The Ottawa Senators officially announced Tuesday they will be submitting a proposal for the development of four parcels of land at LeBreton Flats.

Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Ottawa Senators, has called the idea of a new arena in LeBreton Flats a "game-changer." (CBC) In a two-sentence statement, a spokesperson for the group that operates the Senators confirmed what they said they'd been "actively considering" earlier this month.

"Senators Sports & Entertainment (SSE) is confirming it will make a submission to the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats," the statement said.

"In respect of the NCC and its RFQ process, we will not be sharing any details of our submission or make any further comments at this time."

Senators Sports and Entertainment said Dec. 9 that a new arena to replace the 18-year-old Canadian Tire Centre could spur plenty of economic activity in and around downtown Ottawa, but only with "strong community support."

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said last week if the team were to submit a proposal for a new arena it would be done before Christmas.

He added their current building "was not built to last 30 to 40 years" and he hopes to see a new arena in his lifetime.

The NCC has been asking for proposals on the use of two parcels of land totalling 9.3 hectare site south of the Canadian War Museum, along with an outlook with what they'd do with two parcels totalling 12.3 hectares to the west of that.

Interested parties have until Jan. 7, 2015, to submit their proposals.