The Canadian Tire Center (CTC) and its mass of pinkish bricks have been a Kanata staple for decades, drawing crowds of hockey fans, concertgoers and event-goers. But what if it’s no longer an NHL arena?
Nearby residents and businesses are grappling with that question after learning that a group led by the Ottawa Senators had signed a memorandum of understanding that would see the team play about 24 kilometers away at LeBreton Flats.
It’s far from over, but Javed Somra is already calculating what this loss could mean.
The arena was a factor he considered when he purchased Boston Pizza at the Kanata Entertainment Centrum, a short drive away.
“It will definitely affect us because it is a revenue generator,” explained the restaurant owner.
“Every time something happens at the Canadian Tire Centre, we take advantage of it.”
Those extra customers meant bringing in extra wait and kitchen staff, which Somra said he wasn’t sure the regular walk-in business that accounts for the bulk of the rest of their sales would sustain .
“Once they are gone, it will obviously be a loss.”
Walmart would move there tomorrow I think.—Bruce Firestone
The Kanata Central BIA shared similar concerns, describing the CTC as a coin toss that generates “significant” revenue.
“This is hurting our businesses,” executive director Lauri Moussa wrote in an email to CBC.
“They don’t have an answer on what will happen to the building as it’s too early at this point, but we have the LRT extension with a stop at the CTC. It will be very interesting to see the next steps on this project.”
Founder says Walmart would like to build
Not everyone is ringing the alarm bell.
Bruce Firestone, who founded the Senators, said he’s not worried about what happens in the arena.
He cited Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, which now houses a sports center and grocery store, as an example of what the CTC could be.
“Oh my God…650,000 square feet, Walmart would move into it tomorrow I think, and take the whole thing and a parking lot for 7,000 vehicles,” Firestone said.
“I know a number of hotel owners in the area and none of them are freaking out,” he added.
“Kanata, I think, will be fine.”
This isn’t the first time the suburbs have wondered if they’ll say goodbye to the Senators.
A similar deal that would have taken the team downtown fell apart in 2018, ending with those involved suing for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Fans ‘disappointed’ by potential move
The news that the Senators are once again considering a location closer to downtown drew mixed feelings from fans on Friday.
Brian Adams said he was “disappointed”, but only because he lives in the area.
I think they should stay where it is. It’s in the open and people can reach it.— Marylou Vinkle
“It’s going to mean a longer drive to get us to a game,” he said, adding that if the TLR went to Kanata, it wouldn’t be too bad.
Adams acknowledged that arenas in most cities seem to be downtown.
“Having him here in the suburbs is a bit absurd.”
Others weren’t even ready to consider the Senators moving.
“What do they think they’ll gain by going there?” To park ? Where is it ? asked Marylou Vinkle, who lives near the arena.
“I think they should stay where it is. It’s out in the open and people can reach it.”
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