Latest news with #LeBretonFlats
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Senators hopeful for LeBreton site deal ‘by the fall': Inside the team's new arena push
OTTAWA — Good news appears on the horizon in the Ottawa Senators' quest to replace their home arena at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators are hopeful that a deal could be completed as soon as this fall between the team and the federally run National Capital Commission, giving them control of a 10-acre plot of land at LeBreton Flats that would bring them much closer to the city's downtown core. Last September, the NCC and the Senators agreed in principle on a new entertainment venue to be built on the land. But a sale price had yet to be determined, with the Senators setting a goal of obtaining the land sometime in 2025. Advertisement 'I think we're close. I think we're really close,' Senators owner Michael Andlauer told The Athletic in an interview earlier this month. 'There has been great cooperation from the NCC lately. I think we both want this to happen now.' Late last week, the Ottawa Sun reported that 'real progress' was being made between the NCC and the Senators on a new arena to be built at LeBreton Flats, located west of Parliament Hill. The matter could even be resolved by late September, when the NCC holds its annual public meeting. 'You have to get an agreement. We're not there yet,' Senators president Cyril Leeder told The Athletic on Monday. 'Then, when you get an agreement, you have to satisfy your due diligence. We're not there yet. And then you have to satisfy all the conditions, one of which will be a plan that everybody likes and agrees to, including us, the NCC, the city, everybody else that's involved. I think, by the fall, it'd be reasonable to think that we should have the site under contract and we should be well underway, if not completed, most of the due diligence.' 'Both parties are working hard to reach an agreement and are committed to bringing a major events centre to LeBreton Flats,' NCC spokesman Benoit Desjardins wrote in an email to The Athletic. Leeder says that once a deal is completed, the team will be at the 'starting line' for its new event centre. So, don't expect shovels in the ground just yet. The Senators still need to complete studies on mobility, transport, parking and remediation, in addition to financing. 'So, there's a whole host of issues that keep me awake at night that have to get resolved,' Leeder said. When asked about what the sale price could be for the land, Leeder could only say that it would be a 'fair market value,' as was agreed upon last September. Advertisement 'Whatever the fair market value is, we're going to pay,' Leeder said. 'We're not looking for a bonus. We're not looking for (the NCC) to do us a favour. But we don't want to pay over market, and we have to buy the land.' Until then, the Senators expect to stay at the Canadian Tire Centre, located in the western Ottawa borough of Kanata, for 'at least' the next five years, Leeder said. Previously known as the Palladium, the Corel Centre and Scotiabank Place, the rink has been the Senators' home since 1996. But attempts to move to a downtown arena have been ongoing for over a decade, from when Eugene Melnyk was still the team's primary owner. Andlauer envisions the new arena being a 'destination' for tourists as well as citizens of Ottawa and Gatineau, while also attracting more musical artists to perform. 'There's so many areas of opportunity,' Andlauer said. 'And all we are is a catalyst in making this happen, because all we really are is a hockey club that's only going to play 40 — hopefully 46 to 47 — times a year.' In the meantime, the Senators will make adjustments to their current home. Andlauer told The Athletic in early July that they planned on replacing the older, fabric-based seats — which had been in place for over 30 years — in the lower bowl of Canadian Tire Centre with more leather-bound ones. That process was completed last week, according to Leeder. 'Michael was pretty adamant,' Leeder said. 'He said that he wanted to upgrade those seats. I think you'll see more of those upgrades, not less, in the future.' The Senators owner touted additional 'improvements' in the form of paint jobs, upgrades to the team's gym and new arena catering. Andlauer has also considered a new JumboTron, estimating that a new one might cost $10 million. 'It's been on my mind because I don't know how long it's going to take to get LeBreton going,' Andlauer said. 'How do I make it better for the fans without blowing my brains out too? I mean, there's got to be a balance, right?' Advertisement Leeder teased that more announcements could come soon but declined to speak further. 'We have a few things we're working on that we may be able to talk about,' Leeder said. 'But we're, we're not far enough along, and I don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet.' However, don't expect a 'huge overhaul' on the Canadian Tire Centre with a pending resolution for LeBreton Flats on the way. 'Because if we're going to go to LeBreton, I'll spend that money there,' Andlauer said. 'We've got that five-year window,' Leeder said. 'And we're going to continue to make upgrades to the building that are necessary and the ones that we see fit. And yes, most of them will be just keeping the lights on and keeping it going. But it's still a pretty good building. It still functions at a high level.'
