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Stephenville - Port aux Basques

Regional Overview

The Stephenville-Port aux Basques Rural Secretariat region encompasses the Stephenville, Bay St. George South and Port au Port Peninsula areas extending to Codroy Valley and Port aux Basques area in the south. It also includes communities along the south coast from Isle aux Morts and extending as far east as the community of Francois.

The region consists of approximately 18,000 square kilometers and based on 2006 census data, the population was 31,000. The region has a total of 69 communities with only one community having a population of more than 7,000 (Stephenville) and one with more than 4,000 (Channel-Port aux Basques). Over 14,300 or 43% of the region’s population live in communities with less than 1000 people.

In 2005, following an open nomination process, a Regional Council was established and presently consists of 12 members with varying backgrounds and interest from larger and smaller communities throughout the region. The Council meets at least four times a year and is supported by a Regional Partnership Planner, Sam Organ, whose regional office is located in Stephenville.

The presence of Aboriginal and Francophone cultures in the region, the Stephenville Theatre Festival, Art Studios, and other heritage/cultural facilities in the region bodes well for future cultural development in the region. In addition, all these assets build a strong and vibrant tourism industry in the region. The region is home to the Marine Atlantic Gulf Ferries in the Gateway Town of Channel-Port aux Basques, which connects the province to mainland Canada. Post Secondary Education is strong in the region: there are several campuses of the College of the North Atlantic including its Headquarters, a Private College, and the Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Center of the Marine Institute. The fishery still continues to be an important sector for the region; and with the right strategy for recovery and management, it will continue to be in the future. The region has a strong history in the agriculture with great potential for diversification and expansion. The continued exploration for minerals as well as onshore oil in the region also presents growth opportunities.

Region Maps

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