The City of Ottawa is banking on a greener future for Senators fans as it unveils an ambitious transportation strategy for the franchise’s planned downtown arena. After years of speculation and negotiations, the transit blueprint for the LeBreton Flats development emphasizes public transportation over private vehicles—a significant departure from the car-dependent culture at the Canadian Tire Centre.
“This isn’t just about moving hockey fans anymore. We’re rebuilding how Ottawa thinks about urban entertainment districts,” said Jim Watson, former Ottawa mayor who remained involved in early planning consultations. The strategy, released yesterday by the National Capital Commission (NCC) in partnership with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, outlines a multi-modal approach expected to accommodate up to 18,000 spectators on game nights.
At the heart of the plan sits the O-Train Confederation Line, with Pimisi Station projected to handle nearly 10,000 fans during peak post-game periods. The LRT, which faced reliability issues after its 2019 launch, has shown improved performance in recent months according to OC Transpo data, recording 97.6% on-time service in the previous quarter.
The transportation strategy allocates just 2,200 on-site parking spaces—roughly half what suburban arenas typically provide for comparable capacities. This limitation is intentional, according to Catherine McKenney, city councillor for Somerset Ward where the development will be located.
“We’ve learned from other North American cities that building massive parking structures creates congestion nightmares and undermines transit investment,” McKenney explained during yesterday’s community consultation. “The Senators arena presents an opportunity to demonstrate how major events can function without car-dependency.”
The plan has garnered support from environmental advocates, including Ecology Ottawa, which praised the emphasis on sustainable transportation options. However, reaction from some suburban councillors has been less enthusiastic.
“My constituents in Kanata are concerned about realistic travel times,” noted Allan Hubley, councillor for Kanata South, where the current arena sits. “A family with young children leaving a weeknight game at 10 p.m. could face over an hour of transit connections to get home.” Hubley’s concerns reflect broader tensions between Ottawa’s urban core and its sprawling suburban communities.
According to Statistics Canada‘s 2021 census data, approximately 67% of Ottawa residents commute by car, while public transit accounts for 16% of daily trips. These patterns present challenges for arena planners hoping to shift attendance habits.
The transportation blueprint also includes expanded bicycle infrastructure, with secure bike parking for 500 vehicles and designated cycle lanes connecting to existing pathways along the Ottawa River. Winter maintenance of these routes remains a discussion point, with the NCC committing to “priority clearing” of cycling connections on event days.
Perhaps most innovative is the proposed water taxi service operating seasonally along the Ottawa River, potentially serving up to 400 passengers hourly between May and October. This service would connect the arena to docks near Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market.
“The water taxi concept speaks to Ottawa’s riverfront identity,” noted Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission. “It transforms transportation into part of the entertainment experience rather than just a means to arrive.”
For Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, the transit-oriented development represents more than just hockey logistics. “We’re creating a neighborhood that functions as a 365-day destination. The transportation plan must support this vision for tourists exploring the capital as well as residents attending events.”
The Senators organization, through spokesperson Chris Phillips, former defenseman and current executive, expressed support for the transportation framework. “Our fans increasingly expect more sustainable options. The LeBreton location makes the team more accessible to downtown residents and visitors while creating new pre-game dining and entertainment possibilities.”
Not everyone views the plan favorably. The Ottawa Parking Association has questioned whether demand projections accurately reflect fan behavior, especially during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below -20°C.
“Transit ridership consistently declines by approximately 12% during January and February,” noted parking industry consultant Robert Charlebois. “The absence of weather-protected corridors connecting Pimisi Station to the arena entrance could discourage transit use during Ottawa’s harshest months.”
City transportation planners acknowledge these concerns but point to successful models like Montreal’s Bell Centre, where over 80% of attendees arrive via public transportation despite similar winter conditions.
Implementation timeline remains tied to the broader LeBreton Flats development schedule, with arena construction possibly beginning in late 2024. The transportation infrastructure, particularly expanded transit capacity, would need to be operational before the venue opens—currently projected for the 2027-28 NHL season.
For longtime Senators supporters like the Red Scarf Union fan club, the transportation discussion represents more than logistics—it’s about preserving gameday traditions. “The pre-game experience in parking lots has been part of Senators culture for decades,” noted fan club president Sarah Johnstone. “We’re working with planners to reimagine these gatherings in a downtown context with less space for tailgating.”
As Ottawa moves forward with what could be the most significant urban development in a generation, the transportation blueprint offers a glimpse into a future where hockey nights might look fundamentally different. Whether fans embrace this vision remains the multi-million-dollar question facing both the Senators organization and city planners.
