Emerald Zone Corporation

Trail: Dorset Trail HWY 410

Mayor: Michelle Traverse

Deputy Mayor: Neil Lewis

Councillors: Peggy Hedderson, Joy Walsh, Paul Legrow

Address: General Delivery, A0K 2M0

Telephone: (709) 253-3131

Fax: (709) 253-2146

Availability: Tuesday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:00pm

Introduction

Fleur-de-Lys is located at the very tip of the Baie Verte peninsula; it takes about an hour to drive from the Trans Canada Highway on route 410. The community has a sheltered harbor that has been in use since approximately 4500 years ago. This area was first in habited by the Maritime Archaic Indians, the next group were the Grosswater Paleo-Eskimo around 3000 years ago and than the Middle Dorset at around 2000 years ago. The Dorset used the soft soapstone found in the community to manufacture cooking pots, bowls and small oil lamps. The large soapstone quarry has been studied by archaeologist since 1915 but it was not until 1996 that the site was awarded National Historic Site Status. Today you can visit the new Interpretation Center located adjacent the Quarry and view artifacts and exhibits from many of the cultures that lived in the community. Archeologists continue their work in Fleur-de-Lys and on the Baie Verte Peninsula, inquire at the museum on where the digs are located.

Fleur-de-Lys is becoming a well known tourist attraction on the Baie Verte Peninsula. A lot of the visitors like to watch the icebergs, whales and sea birds that frequent the coast throughout the year. The hiking trail program in Fleur-de-Lys caters to all levels of visitors, from easy trails to the more difficult trails, all are maintained yearly and a brochure of the trail system can be found at the Interpretation Center.

Location

Fleur-de-Lys incorporated in 1966 is a small community situated at the most northerly point on the Baie Verte Peninsula, which is part of the White Bay.

It has a protected harbour and an island located in the middle of the harbour acts as a natural breakwater, which protects the wharves and stages. As part of an area known as "ice berg alley" along with it’s northerly position Fleur-de-Lys has become one of the best locations to view icebergs and seals.

Population:

The town has 320 people.

Law Enforcement

There is a low crime rate in the area but an RCMP detachment is in Baie Verte.

Officers regularly patrol the area. Because the quarry is protected under federal/provincial government police officers always come to help out when the quarry becomes defaced.

Local History

The name Fleur-de-Lys is a French derived name, which was given to the area by seasonal French fishermen.

A rock formation 820 feet high which has three hummocks is said to have resembled the French Fleur-de-Lys, its national symbol and reminder of homeland.

French fishing ties have been noted from the 1500’s to the early 1900’s. During this time the French occupied the mid-sized harbour as a summer fishing station. In the winters between 1800 and 1850 they needed to protect French interests in the fishing community and they hired guardians. The guardians were provided with surplus food stocks in return they would look after the French fishing gear.

Oral history in Fleur-de-Lys relates that 2 brothers, Robert and Michael Walsh, were the community’s first settlers. The first census was taken in 1857. Fleur-de-Lys’ population was 30 people – 3 Roman Catholic families. By 1874 the number of families doubled. Ten years later the population had increased to 126 still consisting of all Roman Catholic families.

Sealing vessels were reported operating out of Fleur-de-Lys in 1888 when the industry reached its peak. The great seal haul occurred in 1888 with the killing of 12, 000 seals at near by Partridge Point, which is also a historic site full of prehistoric artifacts. Sealing continues to experience its ups and downs as a striving industry.

During the late 1800’s English settlement and fishing interests at Fleur-de-Lys finally out grew the French occupation of the settlement

In the early 1900’s interest in mineral began. Molybdenite and lead were explored yet the outcome proved to be of no value to the community. No other commercial mining was done until 1981.

The economy of Fleur-de-Lys was based on mining, fishing, and lumbering. Advocate mines opened in 1963 and Rambler mines in 1964, both in Baie Verte. This was a good source of employment until 1981 when it closed temporarily. It created employment periodically until 1992 when it closed for good. Laid off miners needed new sources of work and many moved away. When the Cod Moratorium began in 1993 the population of Fleur-de-Lys declined.

For a complete history of the Baie Verte Peninsula see the document "The History of the Baie Verte Peninsula"

Local Information

Every year Fleur-de-Lys holds a Remembrance Day celebration in which they try to bring together the War Veterans from the Baie Verte Peninsula.

A dinner and dance is given in honor of the War Veterans. Fleur-de-Lys Day is also celebrated during the summer months but which is known better now as the Dorset Festival. Fisherperson’s night is usually held every year with a get together for a dance and a big meal combined of different fish dishes.

The community has recently held its’ first annual Dorset Festival which involves games of chance, dances, contests of strength, and sports. It’s all around fun for the whole family with food to make your mouth water.

