Senators won't give up on move downtown, Melnyk says

The Ottawa Senators say they'll start scouting outother central locations for a newarena now that their redevelopment plans forLeBreton Flats have fallen through.

Eugene Melnyk and John Ruddy, the feuding partners behind RendezVous LeBreton Group, whichwon the bid to redevelop LeBreton Flats, failed to reach an agreement in mediation, the National Capital Commissionannounced Wednesday.

We will not let our vision die or allow our enthusiasm to be diminished by this ill-fated experience.- Eugene Melnyk

In a statement, Melnyk said the organization participated in the mediation process "to the very end" andis"devastated that the dream has been shattered," but will now begin the search for a new downtown location.

"We will not let our vision die or allow our enthusiasm to be diminished by this ill-fated experience. More than ever, we are determined and committed to explore alternative approaches in central locations that could accommodate a world-class hub," he said.

"We are here for the long term and want a world class venue where Ottawans will live, work, play and enjoy the best the city has to offer."

In an emailedstatement Wednesday,NHLdeputy commissionerBill Dalywrote, "The League continues to support Mr. Melnyk's efforts to find a solution for the long-term future of the Senators in Ottawa."

Starting over

Melnykand Ruddyentered into mediation in Januaryafter launching reciprocal lawsuitsclaiminghundreds of millions of dollarsin damages.

They had until Thursday to work things out, but on Wednesday the NCC issued a news release saying the parties "have been unable to reach a settlement."

Now the National Capital Commission (NCC) has todecide how to revive theprocess itstarted in 2014 to redevelopLeBretonFlats.

The NCC's board of directors is holding a news conference Thursday to discuss this latest development, and another meeting on March 7 will "finalizethe elements of a new process for the future redevelopment of LeBreton Flats," the NCC said.

City won't give up on LeBreton, mayor vows

In an interview with reporters Wednesday, Mayor Jim Watson said he's"not giving up on LeBreton," and hopes to come up with a new plan during this term of council.

"I'm sorry that mediation didn't work because I think everyone went into that hoping that there would be a reasonable compromise between the two parties," Watson said.

"Obviously the arena was an important rallying point for that LeBreton proposal, and we'll have to discuss that at the next NCC board meeting, what options are available.

"I've always said the arena was a pivotal part of that particular proposal because there's no walk-up traffic at the Canadian Tire Centre. You need that walk-up traffic ... to support the team."

Minister remains 'confident'

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, the cabinet minister responsible for the NCC, said Wednesday it's "too bad" the RendezVous plan has fallen through, but told reporters there are other options for LeBreton Flats.

He didn't specify what those options are.

"I'm confident. It is a priority for the NCC, for the region, for the government. I expect the NCC to be able to announce other things soon," Rodriguez said.

People react to 'unbelievable' demise of LeBreton Flats deal

6 years ago

Duration 0:37

Eugene Melnyk and John Ruddy, the feuding partners behind RendezVous LeBreton Group, failed to reach an agreement in mediation on Feb. 27, 2019, leaving the deal to develop LeBreton Flats dead in the water.

Officials have been talking about what to do withLeBretonFlats for 55 years, but the RendezVous proposal marked the furthest any plan had progressed.