Bay D'Espoir Rec-Plex Officially Opened

L-R: Mayor Gordon Kearley (Milltown-Head Bay D'Espoir), Aubrey Joe (Conne River Recreation), Sandra Organ (St. Joseph's-St. Veronica's Local Service District), Oliver Langdon (MHA, Fortune Bay - Cape LaHune), Mayor Bert Strickland (Town of St. Alban's), Bill Matthews (MP, Burin - St. George's), Devon Smith (NHLPA) and Mike Gartner (NHLPA).  Assisted by minor hockey league representatives, Shannon Collier and Nicholas Kendell.

After the guests were introduced by MC Conrad Collier, the Holy Cross School Choir sang "O Canada" which was followed by the ribbon cutting.   As the mortgage on the building was paid off in October 2001, Mayor Bert Strickland was joined by MHA Oliver Langdon and MP Bill Matthews to participate in the mortgage burning.

Devon Smith of the NHLPA then congratulated the community on its sincere effort and many hours of volunteer work in making the event possible.  "As members of the NHLPA", he said, "we only give funds when we are convinced that the community is making a true effort to succeed."

Mike Gartner, in his address to the crowd, spoke of how proud he felt to be able to help the people of the Bay D'Espoir area . When the
Dreams and Goals Fund was established in 1999, its aim was to provide 15 million dollars to grassroots hockey around the world over a 5 year period .  These funds, explained Mr. Gartner, are donated from the royalties that players receive from the sale of such items as trading cards and video games.  "And when I look at the boards and glass in this arena," said Mr Gartner, " I am very pleased to have shared in the construction of this facility.  I congratulate the people on their hard work."

MHA, Oliver Landgon, congratulated the people of the area as well and gave a donation of   $500 to the Bay D'Espoir minor hockey program. MP, Bill Matthews, also extended his congratulations to the volunteers and promised to work closely with them to further develop the facility. Don Stewart, Chair of the Coast of Bays Corporation, spoke about the importance of such facilities in the zone and said that this would serve to bring communities closer together for the benefit of the whole region. 

Chris Perry, Perry's Wholesale, made an announcement on behalf of Browning Harvey saying that Browning Harvey had committed to installing a sound system in the Rec-Plex in the early Spring.  This system will cost approximately $6000.00.

McNamara Construction also made a donation of $2000 on behalf of all companies working on the Granite Canal hydroelectric project.  This was in recognition of 100,000 person hours of work on the site without a Lost Time Accident.  This will be used to purchase a set of official sized hockey goals. 

Mike Gartner and Devon Smith then performed the ceremonial first faceoff in the facility.  Taking the faceoff  were representatives of the Bay D'Espoir Minor Hockey Association, Cassondra Collier and Kyle Bennett.   The President of the St. Alban's Recreation Committee, Mary Strickland, then acknowledged the many agencies, businesses, organizations, volunteers and the general public for helping making this facility a "dream come true".  Following the on-ice ceremonies, Mike Gartner spent some time signing autographs and meeting the local people while others enjoyed a leisurely skate in the new facility.

This facility will be used for recreational, social and business events which adds to the rating of this region as an ideal place to relocate or expand business.  Other than the economics of a business, the quality of life for the employee is the second parameter that is considered when deciding where to locate a business.  Contented employees in the workplace and in the community means a low turnover rate and increased company loyalty.

Mike Gartner signing autographs	The crowd looks on.

For more information about the Coast of Bays region, contact:
Tracey Perry, Executive Director
Coast of Bays Corporation
P.O. Box 310
St. Alban's, Newfoundland
A0H 1P0
Phone: 709-538-3552
Fax: 709-538-3627
E-mail: inquiries@coastofbays.nl.ca