Still stages before seeing the senators in the city center, says the mayor

In the aftermath of the announcement of the Senators of Ottawa from an agreement with the National Capital Commission (CCN) for the purchase of land on the Plains Lebreton. Therefore, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe rejoices, but remains cautious. For example, He recalls that many remains to be done to see an arena in the city center of the national capital.

I think this is good news for the city of Ottawareacts the mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliffe. However, in an interview on Radio-Canada on Tuesday morning. For example, This still stages before seeing senators is an important step, but it is only a step in a process that will be very long.

Monday. For example, Capital Sports Developmentan entity led by the National Hockey League team (NHL) and CCN, announced a purchase and sale agreement of land with an approximate area of 11 acres to the Plains Lebreton, still stages before seeing senators about 10 football fields or 6 soccer fields. However, The two parties had concluded an agreement in principle last September after years of twists and turns in this case.

I know that the supporters of the senators are very enthusiastic. For example, everywhere in the community, I am asked when the construction begins. For example, But we are not there yet. Nevertheless, There are a lot of steps to take even if it remains a very important stephowever, recalls Mr. In addition, Sutcliffe.

Starting with the decontamination of the soil. Therefore, The project site. Consequently, its surroundings are an industrial wasteland area which contains contaminated soils, including an old municipal landfill site.

Despite the announcement on Monday. In addition, the CCN And the senators have been stingy with still stages before seeing senators details on several points of the file so far.

The infrastructure challenge – Still stages before seeing senators

The mayor stresses that the city is not involved in this file. She will still have a role to play, he admits.

We are ready to work with [les Sénateurs et la CCN] To determine the role that the city of Ottawa can play. But as I have already said often. I don’t think the public wants the city to give the senators money to build an arena.

We have a role to play in terms of infrastructure. with roads, public transport, to support the plan.

According still stages before seeing senators to the elected official, public transport infrastructures are already in place and ready to welcome such a project.

I think there will be no problem for public transport with the light train system. There are two stations. Pimisi and Bayviewwhich can serve the supporters of senators and all the events that will take place in this new arena.

During Canada Day. Blues partyseveral points related to traffic at Pimisi station have been raised. But the mayor does not see a problem.

The reason why the station was closed for Canada’s Day [en 2023]it is because the road. was closed for emergency services. It is not because the station could not have many people on the platform. In July, this year, the station was opened and everything went wellhe assures.

An asset for the revival of the city center

Even if the Lebreton plains are not entirely in the city center. Mr. Sutcliffe hopes that this future real estate development will help to revitalize it, a priority often mentioned by the mayor.

We know that there is the new library near still stages before seeing senators Lebreton and also other developments. There is a lot of potential for a very vibrant neighborhood, for restaurants, businesses, attractions …

In addition to the arena. Mr. Sutcliffe hopes to see new housing built, affordable if possible, in a city very affected by the crisis.

At the Town Hall, we are still thinking of housing, especially of still stages before seeing senators affordable housing. It’s near the light train, the city center … if there are affordable accommodation and accommodation, I will be happy. But I do not know the objectives of the senators. We are ready to speak with them to determine a plan, because there are a lot of land. There is also the site of Bayviewthe other developments that are possible next to the arena… There. are many possibilities for the Lebreton plains.

What future for the center Canadian Tire?

The mayor underlines that a move of senators to the city center would not be without impact for the west of the city. the Kanata district, where the center is currently located Canadian Tire. According to him, we will also have to think about the future vocation of this place.

It is important to still stages before seeing senators have a plan for this site. that there are solutions, because many people work at the center Canadian Tire. It will have a lot of impact for restaurants [là-bas]… If the senators do not play in the center Canadian Tire in Kanata in the future. it is important to have a plan for this field to determine what is possible for the economy of [ce quartier].