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bluesfest Day 7: Green Day conquers the masses
Green Day, one of the United States' most popular punk-influenced bands, descended on Bluesfest for the first time Friday, deploying a volley of hits during a momentous main-stage performance that drew a huge crowd to the plaza of the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats Park. Under clear skies and refreshingly cool temperatures, the legendary rockers worked hard to make it a great show, winning over a crowd that had been buzzing with anticipation for weeks. In fact, it was hard to tell who was more into it, the fans of all ages packed shoulder to shoulder singing along to every word, or the band members rejoicing that they weren't at home in Trump's America. 'This is Ottawa. This is Canada,' bellowed singer-songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong at one point. 'This is not America.' In that spirit, the protest-minded American Idiot made a perfect starting point, with lyrics tweaked to reflect the current political situation. It was followed by the still-relevant, anti-war anthem, Holiday, and the 2009 advisory Know Your Enemy, which also carries some pertinent messages for today's voters (and featured a fan from the audience shout-singing along on stage). Come to think of it, most of the Green Day catalogue has aged remarkably well, largely thanks to the combination of smart songwriting and the resurgence of an uncertain political climate. Core members Armstrong, Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt, now in their 50s, looked to be in great shape, too. Instead of dwelling on the issues of the day, however, they made the concert great fun, feeding off the energy that emanated from the crowd. When he wanted to gauge reaction, Armstrong shouted 'Hey-O' and listened for the echo. When he wanted to rage, it was 'Let's go crazy, Ottawa.' Armstrong was so impressed with everything that he announced a new headquarters for the California-based band. 'I'm not going home,' he declared. 'We are Green Day from Ottawa, from now on.' The love grew with each song, from Boulevard of Broken Dreams to Longview, Welcome to Paradise, Dilemma, 21 Guns, Basket Case and more. A final singalong, this time on the melodic Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), lulled listeners into a sense of bliss as the show ended, only for a dazzling fireworks display to provide the real climax. Earlier in the evening, the punk-themed night on the RBC main stage also featured L.A.'s Linda Lindas and Quebec's Les Shirleys, two predominantly female groups that proved you don't have to be a dude to rock out. For their part, the Linda Lindas absolutely slayed, railing against the patriarchy with a blockbuster set. The quartet took their opening duties seriously. 'I feel like we need to get you warmed up for Green Day,' observed drummer Mila de la Garza. 'I wanna see everybody moving and dancing along.' Their songs bore the influence of pop, punk and something even thrashier, delivered with pounding drums and shredding guitars. The intense workout peaked with an urgent call for freedom in oppressed countries around the world, along with a plea to keep standing up for trans people and immigrants. That impassioned outburst led into the scorching set-closer, Racist, Sexist Boy, sung by Eloise Wong in a most intimidating growl. Fresh off three weeks in a van in Europe, Les Shirley kicked things off on the RBC main stage with their own snappy set of pop-punk. On the River stage, another discovery was the stylish, multi-national ensemble of mostly women called Les Bitchos, who cruised through a series of sleek instrumentals that balanced groove and melody. Two Ottawa bands demonstrated their talents on Friday, too. On the LeBreton stage, The Commotions mounted a big-band extravaganza, with the stellar voices of Rebecca Noelle and Jeff Rogers soaring over the soulful, horn-fattened sound, while newcomers Four Eyed Muscle Man constructed a solid indie-rock foundation around the powerhouse vocals of Soleil Crispin. As for the blues highlight of the day, that honour went to Fantastic Negrito, the Oakland-bred performer who was making his first visit to Ottawa, accompanied by his band. In front of a full house at the LeBreton stage, the singer-guitarist lived up to his name with a bluesy melange that wandered from hip hop to funk to gospel. A highlight was his unhurried and soul-stirring reworking of the old Leadbelly standard, In the Pines. Bluesfest continues to Sunday, with Papa Roach and Daughtry holding down a Saturday-night rock bash, and Canadian mixtape wiz Kaytranada plying his beats on Sunday. lsaxberg@
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Bylaw Services officers issue dozens of parking tickets around Ottawa Bluesfest
The City of Ottawa has set up temporary 'Special Event – No Stopping' zones around LeBreton Flats for Ottawa Bluesfest. (Ottawa Bylaw/X) Some drivers hit a sour note with Bylaw Services officers during the opening few days of Ottawa Bluesfest, as dozens of tickets were handed out for parking violations around LeBreton Flats. The City of Ottawa has implemented parking restrictions on streets around the Ottawa Bluesfest site, including temporary no stopping areas. Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) tells CTV News Ottawa that 163 tickets for 'No Stopping-Special Event' violations were issued between July 10 and July 16 in the area around LeBreton Flats. 'BLRS reminds motorists to carefully check for posted signage before attending the festival, as temporary parking restrictions have been implemented to accommodate increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic,' Roger Chapman, director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services, said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. 'Keeping these routes clear is essential to ensure access for emergency vehicles and to help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all festivalgoers.' The fine for stopping in no stopping area is $130, with an early payment option of $110. Festivalgoers are encouraged to take public transit, cycle or walk to LeBreton Flats for the nine nights of music during Ottawa Bluesfest. Ticketholders can board OC Transpo buses and the O-Train for free up to three hours before and two hours after the concert. There is no parking available at LeBreton Flats and the Canadian War Museum for people during Bluesfest. Ottawa Bluesfest wraps up on Sunday. The City of Ottawa sets up 'Special Event – No Stopping – Tow Away' zones during events like Bluesfest and the Canadian Tulip Festival due to increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic and to ensure emergency vehicle access to sites. During the Tulip Festival in May, Bylaw Services officers issued 1,416 tickets to vehicles illegally parked around Dows Lake and Little Italy.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
In the Community: Ottawa Bluesfest
Ottawa Watch CTV's Jackie Perez is at LeBreton Flats for the sixth night of Ottawa Bluesfest.
