Ottawa residents distraught after Mayor's latest blunder: "We need affordable housing not another sports arena"

The news of the Ottawa Senators receiving bids from nine groups for over $900 million has sparked a lot of conversation on social media. Particularly about the possibility of a new downtown arena. The club had previously signed an agreement for a new arena at LeBreton Flats, but the death of owner Eugene Melnyk put the plans in limbo.

CTV made a Twitter post regarding the fact that "the city's mayor isn't ruling out public funding for a new downtown arena."

Some Twitter users are excited about the prospect of a new arena in downtown Ottawa and believe it would be a boost for the city's economy. They also support the idea of public funding for the arena.

Others, however, are skeptical of public funding for the new arena, arguing that taxpayers should not foot the bill for a private enterprise. Some are also critical of the potential sale price of the Senators and the Housing problem.

Despite differing opinions, some agree that a new arena in downtown Ottawa would be a positive development for the city. As the sale process continues, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Senators and their arena plans.

More on the sale of the Ottawa Senators

The Senators are making headlines with reports that the team has received bids from nine groups interested in purchasing the club. Some of these bids are valuing the Senators at over $900 million, which would make it the richest transaction in NHL history if it goes through.

Prospective buyers include a consortium led by Toronto-based real estate developer The Remington Group. Actor Ryan Reynolds, as well as billionaires Jeffrey and Michael Kimel and investor Michael Andlauer are also involved.

The sale of the Senators comes nearly a year after the death of owner Eugene Melnyk, who passed away on March 28, 2022. Prior to his passing, the Senators were already looking at a new arena location. They are planning to move the team from the suburbs of Kanata, Ontario, to downtown Ottawa. In June 2022, the team signed a memorandum of understanding for a new arena at the LeBreton Flats site.

It remains uncertain whether the new arena will come to fruition. The agreement has the potential to boost the Senators' possible sale price for any new owner looking to explore an alternate venue. The NHL hopes to have the sale completed by midsummer, but there is no formal end date for the overall process.

Meanwhile, the city's mayor is not ruling out public funding for a new downtown arena. It remains to be seen whether this will become a reality, but the Senators' sale process is certainly one to watch in the coming months.