The Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay will soon be billed as an all-season recreation, conference and entertainment centre. Through a contribution of over $207,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and approximately $60,000 from the Northeast Avalon Arena Regional Board, the facility will undergo improvements to outfit it to host a variety of sporting, cultural and business functions.
The announcement was made today by Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council, on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for ACOA and La Francophonie.
“Our government invests in projects that have economic benefit for Canadian communities,” said Minister Penashue. “Renovations to the Jack Byrne Arena will enhance the conference and convention potential of the Northeast Avalon area which in turn contributes to the vitality of the local economy.”
The arena board will acquire new assets including staging equipment, ice decking for the arena and additional tables and chairs, to enable the facility to operate as a year- round multi-purpose facility capable of hosting conventions, conferences and trade shows.
“This funding enables the board to utilize the Jack Byrne Arena for a wider variety of activities and functions on a 12-month basis,” said Bradley Power, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Avalon Arena Regional Board. “We have made a major investment in the arena and the support of ACOA is greatly appreciated in helping us to position the Northeast Avalon as an alternate location for business and entertainment events, in addition to ice sports.”
The Jack Byrne Arena officially opened its doors on October 24, 2008 to serve the Northeast Avalon region which includes the towns of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Torbay, Flatrock and Pouch Cove. The 10-member board is comprised of citizen representatives and council members of the four municipalities.
ACOA’s funding is provided through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
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The Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay will get some new equipment to improve its capacity to host conventions, conferences and trade shows. The announcement was made today by Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council; and Bradley Power, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Avalon Arena Regional Board. The improvements will include decking to cover the ice surface, tables, chairs, signage and pipe and draperies. ACOA is investing just over $207,000, and the Northeast Avalon Arena Regional Board is putting approximately $60,000 into the improvements.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2935
Bradley Power
Chair, Northeast Avalon Arena Regional Board
Jack Byrne Arena
709-746-4500
