A local researcher has asked the federal Competition Bureau to weigh in on the redevelopment of Lebreton Flats.

In an e-mail to the Ottawa Sun, Ken Rubin says he has filed a complaint with the federal Commissioner of Competition, asking that he examine whether the two remaining bidders (Rendez Vous LeBreton and DCDLS) are in any way engaged in unfair collusive trade practices.

At issue are reports that say both bidders -- Rendez Vous Lebreton and DCDLS -- have indicated that their plans include an NHL hockey rink.

Last week, the NCC revealed that of the four bidders shortlisted to pitch redevelopment proposals, only two met the Dec. 15 deadline to submit their proposals.

To win participation in the request for proposals stage, each bid team proposed a mixed-use plan that included new homes, commercial buildings and green space.

The public won't get to see the details of the proposals until Jan. 26-27, when the public-consulation portion of the selection process begins, but speculation has been rampant that both include an NHL-style rink.

On Friday, Sens owner Eugene Melnyk (who is a partner in the Rendez Vous group) appeared flaberghasted: "I don't know what they (DCDLS) think they're doing and why they refer it to as NHL, I don't know. It's misleading. It's not very credible. I frankly only care about my submission," he said.

He stated emphatically that the Sens would not play in a rink owned by someone else and the team is not for sale: "This team is mine for life," he said.

Rubin is also asking that the Competition Bureau examine whether the NCC's tendering process is contributing to conditions that could facilitate unfair trade practices.