Location in the World
The ancient French capital of Newfoundland, Placentia has been an internationally renowned strategic location since the 1500s.
Situated on the southwest coast of the Avalon peninsula in Placentia Bay, it was a key position for keeping communication between France and the New World open in times of war.
Because of its proximity to the English capital of St. John's, it was an excellent site for keeping an eye and a handle on the enemy English population.
Today, Placentia is still a strategic location for business, courtesy of its proximity to shipping routes, transportation routes. St. John's, the Argentia industrial area and the ferry that links Newfoundland to mainland Canada.
Location in the Province
Placentia is located on the Avalon Peninsula of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, on Canada's East coast.
Stretched across a coastal forested area, Placentia is approximately 100 km southwest of Newfoundland's capital city, St. John's (roughly a 90 minute drive). A well-sheltered port made Placentia the natural choice for early fishing settlements. The expanse of stone-covered beach made Placentia an ideal location for drying fish caught by the early French, Spanish and Portuguese fisherman. The historic town remains one of the most picturesque communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
It can be accessed by the Argentia Access Road off the Trans Canada Highway (TCH), by the Colinet Road, which connected the TCH via Salmonier Line, or by the North Sydney-Argentia ferry.
History of Placentia
As early as the 16th century, Basque Fishermen and European explorers were quick to recognize the incredible potential that lay within Placentia's sheltered shores.
In addition to being one of Newfoundland's best beaches for drying fish, the steep hills and narrow harbour entrance made Placentia a valuable military port.
French and English settlers waged war for centuries over this prime piece of New World real estate, each vying for its share of the thriving fishery strategic location.
In 1662, France had established the first permanent colony in what they called "Plaisance" or "the pleasant place". In 1713, the English had won ownership, launching an era of booming trade and transportation.
And in 1941, yet another chapter was written in the community's history, with the construction of the nearby U.S. Armed Forces Bases at Argentia.
Today, many historical landmarks and sites remain which showcase Placentia's rich and colourful history. To name a few:
Castle Hill National Historic Site Preserving the ancient fortifications of the 17th and 18th century French and English military installments |
The Placentia Courthouse The cornerstone was laid in 1902, when this building replaced the original 1774 edifice |
St. Luke's Anglican Church and Cemetery The Basque tombstones now on display at Castle Hill and O'Reilly House Museum originated here, the oldest dating back to 1667 |
The O'Reilly House Museum Built in 1902 by well known architect W. J. Ellis for Magistrate William O'Reilly |
The Ambrose Shea Bridge At one time, the only one of its kind in North America, the lift bridge is the link that connects the amalgamated town of Placentia - consisting of Placentia, Jerseyside, Freshwater and Dunville |
Our Community
Some of Placentia's greatest potential lies within its strong sense of community. It is a safe, friendly and comfortable place to live, work, and raise a family.
The modern day town, its people and their lifestyle, belie little of the town's French heritage. Instead, the spirit and soul of the community are more deeply connected with its Irish-English roots.
Some of the surnames that were recorded there prior to 1800 are still on the census: Barron, Collins, Mooney, Traverse and Walsh.
The "small town" atmosphere is refreshing. Every day along the mile-long Placentia boardwalk, friends and neighbours meet and chat on their daily walk. The sea air is healthy and clean. The crime rate is virtually non-existent. The level of services is superior.
Among the many services Placentia offers are:
| � banking � restaurants � service stations � garages � shopping mall � department stores � supermarkets � health care facility and nursing home � night clubs and pool hall � hardware stores � building supplies � laundromats � drugstores � beauty salons � RCMP station � post offices � libraries � churches � dental office � real estate services � hotels � town hall � bed and breakfasts |
Medical
The Placentia Health Care Facility was opened in 1996 and is an efficient and up-to-date facility. There are 10 acute care beds, 101 full-time employees and four physicians. The facility also houses the Lions Manor Nursing Home, which has 75 beds and 40 residential units.
Education
Placentia has a high school, a primary/elementary schools, College of the North Atlantic - Placentia Campus, as well as several private training institutes.
Volunteers
Placentia residents devote their time and energy to numerous volunteer organizations, including the Royal Canadian Legion, the Knights of Columbus, Lions Clubs, Star of the Sea, Freshwater Community Club, Dunville's Anglican Church, Women and the Women's Institute, whose origins date back to the South Coast Tidal Wave of 1929.
