Now that the Ottawa Senators are set to move downtown, what does this mean for Canadian Tire Center and Kanata area businesses?
The CTC was once called the Palladium when construction was completed in 1996. Now, the future of this hockey and music venue is in question if the Senators move to LeBreton Flats.
Javed Somra owns Boston Pizza in Kanata Centrum. Much of his business comes from hockey fans.
“If they move, obviously it will be a big loss,” says Somra.
He knows that if the Sens leave, they will take many of his clients with them.
“We enjoy hockey games. There are concerts. There’s always something going on at the Canadian Tire Center and everyone benefits,” says Somra. “That’s a concern. As long as they bring something to replace the crowd we get, we don’t mind. But what? That’s the question.”
Area councilor Allan Hubley says that even though the team is moving, the possibilities for the current arena are endless.
“The future of this place will be determined once they know for sure they’re moving,” Hubley says. “If we’re going to lose the team, an entertainment district is a great idea. Because it will allow people to come here, to use the restaurants, hotels and stuff, on a weekly basis.”
Kanata residents have mixed feelings about the move.
“I agree with them here in Kanata,” said one resident. “But it should have been downtown years ago.”
“To me, it doesn’t matter,” says Kanata resident Dan Longpre. “If it attracts more people, it’s probably better for the team.”
“Really crummy,” says Kanata resident Dannette McLeod. “Because I think they bring in a lot of business. They boost the economy. People come to Kanata, they appreciate a lot of things about Kanata.
The Ottawa Senators insist they won’t “give up” Kanata.
“We know this is the home of the Ottawa Senators and our concert promotes business and everything else for the next few years, so we’re not giving up on the Canadian Tire Centre,” said Anthony LeBlanc, President of Business Operations of the Ottawa Senators.
“The Canadian Tire Center will continue to be the home of the Senators and we will continue to invest in this facility. What will happen to this building once we have a new arena at LeBreton Flats? I don’t have an answer to that. These are the early days and this is probably one of the last things we will focus on.
While nothing is set in stone, Hubley says the team’s move will leave a big void in Ottawa’s west end.
“When it’s empty, there will definitely be local pain,” Hubley says. “It’s going to be painful for the Senators because they’re going to leave a lot of their fans behind.
Fans like Somra.
“Going downtown, would I? I don’t think I would,” Somra says.
“Evil alcohol lover. Twitter junkie. Future teen idol. Reader. Food aficionado. Introvert. Coffee evangelist. Typical bacon enthusiast.”