The president of the Ottawa Senators, Cyril Leeder, is right when he says the team shouldn’t expect taxpayers to pay for a new NHL arena.

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The tentative land purchase agreement between the National Capital Commission and the Ottawa Senators offered a moment of euphoria for the team and those who believe the city needs a new arena on LeBreton Flats. Now comes the big question: who’s going to pay for it?

The Senators have had conflicting communications on that critical point. Earlier this month, team owner Michael Andlauer said he would do his share, but the arena “cannot happen without public support.” Senators president Cyril Leeder took a different tack after the purchase deal was announced, saying that he didn’t expect Ottawa taxpayers to cover the cost of the arena and it’s not typically the approach taken in this country.

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That’s not always the case. Edmonton........

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