Michael Andlauer says the Senators’ proposed LeBreton Flats arena project is moving forward, and he’s thinking far beyond the idea of simply building a new rink.
Speaking Tuesday morning on the Coming in Hot podcast, the Senators owner said there has been “a lot of progress” on the downtown site. He also suggested there could be new information to share with the public early in the new year.
Andlauer said his outlook on the project has changed a great deal since he first began pursuing the land about three years ago.
"I remember, three years ago, I thought, 'Okay, this is going to be great. This piece of land hasn't been lived on in 70 years, and here we go, let's try to acquire some land, build an arena.' And I was really not thinking the way I'm thinking today."
He said he initially did not fully grasp the complexity of dealing with multiple layers of government, and he pointed to the condition of the land itself as another major obstacle.
"I didn't understand the landscape, both literally and figuratively, with respect to the NCC and the City and these lands, which have pretty much been dumping grounds for the last 70 years."
Even so, Andlauer said talks with the NCC are going well, while progress with the City has been less advanced. He also said the club is in advanced discussions with the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation on a long-term partnership tied to the development.
"We've made a lot of great progress with the NCC, with the city, mostly with the NCC, and we're in advanced discussions now with the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation on a long-term partnership to develop those lands together."
For Andlauer, the project has become something much larger than an arena. He called it “a legacy thing” and said the larger district carries real meaning for Ottawa and Gatineau.
"To me, it's become ever-consuming as a passion, not for an arena, but for what it represents to the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, since it's across the river. It's transformational, what we can do with these lands. And like I said, it's not even an arena anymore for me.
"This district is going to be transformational for all citizens of Ottawa. And we have one chance to do it right, so we've got to make sure we do it right."
Andlauer acknowledged that some fans are growing impatient and skeptical about whether the project will ever be completed. Still, he said he would rather see it take longer if that leads to a better result.
"I think we can make such a positive difference for the community that that's why I want to do it right. And if it takes an extra year or two, it's not the end of the world, because this is something that's going to be lasting."
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