Daniel Heath, Centretown News
Ottawans gather to hear proposals for LeBreton Flats at the Canadian War Museum.The two remaining groups vying to develop the LeBreton Flats showcased their competing proposals today at the Canadian War Museum.
Bids from two groups, RendezVous LeBreton Group and Devcore Canderel DLS Group, made provisions for similar amenities, including space for public libraries, NHL-sized hockey rinks, residential units and open areas for gathering and outdoor concerts.
In a press release, Dr. Mark Kristmanson, CEO of the National Capital Commission, said the two proponents have proposed “comprehensive visions for this unique urban site in our capital.”
According to Barry Hobin, architect for the RendezVous LeBreton Group’s development, IllumiNATION LeBreton, a substantial amount of attention was placed on the NHL rink due to Eugene Melnyk, the Ottawa Senators owner, being a part of IllumiNATION.
The Devcore Canderel DLS Group’s development, LeBreton Re-Imagined, also has provisions for an NHL rink. Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said, however, that he has “no interest in playing in someone else’s rink,” and that he “would not lease out the arena if the other group wins.”
LeBreton Re-Imagined placed a significant part of its expansion around the sociability of the development. Its proposal includes small open spaces for social gatherings, as well as large for Canada Day festivities and outdoor summer concerts.
While IllumiNATION also has provisions for outdoor activities, LeBreton Re-Imagined was unique in offering a media museum, a Canadian Communications Centre, a French-language public elementary school, an automotive exhibition, a wind tunnel that will act as a skydiving simulator, and a skate park for skateboarders.
In addition to focusing on the NHL rink, IllumiNATION’s proposal focused on sustainability, and included solar roofs, rooftops agriculture, car sharing and locations for farmer’s markets.
“I think it could be a really cool development and aspects of it will be really nice,” said Luc-Anne Salam, a member of the public who attended the consultation. “But I also think it could be exclusive and artificial.”
While the presentation highlighted the developments, the question and answer period illustrated what was important to Ottawan residents: local community.
Many questions centred on development strategies to protect small businesses and concerns regarding smaller community groups.
In response to these questions, the IllumiNATION emphasized the need to have a “varying feel throughout the development,” which would allow for national brands as well as small businesses, said Hobin. He also emphasized the importance of minimizing parking and building condos in a market-driven way, to not to overdevelop.
LeBreton Re-Imagined echoed the same principles. They also want to maintain a communal atmosphere by protecting small businesses and building an elementary school.
“I will remain neutral at first,” Mayor Jim Watson said, adding that he wants the public to have its say first.
Watson said that both proposals are very serious and meet the mixed-use requirements.
If chosen as the developer, the Devcore Canderel DLS Group’s development would take place in three phases spanning until 2031, with the NHL rink being included in the final phase of construction.
The RendezVous LeBreton Group’s proposal is expected to take thirty years to complete, however the NHL rink would be ready for use in 2021.