Newcomers Guide2.1 - Happy Valley

CHAPTER 14
RECREATION
FACILITIES
SOCIAL/RECREATION GROUPS
CHURCHES
HOLIDAYS
SOME UNIQUELY CENTRAL LABRADOR
CELEBRATIONS
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
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Facilities
There is always something to keep you busy in central Labrador in either sports or the arts. The Town of
Happy Valley - Goose Bay hosts a Calendar of Events on their website: http://www.happyvalleygoosebay.com/home/event_calendar.htm. There are safe walking/bike trails woven through town for you to
enjoy at your own pace. There are also a number of facilities available in Happy Valley - Goose Bay, offering
recreational activities for the entire family. These include:
Labrador Provincial Training Centre has a swimming pool offering swimming
lessons and casual swimming and bookings can be made for larger or smaller
groups and for events such as birthday parties. Rates for rental vary with group size
and age. They also offer judo, gym rental for basket ball, volley ball, badminton; a
judo room; an equipment gym. Located at Bldg 84 on the North Side of town.
Phone: 896-8480
E. J. Broomfield Memorial Arena – operated by the town of Happy ValleyGoose Bay - full sized hockey surface also used for ice skating, hockey, soccer, floor hockey, broomball, and
other sporting and community events. Located at 3 Broomfield Street.
Phone: 896-2269/2871
Softball Fields – maintained by the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and located at Husky Park and Ikey
Street RecPlex
Phone: 896-2269/2871
Soccer Field - maintained by the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and in the Ikey Street RecPlex
Phone: 896-2269/2871
Kinsmen Park, Steve’s Playground and other local playgrounds are maintained by the town of
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Phone: 896-2269/2871
Skateboard and BMX Bike Park maintained by the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and in the Ikey Street
RecPlex
Phone: 896-2269/2871
Amaruk Golf Club - An enchanting wilderness escape welcomes golfers who play a round at Amaruk Golf
and Sports Club in Labrador. Located at 327 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Amaruk has
quickly gained a reputation for having some of the best greens in the province. This nine hole course, which is
laid out through rugged terrain, provides an excellent challenge for golfers of all ages and experience. Visit
http://www.theamarukgolfclub.ca for more information or contact: [email protected] or 896-2112.
Goose Bay Curling Club - Located at 126 Edmonton Street, Happy Valley - Goose Bay. There are men’s,
women’s and mixed league curling teams and regular bonspiel and funspiel events organized. Ice rentals are
also available. For more information please contact 896-4062.
Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club and Hiking Trails - The Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club is a nonprofit
recreational and environmental education facility located near Happy Valley-Goose Bay on highway 520.
During the ski season, usually from December to April, 30 kilometers of challenging ski trails are groomed for
skaters and classical skiers. A cozy chalet and sauna near the Rabbit Run and a warm up cabin at McLean
Lake are also available to skiers. Yearly memberships or day passes may be purchased. The club is affiliated
with provincial and national cross country ski associations. In the months outside of the skiing season there a
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number of hiking trails for the beginner to the seasoned hiker with a number of different trail options.
Beautiful scenery awaits you in these groomed hiking trails. If you have questions, suggestions or require
more information, please contact the following:
President: Graham Moorhouse [email protected]
Chalet bookings: Betty Anne Fequet [email protected]
Phone: 896-8560/5573
www.birchbrook.com
Labrador Christian Youth Camp partners with churches and communities to provide a natural setting for
spiritual, emotional and physical growth through camping activities based on Christian values. It is located on
the shore of Gosling Lake, 15km north-east of Happy Valley - Goose Bay. The facility can be rented out to
groups or individuals.
Phone: 896-3298
Email: [email protected]
http://www.labradorcamp.com
Camp Alexander, located just below Dome Mountain, is within a 10-minute drive from
5 Wing Goose Bay by a easily drivable dirt road in summer that will take you as far as the
walk way. In winter the camp is accessible by snowmobile which will allow you to drive
right up to the cabin. The camp has a beautiful cabin with a screened in patio and BBQ.
The camp can be reserved and used by any Department of National Defense (DND)
military personnel/Allies, PSP/NPF, DND civilians, CFHA and MFRC and their families.
