Government has partnered with the municipalities of Torbay, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Pouch Cove and Flatrock to support construction of a new $6.5 million arena for the region.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $4.9 million to the new facility through Municipal Capital Works funding. The remainder of the funding will be cost-shared by the Towns of Torbay, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Pouch Cove and Flatrock.

The Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for the District of Cape St. Francis, is pleased with the level of cooperation to move this initiative forward and make this new facility a reality. "The Northeast Avalon is among the fastest growing areas in Newfoundland and Labrador, and this new facility is a wonderful example of how we can work together to strengthen services regionally. The Northeast Avalon Arena will introduce a new state-of-the-art building which will provide greater opportunity for families to participate in recreational activities, and provide communities a multi-purpose facility to host a variety of sporting and special events."

The Northeast Avalon Arena will feature a NHL regulation-size ice surface, seating capacity for approximately 1,250 spectators, walking track and parking for 424 vehicles. The regional facility will include a heated spectator area, six dressing rooms, offices and equipment room. The arena will support hockey, ice skating and various recreational uses, as well as provide a site to host special events, concerts or trade shows. The arena will be located on Torbay Road, with all the towns within a five to 20 minute drive of the site.

A study commissioned by the Town of Torbay in February 2005 concluded that there is a demand for a regional facility and construction of a new arena would be feasible.

"An arena has been the dream of local residents for decades. Today, that dream moved closer to reality with the announcement by Minister Byrne that funding is now approved for this very worthwhile project," stated Robert Codner, Mayor of Torbay. "The Town of Torbay thanks its neighboring towns for their cooperation and assistance in pursuing this regional project, along with a sincere thank you to Minister Jack Byrne for his hard work and unswerving commitment to this project on behalf of local residents."

"This multi-purpose facility has been in the works for a number of years," stated Robert Roche, Mayor of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove. "Through the cooperation of the minister and all four towns, we will now see a state-of-the-art facility for people of all ages to enjoy and utilize for years to come."

"This arena has been a long time coming and, on behalf of Pouch Cove, I am very pleased to be part of this project; it is something we definitely need for the region," added Sarah Patten, Mayor of Pouch Cove.

The Mayor of Flatrock, Kevin Parsons is thrilled with the announcement. "This announcement is fantastic news for residents. The building will be a welcome addition to the surrounding area and support the growing sporting needs of the community."

Tenders will be called in the spring of 2007, with construction expected to be completed in the spring of 2008.

The Municipal Capital Works Program is cost-shared between the provincial government and municipalities and is designed to provide financial assistance to improve infrastructure for municipalities in the province. In 2006-2007, the provincial portion of the Municipal Capital Works Program totaled $34.5 million.

Photo #1: Surrounded by the Mayors of Pouch Cove, Torbay, Flatrock, and Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Minister Jack Byrne announces construction of the Northeast Avalon Arena.

-30-

Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2007 02 14                                               12:05 p.m.