Recreation
Placentia has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. In the community or nearby, there is swimming, bird-watching, fishing, hiking, kayaking parks and playgrounds. The schools are well-known for their athletic programs, and there are other recreational activities. There is something for everyone - from the boardwalk to the youth center to the local ATV Association!
Visitors
Visitors to Placentia can also benefit from such attractions as the Atlantic Charter site in nearby Ship Harbour and the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve on the Cape Shore.
The amalgamated Town of Placentia consists of the former municipalities of Placentia, Jerseyside, Freshwater, Dunville and unincorporated area of Argentia
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| Placentia | Freshwater |
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| Jerseyside | Dunville |
Economic Growth
Some have been a part of the community for decades. Some have set up shop only recently. Whatever the case, dozens and dozens of businesses already call Placentia home. They are successful, enterprising, and they see a future filled with potential.
The climate for new business in Placentia has never been more enticing. There are countless opportunities arising every day, in all sectors of business and industry - transportation, retail, manufacturing, supply and distribution and many more.
There is government funding, local funding and grants, and tax incentives specifically geared towards new business. There are several agencies and organizations in the area whose mandate is to encourage and facilitate new business start-up.
Incentives may include:
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� interest free, unsecured loans � loan and venture financing management services � training programs and wage subsidies � export development programs � start-up grants � tax holidays � self-employment incentives and more |
For more information on business opportunities in the Town of Placentia, click on or contact:
Town of Placentia
709 227- 2151
Dept. of Industry, Trade and Rural Development
709 227-1350
Argentia Area Chamber of Commerce
709 227-0003
http://www.argentiachamber.org/
Argentia Management Authority
709 227-5502
Placentia Area Development Association
709 227-2072
Avalon West Community Development Corporation
709 227-2147
Avalon Gateway Regional Economic Development Inc.
709 227-5456
Other Local Links
Argentia Connection
Perhaps one of Placentia's greatest advantages, one of its most promising sources of opportunity is its industrial area - Argentia.
For over 50 years, Argentia was the headquarters for the U.S. Armed Forces Northwest Atlantic Operations.
In 1941, the port became internationally recognized as the site of a meeting between Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to discuss the Atlantic Charter. The Base went on to play pivotal roles in WWII and the Cold War. It closed in 1994.
The US Navy left behind a well-developed infrastructure and a well-trained workforce. Today, plans are underway to construct a hydrometallurgical facility in Argentia by Voisey's Bay Nickel Company.
Argentia offers an impressive catalogue of advantages. They include:
- a strategic location in the center of the world's shipping lanes
- extensive buildings and infrastructure
- a highly skilled workforce
- an excellent ice-free port with three wharf complexes
- well-developed land zoned for industrial use
- electrical capacity and more
The Voisey's Bay Hydromet Facility will bring unprecedented economic benefits to the Placentia area. In addition to the jobs generated by the Complex itself, there will also be a need for support services and opportunities for spin-off industries. They will join a growing list of businesses already established in the industrial area:
- Eimskip Newfoundland (container service)
- Marine Atlantic (ferry service)
- Argentia Freezers and Terminals (wharf handling and stevedoring)
- Pennecon Ltd. (cement importer)
- The Canadian Coast Guard
- The U.S. Navy Undersea Surveillance Facility
- Raven Wood Industries (cabinet fabrication)
- Fusion Services (poly pipe fabrication)
- Marex Inc. (consulting & contracting firm)
- Argentia Drycleaning and Laundry
- St. Lawrence Cement (cement silos)
- Stellar Woodworks (carpentry operation)
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Our Future
The future for the Town of Placentia is bright; the potential for business and industry, unlimited.
The Voisey's Bay Nickel Processing Facility is just one significant milestone in the community's journey towards economic excellence. Many more opportunities are yet to come.
The industrial area of Argentia was named as the landfall site for the Offshore Newfoundland Gas Pipeline, making it a key player in one of Newfoundland's most exciting new industries. The area is also well suited for the information age. As a result of the presence of the U.S. Navy and the Voisey's Bay project, the facility will be linked to the world by a state of the art fibre optic communications network.
Tourism, the fastest growing industry in the world, is also one of Placentia's future strengths, as operators continue to maximize the area's natural and historic attractions. Throughout the Town of Placentia, buildings historically erected and occupied by the early settlers have been restored and preserved. The town that is making a name for itself in the future is deeply rooted in its proud past.
And on and on... the potential is unlimited.
For more information on how you can tap into the unlimited potential of the Town of Placentia, please visit our Contacts Page?.