Executive Council
Municipal Affairs
March 12, 2009
Grand Opening and
Dedication of the Jack Byrne Arena
Former
Minister Jack Byrne was dearly remembered and honoured this afternoon at
the grand opening and dedication of the Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay.
�Today,
we not only celebrate the construction of a first-class regional
facility for the towns of Torbay, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Pouch
Cove and Flatrock, but we also pay tribute to a dear friend and
colleague, former Member of the House of Assembly Jack Byrne,� said the
Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. �The
Jack Byrne Arena is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life
contributing to the development and sustainability of the Northeast
Avalon region and the dedication of this arena in his memory is a
celebration of his life.�
The
Jack Byrne Arena is a $13.1 million venture. The provincial government
was pleased to cost-share this important initiative with the four
municipalities (Towns of Torbay, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Pouch
Cove and Flatrock) with a significant investment of $10.1 million. The
four municipalities own and operate the facility.
A
strong advocate for the concept, former Minister Byrne championed a
regional arena for over 20 years. He envisioned a facility in the area
that would promote sports, fitness and active lifestyles among
residents.
�This
arena brought four towns together and created much more than four walls,
a roof and an ice surface � it built community pride,� said the
Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. �The Jack Byrne
Arena serves as a model for effective community cooperation and we see
no more appropriate tribute to our former colleague than to name it in
his honour for all the hard work he invested.�
The
rink officially opened to the public last October. From that point
forward, hockey, figure skating, school and private groups have made use
of almost any available moment of ice time. It continues to see
back-to-back bookings.
�I am
extremely happy to share in this proud day for the Byrne Family and
indeed all residents of our area,� said Kevin Parsons, MHA for the
District of Cape St. Francis. �This day has been long awaited and Jack�s
dream has finally been fulfilled with this very impressive facility.�
�For
me, personally, and for the towns involved, this is a dream come true,�
said Bob Codner, Mayor of the Town of Torbay and Chairperson of the Jack
Byrne Regional Arena Board. �With vibrant histories of hockey, figure
skating and other activities within our towns, this new arena will be a
valuable asset for all communities involved. As individuals, we are
proud to have been part of its development, and we look forward to the
future.�
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Media contacts:
2009 03
12 5:15 p.m.
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