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Ottawa Bluesfest kicks off tonight. Here's what you need to know about Ottawa's biggest festival
Approximately 30,000 people packed LeBreton Flats to see Shania Twain on the opening night of RBC Ottawa Bluesfest 2023. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa) Ottawa Bluesfest kicks off today, with nine nights of music set to fill the air at LeBreton Flats. This is the 31st year for Ottawa's largest summer music festival, with performances set for four stages on the property just west of downtown Ottawa. Country singer Lainey Wilson headlines the opening night of Bluesfest, with other headliners including Hozier, Turnstile, Shania Twain, Def Leppard, Green Day and Papa Roach. 'We're just glad,' Joe Reilly, Ottawa Bluesfest spokesperson, told CTV Morning Live. 'Anticipation, anticipation, you're doing stuff, and you just want it to start. So we're glad it's happening.' Organizers anticipate 250,000 people to attend the nine nights of music along the banks of the Ottawa River. 'It's always best to leave your car at home or park far away and jump on the LRT or OC Transpo's bus system,' Reilly said, adding you can also cycle to LeBreton Flats. A new addition to the grounds this year is the Casa Loco, a Mexican-style cantina with a 100-foot outdoor patio located on the Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway. The Crazy Horse Saloon is returning, featuring a mechanical bull. Ottawa Bluesfest runs until July 20. looks at what you need to know about Ottawa Bluesfest. Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 Site Map Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 Site Map ( Tickets Tickets are available for all nine nights of Ottawa Bluesfest. You can visit the Ottawa Bluesfest website for tickets, including the full festival pass and the Pick-3 Pass. A full festival pass costs $428.04. Ottawa Bluesfest lineup Here is a look at the lineup each night at Ottawa Bluesfest. July 10: Lainey Wilson ; The Red Clay Strays; Father John Misty; The Cat Empire; Linka Moja; Melbourne Ska Orchestra; Chambers DesLauriers; DB Cohen; Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters; Riley Burns; Rosewood Avenue; DJ Karyen Lainey Wilson The Red Clay Strays; Father John Misty; The Cat Empire; Linka Moja; Melbourne Ska Orchestra; Chambers DesLauriers; DB Cohen; Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters; Riley Burns; Rosewood Avenue; DJ Karyen July 11: Hozier ; The Dead South; Charlotte Day Wilson; Sarah Harmer; Amigo The Devil; The Claudettes; Claude Munson; Emilie Steele & The Deal; Kristine St-Pierre; Sophie d'Orléans; Vikki Gilmore; DJ Karyen The Dead South; Charlotte Day Wilson; Sarah Harmer; Amigo The Devil; The Claudettes; Claude Munson; Emilie Steele & The Deal; Kristine St-Pierre; Sophie d'Orléans; Vikki Gilmore; DJ Karyen July 12: TURNSTILE ; Pixies; Men I Trust; Kurt Vile & The Violators; The Budos Band; Sue Foley; Shaina Hayes; André Bisson; Melissa Ouimet; Rosie's Smokehouse Deluxe; DJ Karyen; Emerging Artist Showcase TURNSTILE Pixies; Men I Trust; Kurt Vile & The Violators; The Budos Band; Sue Foley; Shaina Hayes; André Bisson; Melissa Ouimet; Rosie's Smokehouse Deluxe; DJ Karyen; Emerging Artist Showcase July 13: Shania Twain ; Alan Doyle; Wild Rivers; Big Freedia; The Paper Kites; Darrell Nulisch; Edwin Raphael; Alanna J Brown; Buck Twenty; Jessie Simmons; Leverage for Mountains; DJ DoubleDown Shania Twain Alan Doyle; Wild Rivers; Big Freedia; The Paper Kites; Darrell Nulisch; Edwin Raphael; Alanna J Brown; Buck Twenty; Jessie Simmons; Leverage for Mountains; DJ DoubleDown July 16: Def Leppard ; Tom Morello; The Decemberists; Reignwolf; D.K. Harrell; Amos The Transparent; Beau Nectar; Funk Yo Self; Le Winston Band; Luscious; The Sarandons; DJ DoubleDown Def Leppard Tom Morello; The Decemberists; Reignwolf; D.K. Harrell; Amos The Transparent; Beau