To book the camp contact:
Jean Noseworthy
Phone: 896-6900 ext 7744
E-mail: [email protected]
5 Wing Bowling Alley is located at Building 365, in the Community Centre on Banshee Boulevard at 5 Wing
Goose Bay. The bowling lanes are located in the 5 Wing Community Centre next to the Arcturus Theatre. It
features six lanes, shoe rental, white light or glow bowling. The lanes are operated by bookings only. Two
hour rental includes use of bowling lanes and the multi- purpose room. Glow Bowling is available upon
request. For price information and booking please contact:
Jean Noseworthy
Phone: 896-6900 Ext. 7744
E-mail: [email protected]
5 Wing Fitness Sports and Recreation Centre consists of a
gymnasium, cardio room, weight room, squash courts, and stores
department. The cardio room contains several treadmills, bicycles,
spinners, rowers, elliptical and Stairmaster machines. Volleyball,
badminton, basketball, soccer and more can be played on the gymnasium
floor. There are two squash courts available for booking. The spacious
weight room offers a variety of free and machine driven weights. For
more information contact:
Phone: 896-6900 Ext. 7708
Building 399, Centralia Road, 5 Wing Goose Bay.
5 Wing Soccer Pitch and Softball Diamond - the soccer pitch is located on Loring Drive, and the ball field is
located behind the Fitness Centre.
Phone: 896-6900 Ext. 6222/7707
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5 Wing Tennis Courts – the facility has four tennis courts available for use by military and defense team
members. The courts are located on Kittyhawk Road behind the Fitness Centre.
Phone: 896-6900 Ext. 6222/7707
5 Wing Outdoor Ice Rink - the 5 Wing Community Council is responsible for the management and
operations of the rink. It is located in Veterans Park on Lahr Blvd., 5 Wing Goose Bay. The Community Rink
is a privilege provided by 5 Wing Goose Bay for community enrichment and enjoyment primarily by military
and defense team members. For more information contact Gerard Belanger at (709) 896-6900 Ext. 7397.
Sports Groups and Programs
Some sports groups utilize those facilities listed above to provide sport programs in our region. Some sports
programs also take place in school gymnasiums.
Lake Melville Minor Extreme Hockey Phone: 896-4090
Minor Soccer – providing soccer training to over 500 children in the spring, and supporting youth teams of
various ages
Broomball Association – men’s and women’s teams
Floor Hockey Association - men’s and women’s teams
Badminton Club - operating from the Labrador Training Centre - Phone: 896-8480
Judo Club – operating from the Labrador Training Centre. Contact Terry Whey at 896-5000
Trapper’s Running Club - The Trappers' Running Club was registered in the summer of 2008 with the
Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association (NLAA). The club's marquee event is the Destination
Labrador Trapline Marathon. In December 2008, the Trapline Marathon became a sanctioned NLAA event
and in 2010 was added to the NLAA Championship Series. For more information visit
www.traplinemarathon.ca or to make contact with the organizers of the Trapline Marathon please email
[email protected].
Yoga - Contact Sarah Hamel at 896-8950
Dance - Contact Kathleen Hicks at 896-4027
Zumba - Contact Lisa Dennis at [email protected] and visit http://www.newfoundlife.net/zumbagirl
for more information
Darts - Contact the Royal Canadian Legion at 896-3447
Snowflake Skating Club - Please visit http://www.snowflakeskate.ca/home/home.htm for more information
Summer Recreation program for youth and children is operated by the Recreation Department of the Town
of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Tel: 896-2269/2871
Aboriginal Sport & Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASRCNL) is a non-profit
organization funded through a bilateral agreement between the federal and provincial governments aimed at
increasing the capacity of aboriginal athletes, coaches and officials. They hope to achieve this by conducting
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athlete development camps and also holding coaching and officials' clinics in the various aboriginal regions of
Newfoundland Labrador. The Board of Directors is made up of two members of each of the aboriginal groups
of the province, the Inuit, Innu, Mi'kmaq and Métis. Along with the Executive Director Position located in
Happy Valley- Goose Bay there is a Regional Program Coordinator in Stephenville, Newfoundland to
coordinate the activities and programs for the island portion of the province.
Phone: 896-9218 Fax: 896-9211 e-mail [email protected]
Performing Arts
We are also a vibrant performing arts community. Performances are mainly held at the new Lawrence
O’Brien Arts Centre.
Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre – a modern performance theatre located at Mealy Mountain Collegiate on
15-21 Voisey Drive Phone: 896-4027 Fax: 896-4028
www.obrienartscentre.ca
Email: [email protected] Contact Person:
Kathleen Hicks, Manager
Mokami Players – community theatre group
Eastern Labrador Arts Alliance – operates the Lawrence
O’Brien Centre
Email: [email protected]
Arcturus Theatre is a local movie theatre located at building
380 on the 5 Wing Goose Bay Air Base. For more
information please contact: 896-6900 ext 7766. They also
have a group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/84562613665/
Dance - Contact Kathleen Hicks at 896-4027
The Music Shop – selling musical instruments and providing music lessons. Phone: 896-8593
Arpeggio’s Strings & Things – selling musical instruments. Phone: 896-9296 Contact Person: Paul Walsh
Mukluk Studio - Providing sound recording services and CD production
Music for Young Children
There are other people in town who provide private music lessons. The College also offers music and art
classes when there is sufficient demand. The Music Shop offers lessons for young children, as well as, adults.
