The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is calling Ottawa's plans for the next Lansdowne Park arena “a huge step back,” warning it throws the financial viability of the Ottawa Charge into question.

The event centre proposed through the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment plan would seat 5,850 people, according to city staff. They say added standing room would boost capacity to 6,600.

The 48-year-old arena currently has about 9,500 seats.

Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, told CBC News Friday the reduced capacity is a “tough pill to swallow.”

“It puts our league and our team in a position to really not thrive,” she said.

“It's a huge step back in terms of having an opportunity for our fans to see our team play. You know, 3,000 less fans a game is

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