Community Profiles
Seal Cove
Trail: Dorset Trail HWY 410
Mayor: Winston May
Deputy Mayor: Debbie Scarey
Councillors: Hughie Eveleigh, Paul Mccazice, Patricia Rice, Trina Rice, Mefandwy Osbourne
Address: P.O. Box 119, A0K 5E0
Telephone: (709) 531-2550
Fax: (709) 531-2551
Email: sealcovewb [at] nf.aibn.com
Availability: Monday 12:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm Thursday 9:00am
Introduction:
Seal Cove is located approximately 75 km from the Trans Canada Highway on the western side of the Baie Verte Peninsula. The beautiful community of Seal Cove is believed to have been so named for the abundance of seals within its waters. The community is spread out around the base of several majestic hills and is open to the Atlantic Ocean on the southern side. The location of the community is in itself a tourist attraction. It boasts of the most beautiful sunsets on the whole island. The popular "Bond's Lookout" which overlooks the community and the harbour is a site one has to experience to believe.
Population:
The town has 331 people.
Local History:
The community of Seal Cove is believed to have been first settled by a family of Osbournes who came from England in the early 1870's. Not too long after that, a Mr. John Robinson came from Cornwall, England to settle in the community. The Newfoundland Government hired Mr. Robinson to build a lighthouse to guide the fishermen to shore.
The population grew from 20 to 80 between 1871 and 1904. The abundance of fish is said to have been the reason for the settlement. In the 1930's, there was a "semi-boom" caused by the logging industry. With the opening of the asbestos mine at Baie Verte, in the early 1960's, the population of the community grew to about 1000. This population was maintained until recently, with the downscaling of the mines at Baie Verte, people have been forced to move away to seek employment.
Tourism, Recreation and Crafts:
The location of the community is in itself a tourist attraction. It boasts of the most beautiful sunsets on the whole island. The popular "Bond's Lookout" which overlooks the community and the harbour is a site one has to experience to believe. There is a picnic table on top of the mountain and a platform used for hang gliding.
Historical Highlights
Seal Cove has a rich and colorful history, full of stories of interesting events which have occurred over years.
Fishery Industry
Although fishing is believed to have been the reason for the settlement of Seal Cove, today very few people rely totally on the fisheries for a living.
Forestry Industry
There are several sawmills located on the Seal Cove road owned and operated by residents of the community, however only 1 of these are licensed to sell lumber commercially.
Commercial Trade
A substantial number of people living in the community were employed with the mines at Baie Verte.
Housing
There are 207 houses in Seal Cove today, 192 of which are occupied.
Education
The first school in Seal Cove was built by the Church of England in 1905.
It was a one room building made of wood. In 1921, a new school was built and named the Ricketts Memorial, in honour of the war hero Tommy Ricketts. All children from the community attended this school until 1946 when The Salvation Army opened a school of its own. Children were then sent to the school of their religion. In 1952 the Anglican Church built another school. This one had two rooms but proved to be too small for the number of students so a third room was added. In the 1960's, the Pentecostal Church built a school for students of its faith.
In 1969, The Salvation Army and the Anglican Church schools came under one system and a new school was built in 1972 named Ricketts Elementary. In 1985, the Pentecostal School closed, sending its students to Ricketts Elementary where primary and elementary grades are taught. Grades 7 to 12 are bused to Baie Verte.
Since 1999, due to the education reconstruction program, the remaining students that were attending Ricketts Elementary are now being bussed to Baie Verte.
Postal Service
There is a Canada Post Office located in the community
Media Data
Newspaper(s).
Entertainment.
Television.
Health & Welfare
The Baie Verte Peninsula Health Care Centre services the medical needs of the Community of Seal Cove.
Fire Protection
There is a volunteer fire department with 28 members.
Equipment used by the Department consists of: a 500 gal. pumper engine, a portable pumper, a number of fire suits, and a breathing apparatus. There are 22 fire hydrants installed throughout the community. Firemen can be notified by telephone or by the fire siren which is located outside the fire hall.
Transportation & Geography
Community Travel
Utilities & Power
Newfoundland Power.
Water Supply & Sanitation
Pond water supply.
Garbage Collection
The water supply system originates from ponds located 1 mile from the community. Almost all of the residents are connected to the main supply which is treated with chlorine and has a pressure of 85 pounds per square inch.
The community has a weekly garbage collection, and once a year unwanted wrecks and debris will be removed from properties upon request for a minimal fee.
Social & Cultural Data
There are 3 churches in the community: Anglican, Pentecostal, and The Salvation Army.
The Anglican faith was the first represented, and they built the St. Swithin's Church in 1920 and today have a membership of 225, holding 1-2 meetings per week. They also host a Vacation Bible school in the summer for young children.
In 1939, The Salvation Army built its church, and today has a membership of 230, holding 3 worship meetings each week in addition to the many group meetings which take place on a weekly schedule. A new church building was constructed in 1990 to cope with its growing congregation.
The Bethel Pentecostal Church was built in 1953 and has a congregation of 45 today. Plans are now being made to build a new church. It also holds 3 worship services each week and several group meetings.
