The deal revolves around the purchase and sale of 11 acres of land at LeBreton Flats that'll be the new stomping grounds for an arena and entertainment district.
No financial terms were disclosed.
Ottawa's next steps to receive a new arena include zoning, design, and approvals, as well as decontamination of the land parcels.
“We are pleased to reach an agreement of purchase and sale with the NCC to take the next step in this process," said Ottawa Senators' President and Chief Executive Officer Cyril Leeder. "There are still many more hurdles to clear and we look forward to working with the NCC and other stakeholders to achieve our shared vision of creating an event centre at LeBreton Flats that can be enjoyed by our Ottawa-Gatineau community.”
National Capital Commission Chief Executive Officer Tobi Nussbaum stressed that the original promise of lively attractions will be upheld to the very end.
“The promise of a major events centre will provide a lively and convenient attraction for residents and visitors, inject new energy and excitement into the core of the Nation’s Capital and further catalyze the development of LeBreton Flats," said Nussbaum. "This agreement builds on the two previous real estate transactions completed by the NCC since 2022 on the Building LeBreton project that will see over 2000 new housing units, along with new retail and commercial spaces built on the site.”
The Senators went 45-30 last season and were bounced in the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Toronto Maple Leafs in six games.
Ottawa originally had a plan to break ground for a new arena back in 2019 with former owner Eugene Melnyk, but it fell apart.