Province to support expansion of Bay Roberts arena

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced a provincial investment of approximately $135,000 to support a two-storey extension to the Bay Arena in Bay Roberts. The expansion of the Bay Arena will be cost-shared by the provincial government, ACOA and the Town of Bay Roberts. The total cost of the project will be approximately $893,000.

�The investment will enable the town council to upgrade the multi-purpose facility and improve recreational infrastructure for the Town of Bay Roberts,� said Minister Byrne. �The expansion of the Bay Arena will provide the community a larger, more functional structure with the necessary upgrades, equipment and additional space to attract and accommodate larger and more diverse events throughout the year.�

The expansion is in response to demand for additional space, and provides opportunity to expand current services. The facility has been restricted to ice-related activities during the winter season, and with the expansion will be able to be utilized for a variety of events year-round.

The expansion will add a two-storey bay (325 square metres) and will include support rooms, washrooms, storage space and office. Additional funds will be spent to upgrade the sound system, covering for the ice surface, and equipment.

Ed Neil, chairman of the Bay Arena Association added, �The region will be able to capitalize on additional economic benefits with the new space and equipment for the Bay Arena, and the expansion will provide opportunity to accommodate a greater number of events during the year. We are thrilled that the province has come forward to support the expansion of Bay Arena and look forward to beginning construction in late summer.�

The Bay Arena was originally constructed in 1985 with a primary function as a hockey and figure skating facility. The arena is owned by the Town of Bay Roberts, and operated and managed by the Bay Arena Association. It is a regional facility serving the area from Tilton to Marysvale. The facility is home to the Bay Arena Minor Hockey Association, the Conception Bay North Figure Skating Club, the Conception Bay North Junior Northstars, recreation and school hockey leagues, and skating clubs.

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498

2005 07 19              10:15 a.m.