It's interesting, because there were a number of proposals including a number of different "re-locates" like the Library, the Museum of Science and Tech and a few other institutional places. And the problem with many of these proposals, is they don't have a clear letter of interest or intent on behalf of those controlling those entities. I don't think any that included the museum will make the short list. The ones that include Library and Archives will potentially make the final bid, but there are challenges with those.
First off, while the NCC might like the idea of a library at the center of a big new development, even they will concede this isn't the major draw that a multi-purposes sports and entertainment facility will be.
Second, it will have challenges from stakeholders. For instance, the city (and our Mayor) want the new Library to be part of the Bayview location at their location in the Yards. If these bids are at competing interests with the city, that poses a major challenge. Especially since this could mean the new library would be down the road from this project, meaning the NCC will have it almost next to the Sens Arena. And the mayor already loves the idea of the Sens moving to Lebreton.
Third issue is the focus of condos in the bid. If the Library is the best any of the other bids have to offer, this is good for the Sens, especially when it is being bid by major land and condo developers. While the Sens proposal might have a condo as part of it, it will likely be much less of a focus (and less units), simply because the arena is going to take up so much land. The other proposals will look a bit more disingenuous, if they have 200+ more units of condos in their proposals, surrounding a library.
If one of the bids includes a major out door park of some sort, surrounded by other attractions, I think that would be a tough one for the Sens to compete with, because the NCC would love as much greenspace as possible. But the problem with greenspace is you can't make money off of it in a major way, so I doubt we'll see a proposal with much of a focus of green in it. Especially from the reported list of developers, who are all about condo and commercial development. But if one of the bidders can figure out how to balance that mix (profits and green space), then that could give the Sens a real run for their money.
