Community Profiles
Wild Cove
Trail: Dorset Trail HWY 410
Mayor: Larry Pinksen
Deputy Mayor: Lyndon Small
Councillors: Wavey Small, Ella Small
Address: General Delivery, Wild Cove, WB, A0K 5T0
Telephone: (709) 329-3256
Fax: (709) 329-3281
Introduction
The first settlers came to Wild Cove in the early 1800's. The first people to live there became involved mainly in the fishing industry. While the majority of people made their living from the sea, some found employment in the forestry and mining industries.
Population:
Not available.
Early Lifestyles & Happenings
Before the development of roads and electricity, families purchased enough food in the fall of the year to feed them all winter. After the fishing season was over, they would spend the majority of their income on food. Sacks and barrels of sugar, flour, butter and molasses were stored away for the winter months.
There was a small store in the community. The store made use of a gasoline engine to provide refrigeration for meats. People would buy meat in small amounts because they had no means of keeping it from spoiling.
Gasoline washers were used before electricity came to Wild Cove and irons were heated by placing them on the wood stove. People made their own wool by keeping sheep. They would shear the sheep and make the wool with spinning wheels.
Fishery
The backbone of Wild Cove has always been the fishing industry. Although opportunities for employment arose in the forestry and mining industries, very few residents left the fishery during the early 1900's. However, by 1980 a total of 25 people were working at the asbestos mine in Baie Verte and 25 fishermen remained. Today there are 29 fulltime and 28 part-time fishermen in the community. The cod fishery is closed now due to the moratorium but many fishermen are involved in the crab fishery, which proves to be very prosperous.
Forestry
In the early 1900's, a few men from Wild Cove worked with Bowater Company Ltd. There were two Bowater camps located on the trail leading through the country to Wild Cove.
Approximately 70 to 80 men were employed in each camp. Usually the men would stay in the woods for weeks or months at a time. One man, Jabez Wells (now deceased), from Wild Cove was a cook in one of the camps and has passed on many stories to his children about life in the woods. In the mornings a piece of iron, which hung outside the door, was hit with a rod to announce that it was time to rise. The boss would walk through the camp calling "heave out" signifying that everyone must get up.
The wood cut by Bowater in those years was hauled, by use of horses, to Middle Arm Brook near Seal Cove. Then it was floated down the river and loaded in boats or towed to Hampden with a tow boat. From there it was trucked to Corner Brook. By the mid 1950s the supply of wood was getting scarce and both of the camps were closed.
Tourist Facilities & Attractions.
Burnt Point.
Education
All students are bussed to Baie Verte, 16 kms.
Postal Service & Media Data
Mailboxes.
Newspaper(s).
Entertainment.
There are rural mailboxes available for every household. As well, the local convenience store acts as a post office. Stamps, money orders, etc. may be obtained through the store.
The local newspaper Nor'Wester is distributed in Wild Cove.
Health & Welfare
There are no medical facilities in the community.
The nearest is the health center in Baie Verte. However, there are home care workers available to help senior citizens and handicapped if necessary.
Fire Protection
There is a volunteer fire department in place.
When a fire occurs the firemen are notified, by telephone, of the fire. Since the community is only small, everyone usually gathers to help regardless of whether or not they are called upon.
The only form of equipment available is a fire engine and four breathing apparatus. If a fire was really extensive the Baie Verte fire department would be contacted.
Transportation
Community Travel.
Other Services.
The road leading into Wild Cove is gravel. The road has been upgraded. The road in the community is paved and is in fairly good condition. The provincial Department of Transportation takes care of road maintenance and snow removal.
The nearest bus, courier, trucking, etc. services are available in Baie Verte. The nearest stop-off point for the CN Roadcruiser is at Baie Verte Junction.
Utilities & Power
Newfoundland Light & Power.
Water Supply & Sanitation
Dam Water Supply.
Garbage Collection.
Sewage System
The town's water supply comes from a river which has a dam constructed in it. The dam is located 1/2 mile outside of the community and treated. The supply is inspected every three months.
Through government funding, Barker's Construction built the dam and NF Farm and Construction Equipment installed the first phase of the new water line.
The method of garbage collection is a private contractor who collects the garbage once a week in his own vehicle. The disposal site is located 3 miles from the community.
As for sewage systems, all the residents use septic tanks. There is no sewage rates set by local administration.
Social & Cultural Data
Churches.
Organizations.
One church, Glad Tidings Pentecostal Tabernacle (1957), exists in Wild Cove today. Of the total population of 111 people, 45 are members of this church. An average of six services per week is held.
The activities of the church are WM (women's group) and Sunday school along with its regular church services. Community involvement includes providing entertainment activities for young people, distributing Christmas gifts to seniors and handicapped, support for mourners, and visiting the sick and shut-in.
Wild Cove is the home of Harold Small, a local fisherman who was elected to the House of Assembly during the 1980's. Mr. Small represented the people of Baie Verte-White Bay for one term of office.