Summer Recreation Arts Camp program for youth and children is operated by the Recreation Department of
the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Tel: 896-2269/2871
Crafts
For those of you interested in creating crafts and artwork, there are several shops that provide crafts supplies,
yarn and fabric
Drumdancer Art & Craft Centre - hide, fur, beads
49 Grenfell Street
Phone: 896-8360
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Slippers N’ Things – hide, fur
55 Grenfell Street
Phone: 896-5660
Terry’s Tents &Shoe Repair – fabric, various craft supplies, yarn, picture framing, sewing service
326 Hamilton River Road Phone: 896-5000
Greenleaf - fabric, various craft supplies, yarn, gardening, cake decorating
83 Hamilton River Road
Phone: 896-3478
Distinctive Knitting - yarn, needlework supplies, various craft supplies, knitting service
13B Kessessaskiou Street
Phone: 896-0908
Volunteering/Social Groups
Perhaps you are interested in volunteering. Here is a list of local community groups who would welcome your
help.
SPCA - caring for unwanted animals and coordinating pet adoptions Phone: 896:7387
Canadian Cancer Society Phone: 896-4500
Canadian Paraplegic Association
Phone: 896-3010
Special Olympics - providing socialization and sports for people with cognitive disabilities
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
Phone: 896-5434
Mokami Status of Women Council/Thrifty Fashions
19 Green Street Phone: 896-3484
Labrador Friendship Centre offers a number of programs and services including the food bank and seniors
and youth social programs.
49 Grenfell Street
Phone: 896-8302
www.lfchvgb.ca
Boy Scouts Contact Person: Mike Mealy
Phone: 896-0365
[email protected]
Girl Guides
Phone: (709) 726-1116
Toll Free: 1-800-565-8111
Fax: (709) 726-4045 [email protected]
www.ggcnf.org
Beta Sigma Phi
Kay Woodward Phone: 896-2796 or Bride Saunders Phone: 896-6060 (w) or 896-8257 (h)
Kinsmen Kinettes Community Centre
41 Grenfell Street
Phone: 896-5553
Knights of Columbus
Masonic Lodge #17
Phone: 896-3616
Tel: 896-0832
Royal Canadian Legion
172 Hamilton River Road
Phone: 896-3447
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Lake Melville Shriners Club
5 Hillcrest Road
Phone: 896-8144
Military Museum, 5 Wing Goose Bay
Located at 5 Wing Goose Bay C Street, Building 272
Phone: 896-6900
Rotary Club Contact Person: Gerald Healey Phone: 896-4006
Most churches have social groups and would welcome your help.
Churches
There is a variety of faith groups and churches in the region.
The Salvation Army
39 Churchill
Phone: 896-2756
Our Lade Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Parish
150 Hamilton River Road Phone: 896-3485
Pentecostal Tabernacle
250 Hamilton River Road
Phone: 896-2156/3979
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church
12 Strathcona Road
Phone: 896-3350
Northern Cross Community Church (Baptist)
400 Kelland Drive
Phone: 896-5968
Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall
47 Cartwright Road Phone: 896-0142
Moravian Church
1 Haven Road Phone: 896-3119
United Church
105 Hamilton River Road
Phone: 896-5991
Baha'i Faith
48B Hamilton River Road Phone: 896-4859
www.bci.org/goosebay
North West River and Sheshatshiu Churches
North West River has two churches hosting three different faiths; United, Anglican and Pentecost.
Sheshatshiu houses a Catholic church.
Pentecostal Parsonage
Phone: 497-8518
Mud Lake United Church Contact Person: Vyann Kerby
Phone: 896-3147
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Holidays
Statutory Holidays
There are six statutory holidays. The Shop Closing Act applies on these days. That means that most stores
have to be closed. The exceptions to the law are some pharmacies (drugstores), convenience stores, gas
stations, and restaurants.
New Year’s Day
January 1st is a day when all government offices and businesses are closed.
Good Friday
This is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus
Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed in either March or April. Government offices and all
businesses are closed.
Memorial Day/Canada Day
July 1st is Canada Day. It is a time of celebrating all that is positive about this country.
Government offices and all businesses are closed.
Civic Holiday
This holiday is celebrated on the first Monday in August. Historically it is linked to the abolition of slavery in
the British Empire in 1834. It is also known as “Regatta Day” in central Labrador. Government offices and
all businesses are closed.
Labour Day
This holiday, the first Monday in September, celebrates the contribution of workers to the development of this
country and its economy. Government offices and all businesses are closed.
