Ottawa – The skating surfaces at the Walter Baker Sports Centre are now known as the Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC arenas. Mayor Jim Watson, Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder and Councillor Mark Taylor unveiled the new name today when they announced the latest sponsorship under the City of Ottawa’s Community Champions program. They were accompanied by John May, President of Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC.

“Ottawa residents are accustomed to and expect high quality programs, services and facilities,” said Mayor Watson. “Community Champions is another way the City can work together with local businesses to help the City deliver even better value to our taxpayers and their families.”

In exchange for a 10 year commitment worth $450,000, the individual arenas at the Walter Baker Sports Centre will be known as the Jack May Buick and Jack May GMC arenas, and collectively known as the Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC Arenas. Change rooms will also be known as Jack May 1 through 12 rooms. Signage in and outside the facility will reflect these changes.

“Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC is very excited to get involved with the Community Champions Program,” said John May, President of Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC. “Through this new partnership with the City, we are investing in upgrades to the Walter Baker Sports Centre, sponsoring free public skating passes and giving back to our community.”

Community Champions is a partnership initiative that invites businesses, community organizations, foundations and individuals to sponsor City of Ottawa facilities, programs, services and community initiatives.

“I am very pleased that the Walter Barker Sports Centre will be one of the first to benefit from the Community Champions program thanks to another local institution, Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC,” said Councillor Harder. “This facility is the heartbeat of Barrhaven and Jack May Chevrolet Buick GMC has been an active, generous part of the local business community for generations. This is an ideal fit.”

“Through the Community Champions sponsorship program, we are improving our recreation services without spending tax dollars or increasing user fees,” said Mark Taylor, chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee. “Sponsoring a City of Ottawa facility through the Community Champions program has enormous benefits for both businesses and residents.”

At Thursday’s unveiling, Mayor Watson, Councillor Harder and Councillor Taylor also provided company president John May with a Certificate of Recognition in the Builder Category.

A list of sponsorship opportunities for potential Community Champions and additional information about the program is located at ottawa.ca.

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