LeBreton Flats redevelopment proposals 'not similar at all,' NCC boss says
'From what's been released in the media, there's a great deal to add,' Mark Kristmanson says
After a decades-long wait, and one day before the public unveiling of two visions for LeBreton Flats, the head of the National Capital Commission says the two proposals are "not similar at all" after leaks and media reports indicate both contain NHL arenas and a central public library.
- LeBreton Flats DCDLS bid includes underground arena, 'Brewseum'
- Ottawa Senators won't play at new arena built by competing bidder, says Eugene Melnyk
- Ottawa Senators sale a key factor in LeBreton Flats bid
The redevelopment of LeBreton Flats is down to two final proposals: one by DCDLS, formerly Devcore Group, and the other by Rendez Vous LeBreton Group, which represents the Ottawa Senators.
Rendez Vous LeBreton Group was originally the only bidder proposing a major sports and entertainment centre as an anchor for the 9.3-hectare site when it was shortlisted, along with three other groups, to submit more detailed proposals in February.
Since then, CBC News has learned the DCDLS bid includes plans to build an underground, NHL-style arena.
Both bids also include a new main public library, CBC News has learned.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is being briefed on the two plans Monday ahead of the official unveiling Tuesday afternoon.
Information leaks 'very partial'
But NCC CEO Mark Kristmanson said on Ottawa Morning Monday there's still a lot to be unveiled.
"I would ask people who have been waiting five decades for this, I think they should wait another day and see the full proposals ... These are quite detailed, comprehensive, ambitious proposals that I think will captivate people. I think they'll fulfil the promise of this wait," he said.
"I would just say, from the information in the leaks, that it's very partial, that people will need to come down or go online starting tomorrow to see the full breadth of these proposals."
Asked by Robyn Bresnahan whether the proposals are similar, Kristmanson rejected the term.
"I'm saying they're not similar at all. ... I think there's quite a lot to debate and quite a lot to be encouraged from each submission," he said.
Kristmanson stands behind bidding process
And asked about the leaks in advance of the public unveiling, Kristmanson said the NCC brought on an external fairness monitor to govern the competition and that "so far, the fairness monitor feels that we're within the boundaries of the competition."
"I can't comment on how the leaks might have happened. I think it's natural with hundreds of people working on this now in the capital," he said.
"There have been leaks but they're unsubstantiated and I think that it would be wise for everybody to wait and see them before commenting on them. I think expectations have been driven pretty low, frankly, and I think personally, there will be a wow effect tomorrow."
According to the terms of the competition, the NCC is not obliged to accept either of the proposals.
The public unveiling of the two plans takes place Tuesday at the Canadian War Museum in LeBreton Flats at 4 p.m. Formal presentations from the two groups will begin at 6 p.m.
Public feedback will be compiled and will play a role in the NCC's decision, Kristmanson said.