Plans are moving ahead for a new mixed-use infill community on 53 acres of federally owned land in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats. The National Capital Commission (NCC), which oversees the derelict site on the Ottawa River waterfront a short distance from the Parliament Buildings, has reached an agreement in principle with its chosen private sector development proponent, RendezVous LeBreton Group.

“LeBreton Flats has the potential to become a new centre of economic and cultural activity,” says Marc Seaman, the NCC’s chair.

“In advancing this historic project, the goal is to integrate a dynamic new neighbourhood that reflects the national prominence of the site in the heart of our capital,” adds Dr. Mark Kristmanson, the NCC’s chief executive officer.

The winning bid for the LeBreton Flats redevelopment emerged from a 2014 competitive process and promises an 18,000-seat major arena and event venue along with a public square, housing, other recreational and community facilities and connecting links. Ottawa’s national hockey league team, the Senators, expects to move from its current home in the city’s west end to the new arena.

The two parties have agreed on the market value for the land, taking into account the pending costs for cleaning up on-site contamination, plus a schedule for planning approvals culminating in the transfer of the land. The NCC will retain four acres for future green space and sell the remaining 49 acres to the developers.

RendezVous LeBreton Group is a consortium of Senators Sports & Entertainment, Capital Sports Management Inc., and Trinity Development Group.