On January 25th and 26th, the Board of Directors of the National Capital Commission (NCC) is expected to get an update on the development of LeBreton Flats.
It’s an important milestone in the process as the Board receives a formal update on the negotiations and we get our first real indication of how things have been progressing behind closed doors.
Those meetings may still be a couple weeks away but the fireworks have already started.
In a wide-ranging 26 minute interview with Graeme Richardson of CTV, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson weighed in on a number of issues related to the Ottawa Senators including his thoughts on Eugene Melnyk’s tantrum at the Alumni Game in December and a vague projection on what comes next in the process to move build a rink at LeBreton Flats.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the interview was the somewhat direct shot at Melnyk. Watson described Melnyk’s recent comments as “strange and a bit bizarre” and “not at all helpful”and he said that the Owner of the Senators has to “build that trust back with the fans”.
He also added his personal disappointment in the club’s decision to let Cyril Leeder go in January 2017.
These things may seem obvious but for the Mayor to say it so directly was interesting. And it’s likely to draw a less than favourable reaction from the always unpredictable Melnyk.
On next steps related to LeBreton, the Mayor was quite clear that the city has no intention of providing Municipal funds in the development of the rink.
While the City is prepared to contribute on elements of the proposal considered in the “public realm”, Watson emphasized that he has no interest in going down the same road they did in Edmonton. And in some ways, he seems to be positioning himself for a similar showdown to what is currently playing out in Calgary.
Watson and Melnyk have always had a fairly tense relationship and based on this interview, it’s clear that Eugene Melnyk’s comments haven’t helped on that front.
It will be fascinating to see where things stand on LeBreton at the end of the month.
In the words of Mr. Melnyk, “Buckle Up!”
