Businesses near Canadian Tire Centre react to likely loss of NHL hockey

The Ottawa Senators have a new owner in principle and it's widely expected the team will eventually move eastfrom Kanatato a more central location, leaving residents and businesses near the Canadian Tire Centre (CTC)to ponder life after the Sens.

"Certainly it's a concern that we're going to lose all that extra business," said Kate Rutledge, owner and manager of Zak's Diner on Terry Fox Drive. "Weget a big rush before the game starts and sometimes a little trickle in afterwards."

Beyond the business side, Rutledge saidshe'dmiss the pre-game excitement and the friendly ribbing between rival fans.

Zak's has also benefited from non-NHL events like concerts and other shows, added Rutledge.

"We get a lot of families coming in here with the kids all dressed up as princesses and all that sort of thing," she said. "It's fun and we'll definitely miss that."

As for what she'd like to see happen to the arena andits parking lots, Rutledge said shehopesthe site will continue to host concerts and shows for families, as well as offer sports and recreation facilities.

Big stars with big appetites

The current Senators ownership has been working on a replacement for the 27-year-old arena,reachinga deal about a year ago totake another crackata new arena onLeBreton Flatsat the edge of downtown.

No one from the group led by Michael Andlauer has commented since thetentative purchase of the Sens was announced Tuesday,let alone what that could potentially mean for the future of the CTC.

The NCC did not confirm whether it had met with Andlauer but said in a statement"we look forward to working with Mr. Andlauer and his partners on a lease agreement for a future major events centre at LeBreton Flats."

Next door to Zak's, the manager of Fratelli Kanatasaidpre-game crowds haven't traditionally been a big part of their business, but hosting and catering visiting NHL teams has been.

"We have thecarbs they're looking for and wegive out the big portions for the players,"said general manager Tanya Aramouni.

Expert says culturalcentre, not retail, needed

A centre that hosts concerts and other attractions seems very plausibletoBarry Nabatian, an expert in the local retail and housing market with the firm Shore-Tanner and Associates.

Giventhe area around the CTC already includes Tanger Outlets and the Kanata Centrum,he said he doubts the arenasite will be developed into shops and stores.

"Some retail may be needed, but not much because right nowKanata is oversourcedwith retail," said Nabatian.

At 17 hectares in size, he said the entire CTC site is comparable to all of Lansdowne Parkand offers a unique opportunity to west-end residents.

"What Kanata needs in addition to housing is cultural centres, aswell as leisure and recreational areas," said Nabatian. "But even those won't take up all of that space."