Summerford, Newfoundland and Labrador

Summerford
Town
A view of the landscape
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Coordinates: 49°29′27″N 54°48′43″W / 49.49083°N 54.81194°W / 49.49083; -54.81194Coordinates: 49°29′27″N 54°48′43″W / 49.49083°N 54.81194°W / 49.49083; -54.81194
Country	Canada
Province	Newfoundland and Labrador
Government
• Mayor	Kevin Barnes [1]
Area
• Total	16.6 km2 (6.4 sq mi)
Elevation	10 m (30 ft)
Population  (2016)[2]
• Total	906
• Density	56.4/km2 (146/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC−03:30 (NST)

Summerford is a small town on the central coast of Newfoundland in Canada. It is located just off Route 340, along Route 344. The Town of Summerford (formerly the Farmer’s Arm circa 1906) lies mostly on New World Island in Notre Dame Bay just off the coast of the island of Newfoundland. Strong's Island, which is connected to New World Island by Island Drive, is also a part of the town. Summerford had a population of 906 in 2016, down from 976 in the Canada 2006 Census. It is close to the neighbouring communities of Virgin Arm-Carter's Cove and Cottlesville.

History[]

At Summerford’s advent, it was a town focusing on the industries of fishing and logging. It was a relatively prosperous town within rural, coastal Newfoundland. It contained three churches, which were filled every Sunday, for religion was paramount in this community. Farming was also a staple, as most grew their own food and raised their own animals for meat.

During the global conflicts of World War I and World War II, almost any man capable left the town to aid the British side, as at this point, Newfoundland was still a colony of Britain.

In the early 1970s, the Town Hall was established, which also serves as a community hall, fire station, and holds the library. The residents fought against having a town hall built for many years, knowing it would mean more taxes, but in the end, it was established anyway. The local government consists of a mayor, deputy mayor and 6 to 8 councilors.

Economy[]

Summerford’s economy consisted of a mainly barter system for many years, and still implements it occasionally.

Historically there have been multiple regional schools, both elementary and high. In 2003 the, New World Island Academy was opened. It is a K-12 school, and its students are from all over the island.

Tourists supply local artists and crafts people, as well as tour guides, etc. with income during the summer months.

Education[]

Summerford residents generally attend New World Island Academy, a K-12 school, located along Route 340.

Health care in Summerford[]

Summerford required a doctor, so a clinic/house was built for one, in the early 1960s. A full clinic was built later, in the late 1960s, because of population increases. The New World Island Clinic serves all of NWI, and is an extension of the Twillingate Hospital.

References[]