A large-scale sports facility that would help boost the local economy will probably not be built in Centretown, say some city councillors.
In a report released February 20 by The City of Ottawa, 23 new locations were proposed for the new facility.
The report was prepared by the Corporate Research Group and of the top five sites named, three are within the boundaries of Centretown and the top choice rests just on its Western border where Bayview meets the Transitway.
Despite the positive impact a brand-new stadium could have on the surrounding areas, including businesses in Centretown, Coun. Diane Holmes says it is not likely the city will move forward with any of these options.
Among other problems, the combined land north and south of the Transitway at the Bayview location is too small. At only 21 acres, it does not meet the requirement of at least 25-30 acres set by the report in order to accommodate a facility of the size the city needs.
According to Holmes, the land north of the Transitway is “very dirty land. It will cost a great deal of money to clean that land.”
The report by the CRG makes no mention of the condition of the soil.
The southern side is currently home to the Tom Brown Arena, a local hockey rink that would have to be torn down if development of a stadium were approved for this location.
Tom Brown Arena declined to comment on the effect this would have on the local community.
Holmes says she is certain the Bayview site ranked top of the list for two important reasons. The first, that the land is already owned by the city.
The second, that the site offers immediate access to both the Transitway and the O-Train, as well as being within walking distance of a proposed stop on the light-rail transit network, the plans for which Holmes says the City is close to passing.
The report states “a major sports facility could help to revitalize surrounding areas” and Holmes agrees that it could help different areas, such as Preston Street, but it would have to be a “big planning exercise” to avoid negatively affecting residents of the area.
Sites at LeBreton Flats and Plouffe Park are not feasible, says Holmes, because they already have approved development plans.
She says the site at Carling and Preston Street is unlikely to be relinquished by its current owner.
Holmes says the City will not likely choose any of the sites inside Centretown borders.
Jeff Hunt, owner of the Ottawa 67’s and a lead supporter of the Lansdowne Live proposal, agrees. He says Lansdowne “will prove to be the only logical solution as you eliminate” the other contenders.
The media relations representative for Senators Sports and Entertainment, Phil Legault, said the company will stand by their proposal to build a stadium at Scotiabank Place, and not at any other location.
Despite both Lansdowne Park and Scotiabank Place ranking lower than the Bayview site, they are still the top options because Holmes says the development of the Bayview site is “a very unlikely situation.”