Armistice or Remembrance Day
The First World War ended on the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month. On November 11th
all government offices and businesses are closed. Leading up to this day, people wear red
poppies on their coats. Veterans all over the province sell these poppies. It is also a day of
ceremonies at the War Memorials throughout the province.
Christmas
This holiday, like Good Friday, is a Christian celebration. It is to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Government and all businesses are closed.
NonNon-Statutory Holidays
There are four other non-statutory holidays that make up part of the cultural identity of the province. They are
widely observed because the Shop Closing Act applies on these days. That means that most stores have to be
closed. The exceptions to the law are some pharmacies (drugstores), convenience stores, gas stations and
restaurants.
Easter Sunday
Although this is a Christian celebration, it is also a non-statutory holiday in this province.
Since it falls on a Sunday, most people have it or the following Monday off.
Victoria Day
Officially, this is the day to celebrate our respect for the monarchy and the Queen’s birthday. Most people
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refer to this day as the “May 24 weekend”.
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Thanksgiving Day
This day is celebrated on the second Monday in October. It celebrates the harvests that
have been gathered from the fields, forests and seas.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas. In other parts of the country stores are open but in central Labrador
most stores remain closed until December 27th.
Provincial Holidays
There are three holidays in this province that have their roots in the Irish and English origin of the original
European settlers. Generally, these holidays are no longer observed widely in the province although provincial
government offices are closed on these days.
St. Patrick’s Day
This provincial holiday celebrates St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Many of the original
immigrants to Newfoundland and Labrador came from Ireland. It is celebrated on March 17th
and most people wear green on this holiday.
St. George’s Day
April 23rd is celebrated as St. George’s Day. He is the Patron Saint of England and is usually shown as slaying
a dragon.
Orangeman’s Day
Orangeman’s Day is celebrated on July 12th. The day commemorates a battle in 1690 when Protestant forces
under the command of the King William of Orange defeated the Catholic forces on the banks of River Boyne
in Ireland.
Some Uniquely central Labrador Celebrations
Pancake Tuesday: Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, is a Newfoundland & Labrador custom celebrated
in February or March. It is the start of Lent. Lent is the forty-day period leading up to Easter Sunday. Shrove
Tuesday (named for the religious practice of confessing one’s sins and being forgiven or “shriven” or “shrove”
by the priest immediately before Lent) was a time to use up as many possible of the foods banned during Lent.
This included meat products and butter and eggs. Pancakes were a simple way to use these foods and
entertain the family.
Guy Fawkes Day: One unique event commemorated on November 5th is Guy Fawkes, or Bonfire, Day. Guy
Fawkes was a Catholic revolutionary who was convicted and executed in 1605 for being a part of a plot to
blow up the British Parliament Building. In commemoration, bonfires are lit to burn his effigy.
Christmas Season: The modern celebration of Christmas starts fairly early in December. Many businesses
and employers organize Christmas parties for their workers. Clubs and organizations do the same thing for
their members. Also, people start to decorate their houses with many different coloured lights. As it gets
closer to December 25th, people set up Christmas Trees in their homes.
Old Christmas: The season of Christmas is traditionally considered to last twelve days. It ends on “Old
Christmas Day”, January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. For many people in this province Christmas celebrations
go on for twelve days. However, this is changing. Nevertheless, there are still customs based on the idea of
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Old Christmas. For example, many people will not get rid of their Christmas tree until January 7 .
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Festivals and Events
There are festivals/events throughout central Labrador. They are a good opportunity to meet new people and
to learn more about this region. The following are some of those festivals/events:
March
Labrador Winter Games (Every 3 years)
www.labradorwintergames.ca
Cain’s Quest Snowmobile
Endurance Race
www.cainsquest.com
SnoBreak
www.snobreak.ca
May/June
Mud Lake Spring Fair
Call Vyann or Reg Kerby at 897-3147 for more information
July
Canada Day Celebration
Contact Town Hall at 896-3321 for more Information
Goose Bay Live
Contact 896-7100 for more information
Goose Jam Skateboard Competition
Contact 896-7100 for more information
North West River Beach Festival
www.nwrbeachfestival.com
August
Labrador Canoe Regatta
www.canoelabrador.ca
Great Labrador Canoe Race
www.labradorcanoerace.com
September
Lake Melville Geocache Event
www.geocaching.com
October
Labrador Traditions Christmas Craft Fair
Call 896-2121 for more info
Trapline Marathon
Contact Jamie Snook [email protected]
November
Labrador Creative Arts Festival
www.labradorcreativeartsfestival.com
Call 896-6213 for more information
Annual Multicultural Youth Gathering
www.lfchvgb.ca