The Senators and the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation on Thursday confirmed that they are “on track for the framework of an economic partnership” for a new arena at LeBreton Flats. Getty Images
The Senators and the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation on Thursday confirmed that they are “on track for the framework of an economic partnership” for a new arena at LeBreton Flats, according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. Completing the deal would allow the Senators to “clear a major hurdle to build” the LeBreton Flats arena. Both parties are “now working on finalizing the memorandum of understanding” and will release more details “when the paperwork is completed.” League sources said that the Senators and the First Nations group “wouldn’t have made the statement on Thursday if both parties didn’t feel confident that they would get the MOU across the finish line.” This is a deal that would “allow the First Nations to gain economic benefits from the club’s new home,” though nobody is “willing to predict” when a deal might be finalized or what it will look like when it is done. The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation said in a statement on their website that they are “confident an agreement with the Senators will bring in sustainable financial support.” The statement suggested that the First Nations “may be part of a profit-sharing agreement with the organization” (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 3/26).