Community Profiles
Long Island
Trail: Beothuk Trail HWY 380
Introduction
This is the home of two communities - Beaumont and Lushes Bight. Long Island received its name from the land structure which is approximately nine miles long and three miles wide.
Natives are a part of Long Island's history as well. There are two places on Long Island, North China Head and Chipman's Hill, where relics from Micmac and Beothuk settlement have been found. A lavish fishing ground brought hardy folk to Long Island in the early years. Looking at Long Island, one wonders how it survived the resettlement plan. A group of small communities, with little or no modern conveniences, it is a mystery why residents did not want to locate elsewhere. Long Island, though, was their home with a unique society and culture. Both of these communities were built around the fishery. A 5 minute ferry crossing at Pilley's Island will take you to Long Island. Long Island is a glimpse into the outport lifestyle.
Location
Long Island is an island in western Notre Dame Bay, so named for its shape: it is 12.5 km in length, it is less than 2 km wide. On its west shore, Long Island widens to over 6 kms and rises to 220 m. It is one of the largest of several sizable islands in the area.
Triton and Brighton islands, Pilley's Island, Sunday Cove Island and Little Bay Islands . A number of smaller islands surround Long Island. Off the western shore are Grassy Islands, Oil and Lewis Islands and Flint Islands; to the north Gull Rock, Middle Islands, Gunning Rocks, Bread Box, Stag and Duck islands; to the northeast Indian, Seal, Giles and Otter Islands. The waters contain many rocks and shoals making it necessary for a lighthouse that has operated since 1904 at Southern Head. Pigeon Island lies off the southern shore in Long Island Tickle. In 1991 a provincial ferry, Island Joiner, operated across the Tickle's narrowest section to Pilley's Island .
Population:
N/A
Local History
Settlement of Long Island began in the early 1800's when fishermen from other communities to the east moved there in winter.
The earliest record of permanent settlers was 1836. At this time there was a total of 14 people living on the island. At first they settled in the numerous coves on Long Island. Eventually the people settled in three communities - Lushes Bight, Cutwell Arm and Wards Harbour - all on the northern part of the widest section of the Island. These communities were incorporated in 1968 under Lushes Bight- Beaumont-Beaumont North.
Commercial Trade
There are two businesses in the community to serve the residents.
These are: Long Island Co-op and M & C Convenience. The closest banking and financial facilities to the community are located in Roberts Arm .
Postal Services
Postal services are available in the community.
There is a post office located in the community with full counter service. Post office boxes are available to the public.
Media Data
Newspaper
Television
The regional newspaper that serves the community is the Nor'wester. Cable television is not available but they do have access to CBC and NTV.
Health and Welfare
The nearest medical centre to Long Island is Robert's Arm Medical Clinic.
Fire Protection
The community of Long Island has a volunteer fire department with 15 volunteers.
The firemen are contacted by telephone when the need arises. The department is equipped with a pumper fire truck with hoses and pumps.
Transportation
Community Road
Ferry Service
All roads in the community are gravel and they are said to be in poor driving condition. There is ferry service to and from the island every hour, which is a distance of .5 km and a trip takes 6 minutes. The ferry has a capacity of 40 passengers and 8 vehicles and it employs 8 people.
Utilities and Power
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro provides electricity to the community of Long Island. Source of power is the South Brook terminal station.
Water Supply and Sanitation
The community council is in the process of constructing a new water supply system.
At the present time, 60% of the homes are connected to this system and the remainder of the homes have there own private wells. There are only 10 households in the community connected to the main sewage system the rest of the homes have private septic tanks. Garbage is collected once a week by the community council.
Social & Cultural Data
There are three churches located in the community. These are United, Salvation Army and Pentecostal. Organizations that take a leadership role are the Recreation Committee, the Fire Brigade and Church Committees.
