The National Capital Commission has unveiled new details about the Ottawa Senators’ future home at LeBreton Flats, including an estimate that the arena could seat about 16,000 people.
The figure was included in a request for proposals issued Friday as the NCC begins seeking developers for the Aqueduct District, a new entertainment and cultural hub that will surround the future home of the Senators.
While the Senators have yet to publicly release plans for the facility, the NCC’s planning documents state the future venue is expected to have approximately 16,000 seats.
“The district will be connected by rapid transit, surrounded by new homes, workplaces, parks and public spaces, and linked directly to what will become one of the region’s premier event venues with an expected capacity of approximately 16,000 people,” Tobi Nussbaum, the chief executive officer of the NCC, wrote in a foreword letter to potential developers.
“The future Major Events Centre will bring thousands of visitors to LeBreton Flats for sporting events, concerts and major celebrations, helping to create the energy and activity that will make the Aqueduct District a year-round destination.”
A sellout at the Canadian Tire Centre is 17,010 this season , but capacity is well over 18,000 for games against teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, and during the playoffs.
When will seating capacity be determined?
The Senators are working with architects on the design of the arena and surrounding district, and the final seating capacity has not been determined. Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and chief executive officer, has said the organization hopes to unveil its plans sometime early next year.
Teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Hockey League all are creating public spaces that reduce the number of actual seats in their venues.
The Senators have indicated they believe fans want more public spaces in rinks and a more intimate setting.
Later this month, the Senators will open the new Fan Deck at the Canadian Tire Centre that will hold as many as 350 people. Fans won’t be able to buy tickets specifically for the space, but it is expected to become a popular gathering spot on game nights.
The club said in a statement Monday that it is pleased to see the NCC taking more steps toward the redevelopment of the Flats.
“While the Senators are not involved in the NCC’s expression of interest process for the Aqueduct District, we’re encouraged to see continued progress on the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats,” the club told the Ottawa Citizen .
“Our vision is to create Ottawa’s next great gathering place, a vibrant, year-round destination that brings people together. The development of the surrounding lands, including new housing, amenities and public spaces, will play an important role in bringing that vision to life and creating a dynamic, connected community at LeBreton Flats.”
The Citizen has previously reported that the development will include a hotel, restaurants, bars, public spaces and residential housing.
What progress has been made at LeBreton Flats?
It has been 15 months since the Senators agreed to purchase 11 acres of land for $37 million to build a new home for the club. The Senators also have the option to purchase four more acres from the NCC, but have not determined whether they will exercise that option.
Since the land sale was announced in August 2025, the two sides have spent countless hours working on plans for the building, cleaning up the site and attempting to get the final transaction across the finish line.
Majority owner Michael Andlauer, Leeder and the club’s marketing staff are hopeful the new arena’s proximity to the Gatineau region will allow the organization to attract more fans from the Quebec side.
As well, people living in Orléans and Ottawa’s east end will have a shorter commute to LeBreton Flats.
The hope is that the rink will attract more events, making it busier than the Canadian Tire Centre.
In an invitation to developers, the NCC states on its website that it wants the area to become a destination for future generations.
“The Aqueduct District will be LeBreton Flats’ cultural and entertainment district, set within an unmatched master-planned community that will be home to more than 11,000 residents,” the NCC said. “With ambitious targets for affordable housing and community amenities, the area is poised to become a model for inclusive, sustainable urban living. Its location offers close proximity to transit, the Capital Pathway and surrounding cultural destinations.”
Nussbaum is challenging developers to build something that will attract people to the area every day of the year.
“The vision for the Aqueduct District extends well beyond event days. We see this as a place that is active throughout the year and throughout the day; a place where people come to gather, explore, experience culture and enjoy the energy of Canada’s capital,” Nussbaum wrote.
“Anchored by the historic aqueducts and shaped by a high-quality public realm, the district has the potential to become one of the defining destinations within the National Capital region. The Aqueduct District’s success will depend on bringing together great ideas, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to creating an exceptional destination.
“We are seeking partners who can help bring energy, creativity and an ambitious vision to bring the Aqueduct District to life as the cultural and entertainment heart of LeBreton Flats.
“Whether through attractions, cultural programming, hospitality, community uses or the ability to implement this vision through leading the development, we are eager to hear ideas that can help make this vision a reality.”