Nectar; Funk Yo Self; Le Winston Band; Luscious; The Sarandons; DJ DoubleDown July 17: Sean Paul ; Kardinal Offishall; Peach Pit; Harry Manx; Alicia Moffet; Jolie Laide; Lilyisthatyou; Moontricks; Durham County Poets; Dystoh; Sofia Duhaime; DJ DoubleDown Sean Paul Kardinal Offishall; Peach Pit; Harry Manx; Alicia Moffet; Jolie Laide; Lilyisthatyou; Moontricks; Durham County Poets; Dystoh; Sofia Duhaime; DJ DoubleDown July 18: Green Day ; The Linda Lindas ; Dwayne Gretzky; Fantastic Negrito; Ron Sexsmith; Les Shirley; Los Bitchos; Four Eyed Muscle Man; Jahmeema; N'nerjie; The Commotions; DJ Acro Green Day The Linda Lindas Dwayne Gretzky; Fantastic Negrito; Ron Sexsmith; Les Shirley; Los Bitchos; Four Eyed Muscle Man; Jahmeema; N'nerjie; The Commotions; DJ Acro July 19: Papa Roach ; Daughtry; Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram; Lucius; Bob Log III; The Texas Horns; TJ Wheeler; JW Jones; Hellhound Trail; Rubber Tire Peep Show; We Were Sharks; DJ Acro Papa Roach Daughtry; Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram; Lucius; Bob Log III; The Texas Horns; TJ Wheeler; JW Jones; Hellhound Trail; Rubber Tire Peep Show; We Were Sharks; DJ Acro July 20: Kaytranada; BADBADNOTGOOD; Tim Baker; Lou Phelps; Darren Kiely; Joce Reyome; Catriona Sturton; Elizabeth Royall; Nolan Hubbard; Be In The Band Showcase; Blues In The Schools Showcase; DJ Acro OC Transpo Bluesfest ticketholders can travel for free on all O-Train lines, OC Transpo buses and Para Transpo up to three hours before and two hours after the concerts. O-Train users can access LeBreton Flats from Pimisi Station and walk down Booth Street to enter the grounds. O-Train service will be extended to midnight on July 13 and July 20. OC Transpo says special extended westbound night service on N57, N61 and N75 will start at 9:30 p.m. each night to accommodate crowds. The buses will be on Albert Street at Booth Street. The Para Transpo drop off area is southbound on Booth Street, next to the Canadian War Museum. OC Transpo OC Transpo provides an outline on how festivalgoers can leave LeBreton Flats after Bluesfest. (OC Transpo website) Parking Ottawa Bluesfest says there is no public parking available at the Canadian War Museum or at the site during the festival. Festivalgoers are encouraged to take transit, walk, cycle or be dropped off near LeBreton Flats. The taxi stand is located at Lett Street and Wellington Street. Cashless venue Ottawa Bluesfest is a cashless venue. Food, beverage and merchandise vendors accept Interac, all major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Prohibited items All festivalgoers and their belongings are subject to search before entering. Ottawa Bluesfest says the following items will not be allowed onto the festival's grounds: No bags over 12' X 12' X 6' No glass of any kind, no cans No weapons, gang colours or contraband No bicycles inside festival grounds No musical instruments, horns or noisemakers No inflatables of any kind No illegal substances or drug paraphernalia No pets No hard-sided coolers or glass containers No flyers, handbills, posters, stickers No fireworks or explosives No beach balls, soccer balls, baseballs or footballs No tents No megaphones No banners or flags No non-collapsible chairs Road closures The City of Ottawa says the following roads will be closed during the festival: The north and south side parking lanes on Wellington Street, between Vimy Place and Lett Street, are closed until midnight on Monday, July 21 Kichi Zībī Mīkan between Parkdale Avenue and Booth Street Reduced by a single lane in each direction on Monday, July 7 at 6 a.m. Kichi Zībī Mīkan eastbound between Slidell Street and Portage Thursday, July 10 at 10 a.m. to July 14 at 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. to Thursday, July 17 at 6 a.m. Thursday, July 17 at 10 a.m. to Monday, July 21 Kichi Zībī Mīkan between Slidell Street and Portage
