Hockey mothers will remember the Barry Downe Arena as a place where their sons went to play hockey and their daughters, ringette. Today however, the location is sure to leave visitors with anything but memories to cherish.

Like any abandoned structure in the Sudbury area, it didn’t take long for the arena to become a target for bored and mischievous youths. Tipping fees required for garbage-dump disposal means that some citizens will always be looking out for ‘alternative’ waste disposal sites such as the arena. Local residents are upset with this eyesore in their backyards. One resident has taken to cutting the grass at the location and painting the walls. In fact when we visited the site just days after an article on the Barrydowne Arena appeared in the Northern Life, the walls of the building had recently been painted white.

The arena was closed down in 2003 when Sudbury councilors voting on the future of the arena, axed it as a cost-cutting measure. Parents must now make the long drive to rinks located in towns such as Capreol, Warren and Espanola.

As of fall 2007, Mayoral candidate Lynne Reynolds says, if elected, she would re-examine the costs associated with re-opening the Barry Downe Arena. The idea certainly has merit as the area could be used as a skateboard park or soccer field.

Location: Barrydowne Arena is located off of Beatrice, at the Adanac Ski Hill. It is currently being used for storage by the City of Sudbury. Leave your spray paint at home!