Sens one step closer to moving downtown

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators’ potential move to a downtown arena is a small step closer to becoming reality after the National Capital Commission announced Thursday it had reached an agreement in principle with the RendezVous LeBreton group.

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and John Ruddy of Trinity Developments are the principal parties behind RendezVous LeBreton.

RendezVous won negotiating rights in April 2016 following a competitive process to redevelop the area known as LeBreton Flats. Seven months later, formal negotiations between the two parties began. Thursday’s announcement is the culmination of more than 40 meetings between the two sides.

“This is a great next step of many future steps, but we’re very excited to transform the project for the city,” Ruddy said following the NCC’s public meeting of the board of directors. “I look forward to the next steps and dealing with the city for entitlements and our ongoing discussions with the city.”

Melnyk was also at the announcement, but did not speak with media. He released a statement saying he was “thrilled to be one step closer to bringing Ottawa Senators fans a more enjoyable fan experience.”

“Though there are still many hurdles to overcome, today we have moved closer to realizing a vision for LeBreton Flats — creating a place of pride for Ottawa residents, the Ottawa Senators hockey team, and visitors to the national capital region,” the statement read.

The Senators currently play at Canadian Tire Centre in the suburb of Kanata, roughly 30 kilometres from Ottawa’s downtown core.

NCC CEO Mark Kristmanson called the agreement a “significant step,” that will lead to a master development agreement to be negotiated over the next 12 to 18 months. The start of construction is slated for mid-year in 2019.