Community Profiles
Middle Arm
Trail: Dorset Trail HWY 410
Mayor: Bennett Hull
Deputy Mayor: Morris Chipp
Councillors: Bobby Hull, Gregory Noble, Sharon Robinson, Elizabeth Noble, Maud Noble
Address: P.O. Box 51, A0K 3R0
Telephone: (709) 252-2521
Fax: (709) 252-2521
Availability: Monday - Wednesday; 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location
Middle Arm is the most southerly community on the Baie Verte Peninsula and is situated midway on the shores of a long scenic inlet.
It takes its name from the middle of three arms: Northwest Arm, Middle Arm, and Southwest Arm, which divides Green Bay.
Population:
The town has 517 people.
Local History
Settled in the early or mid 1800's by English settlers, fishing was the major livelihood there for years. For a short time, mining operations for copper were carried out.
Typical of the Peninsula in general, Middle Arm residents were involved in lumbering as well and, at present, it is still considered a fishing and logging community. In the past, logging for the Corner Brook based Bowater's Company has been a major source of employment, but these activities have been curtailed. Today, logging contractor’s ship pulpwood to Kruger in Corner Brook.
In past years, Middle Arm had a fish plant, Mermaid Fisheries Limited, which processed herring, caplin, and squid that was frozen and exported mainly to Japan. During peak employment the plant employed between 50 and 60 people. The same plant exists in the community today under the name of Harmax Fisheries.
For a complete history of the Baie Verte Peninsula see the document "The History of the Baie Verte Peninsula" .
Health and Welfare
No medical facility in the community.
The nearest medical facility to Middle Arm is in Baie Verte approximately 30 miles from the community. A public health nurse visits the community once a month.
Fire Protection
The community has a Volunteer Fire Department with equipment and facilities such as 2 fire trucks, portable pump, fire hall, etc.
There are no fire alarm systems in the community; therefore warnings of fire are given by telephone only. There are 12 fire hydrants in the community and according to council, the number is not adequate.
In 1991, there were 4 residential fires reported with an estimated cost of damage being $10,000.00 to three homes and another home was totally destroyed. Regular fire inspection programs are carried out by the Volunteer Fire Department.
Transportation
Community travel.
The community is 90 km from the Trans Canada Highway of which the type of roads is pavement and gravel. The pavement is in fair condition but the gravel road is poor at most times.
Centers such as regional, medical, wholesale, shopping, transportation, etc. are served by areas like Grand Falls-Windsor, Baie Verte , and Lewisporte.
Utilities and Power
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
NF & Lab Hydro, power - 3 phase, voltage - 12500, transformer capacity - 1.5 MVA.
Water Supply and Sanitation
A dam system.
Garbage collection.
Sewage system.
Middle Arm's water supply system is linked to a dam that connects 190 households by gravity flow. This system is also chlorinated and is ample for both private and commercial use. The water supply is regularly inspected by authorities and samples are analyzed every three months, however; private systems are not inspected. Problems with freeze-ups exist in the town but dry-up haven't been a problem in the past. The water supply system was constructed through council and financed by the Department of Municipal Affairs.
Garbage collection is available in the community by private contractor on a once a week basis. Middle Arm households are connected to the sewage system.
Social and Cultural Data
There are two churches located in town.
Bayview Pentecostal Tabernacle – Pentecostal
Truth Tabernacle – United Pentecostal.
Tourism and Recreation
Fire Dept.
Gaze Point Park
Recreation Building
Chuckwagn’ Takeout
Postal Outlet
Three Convenience Stores
Two Gas Stations
Clubs and Organizations
Family Resource Centre
Fundraising Committee
Tourism Committee
