Grand Unveil and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Torbay Common | September 27, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2019
TOWN OF TORBAY ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE – TORBAY COMMON
Torbay, NL –The town of Torbay officially opened the doors to a 22,000 sq. ft. facility in the heart of the community. The community centre is a nucleus for a growing region that too-often sees its citizens commuting to the city to access the programs and services that this centre will facilitate. The Torbay Common is more than a recreation centre. Inside and out it will be that missing piece of the puzzle. That gathering place in the heart of the community where all generations can come, not only for programs, but just to feel part of the community and find out what’s on the go!
As the North East Avalon region continues to grow, the challenge to be inclusive and provide a space where all citizens can come together for community events only increases. At a time when so many rural areas are in decline, the Torbay Common presents a unique opportunity to provide a nucleus that will both contribute to better health and wellness outcomes and to the preservation of the culture and social fabric of the region.
Mayor Craig Scott stated the facility will provide, “More opportunity to learn and adopt healthy life-changing lifestyles from role models in our community. I’m also excited by the role the Torbay Common will play in what I would refer to as citizenship in action. Seeing others giving back to their community, and the rewards which that provides, is what inspires other to do the same. In a facility where people of all ages are coming and going for a wide range of reasons, the opportunity to engage and see the value of such engagement is that much more visible. A project of this scale could not be made possible without the support of many. To Minister Davis and the Province, Nick Whalen our federal MP, Scott Stirling, Brian Groves, Brenda O’Reilly and the rest of your campaign team, thank-you for the contributions you’ve made and facilitated. And to each person that has contributed to making a long-standing dream come true, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Torbay Common is largely being funded through an agreement between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Town of Torbay. The “Get It On The Go” campaign was established to raise $1.5 in additional funds to contribute to completing the $8.9 million facility. “The Provincial Government is pleased to support The Town of Torbay’s new community centre – Torbay Common. Our heritage and culture are a vital part of who we are as a people. I am excited to experience firsthand the exchange of culture through arts and wellness programs offered through this new common ground” said Minister Bernard Davis.
Scott Stirling, Honorary Chair of the “Get It On The Go” campaign said, “It is surreal for me to sit in a new facility that I first became familiar with on paper. Wow! It’s built and I have no doubt that this is going to provide that all-important glue that will not only enable the town of Torbay to grow and do more for its citizens but preserve the character and traditions that make this place so genuinely warm.” He went on to extend a thank you to the campaign donors who have come onboard, “I want to take a moment to recognize those partners that have contributed to our goal to raise $1.5 million toward this wonderful facility. Some are residents or resident businesses with direct ties to Torbay and others like Deloitte, understand as employers that they benefit greatly from the work ethic and values that the citizens of Torbay and the North east Avalon bring to their workplace every day. I would like to personally thank Deloitte, NTV, Crosbie Group, Verafin, MARCO, O’Reillys, Cahill Group, Brian Groves, Matthew Harris, Mark Whitty, The Telegram and Elaine Dobbin for their contributions. I’d also like to commend the Province for recognizing the importance of this facility to the region, also the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for recognizing the value of supporting an outdoor amphitheatre and additional technology to make this facility that much more versatile. I am so looking forward to coming here!”
The facility includes a large gymnasium with a climbing wall, a large divisible multipurpose room with a canteen/kitchen, offices and more. It connects seamlessly to the outdoors where a new playground, splashpad and a skate park will support activity for all ages. A welcoming entrance plaza, amphitheatre and a rear green space will support regular outdoor markets, concerts, festivals and more. The Town of Torbay are offering a weekend of activities for the public to celebrate the Grand Opening. For more information visit https://torbay.ca/about-torbay/news-and-events/community-events/
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Please direct media inquiries to:
June Perry
(709) 753-0794
(709) 682-2682
BACKGROUNDER
Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, the Town of Torbay offers breathtaking coast views in a picturesque, rural setting. With a population of just under 8,000, the town is a vibrant, evolving community with a long and colourful history that dates to the 1500s. A unique, storied community, with an exceptional quality of life, Torbay has so much to offer. Torbay is the second-fastest growing municipality in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Torbay joins the communities of Logy Bay, Middle Cove, Outer Cove, Flatrock, Pouch Cove, Bauline, and parts of Portugal Cove-St. Philips to form the Northeast Avalon area of the province, a region with a total population of approximately 18,000.
The Torbay Common Get It On The Go Capital Campaign is a $1.5 million initiative to support the construction of a new 22,000 sq. ft. community centre in the Town of Torbay. The facility will serve communities in the Northeast Avalon and will be a common ground for young and old alike, providing opportunity for recreational, social and cultural activities that will benefit the community for generations to come.
Town Council
Craig Scott, Mayor
Trina Appleby, Deputy Mayor
Geoff Gallant, Councillor
Justin Martin, Councillor
Tony Pollard, Councillor
Peggy Roche, Councillor
Mary Thorne – Gosse, Councillor
Dawn Chaplin, Chief Administrative Officer
Tina Auchlinleck -Ryan, Director of Community Services
Campaign Cabinet
Brian Groves, Campaign Chair
Scott Stirling, Honorary Chair
Keith Bradbury
Candace Moakler
Brenda O’Reilly
Carl English
Kevin English
Dorothy Keating
June Perry, Campaign Director