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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2009 03 12                                                        5:15 p.m.