with an arena announcement yet because these are challenging details to work out,” Near said. The Senators and the NCC have declined to comment while negotiations continue. After the announcement in September, Senators owner Michael Andlauer expressed optimism about moving ahead with the arena project, saying it could be possible to drop the first puck at LeBreton in five years. However, Andlauer indicated he was taken aback early in the process by the NCC’s environmentally friendly requirements, saying the commission could be a bit too “ideological.” “They mean well, but … I’m thinking through the lens of the fan,” Andlauer said. The arena is being pitched as a major events centre that would also host concerts and cultural events. If a deal is finalized this year, Andlauer noted the site could see its first puck drop within five years. With files from The Canadian Press