Well-known former Fleur-de-Lys resident, Thomas Gerald Rideout, served as Premier of Newfoundland in 1989. He was a schoolteacher at Baie Verte and Fleur-de-Lys before he entered in politics in 1975. He was first elected as a Liberal and later achieved a high profile in the opposition as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. In 1984 he crossed the House to join the Progressive Conservatives and was soon made Parliamentary assistant to Premier. He then entered the cabinet. In 1988 he was appointed minister of fisheries. Peckford announced he was stepping down in 1989; Rideout emerged as front runner for the Conservative Leadership. He was elected leader on March 11, 1989 and installed in 10 days. Rideout called and election for April 20, 1989 and was succeeded by Clyde Wells on May 5, 1989. He served a total of 44 days in office. He then became Leader of Opposition.

Historic Sites

Starting in 1915 Fleur-de-Lys was first mentioned in James Howley’s book entitled "The Beothuk or Red Indians" because of the soapstone quarry site.

Investigations proved different in 1985 when Thomas Callbourne conducted some small digs finding proof it was actually a Dorset Site with some artifacts from the Maritime Archaic era as well.

The soapstone quarry was used by the Dorset people about 1600 years ago for making pots, bowls, and seal oil lamps. It received National Historic Status in 1996 and an interpretation centre and museum was opened in 1999.

The quarry site can be seen by walking up a trail known as the Spotted Point Trail. It has become a regular tourist attraction to see icebergs and whales.

Commercial Trade

The businesses in Fleur de Lys are comprised of two stores - a takeout/eat-in restaurant, grocery, convenience and beer services available and the other has a grocery, convenience and beer services available. There are two lounges which provide the town with dances and social gatherings. A bakery supplies the area stores with fresh baked goods. A salon is also available in the town.

There is a fish plant in the community for use by the local fishermen. Unfortunately, due to the cod moratorium, the catch has been limited to species other than cod. This has had a drastic effect on the fish plant, which concentrated on the production of cod. As well, a second plant in Fleur-de-Lys involved the manufacturing of seal pelts. Plans are underway to rebuild this structure after it was destroyed by fire recently. The new, more modern infrastructure will allow for greater potential, including the processing and procuring of seal which will be utilized to the maximum.

Adequate parking facilities, attractive store fronts, good variety and well-stocked merchandise, courteous and prompt services, awareness of customer needs are just some of the qualities the businesses offer to people. Services or products that are not readily available in the Community of Fleur-de-Lys can be found in nearby Baie Verte, including the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Postal Service

Canada Post is set up in the community with one employee.

Complete services are available to the public, and mail is sorted and available for pick up, a general delivery address is used.

Media Data

The regional paper Nor'Wester, and "outside" papers called the Downhomer and Western Star, are distributed in Fleur-de-Lys.

The Newspapers are used frequently to promote business ventures, and serves as a practical method of communication. About twice a year the school puts on concerts for the entertainment of the community.

Health and Welfare

The nearest medical facility is located in Baie Verte at the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre.

The public can avail of the services of Dentist, Optometrist, Physiotherapist, and Public Health Department. A laboratory and x-ray centre is located at the hospital as well. Doctors are on call or appointments can be set up for non-emergency visits.

Fire Protection

There is a volunteer Fire Department in the town consisting of 20 volunteers. The Fire Department is a branch of a local government.

The equipment and facilities consist of 500-gallon fire truck, 1 mark 75 fire pump, 1 B59 fire pump-each able to draft water from hydrants or pounds. There are 113 fire hydrants in the town but the fire chief feels that it is not adequate. There are two fire alarm systems in the community - at Skipper Shea’s and the other at the B & B Takeout.

Transportation

The roads leading to and around the town are paved and maintained year round.

Bus service is available from Baie Verte to larger centers. The nearest commercial airport is located in Deer Lake and an emergency airstrip in Springdale. Lewisporte is the nearest shipping centre for marine transport.

Sanitation, Garbage, Sewage

The town has a garbage collection that is taken care of by a private contractor who collects the garbage once a week.

The contractors’ own vehicle is used to collect the garbage and transport and transport it to the dumpsite on Fleur-de-Lys road- 5km from the town. Adequate garbage removal, and a modern sewage system to ensure a clean environment.

Water Supply System

Fleur-de-Lys has a major water supply system. Its source of supply is the first pond which is located ¾ of a mile outside of the town.

Water is transported to the town by gravity flow and pump. The water supply is treated with chlorine. The supply is ample for both private and commercial use. Authorities regularly inspect it once a month.

Social & Cultural Data

Fleur-de-Lys is a predominately Roman Catholic community, and the first church was built sometime in the late 1800's.

A new church was built in 1973. Approximately 500 people are in the congregation. The congregation is involved in bingo, card games, social gatherings and the development of a new cemetery. The church is not presently involved in any interdenominational projects in the town. There is a Women's Catholic League and a church choir in the church.