Chapel Arm, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming settlement nestled in the southeast corner of Trinity Bay. Approximately 100 km west of St. John's and a mere two km from the Trans-Canada Highway, this community offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
The majority of Chapel Arm's residents are of Anglican and Roman Catholic faith, with only a few families belonging to other religious denominations. The community is served by two churches, two parish halls, an LOL hall, and a modern elementary school that also caters to the nearby communities of Normans Cove, Bellevue, and Long Harbour.
Chapel Arm, Newfoundland Labrador, boasts a range of amenities including a doctor's office, municipal building, post office, pharmacy, hardware store, and several auto garages. Most residents own their homes, and the community features a well-constructed breakwater with landing and docking facilities, as well as a community building used for storage. Additional services such as banking facilities and a clinic are available in Whitbourne, just 13 km away.
The construction of the Vale Canada hydro-metallurgical facility in Long Harbour has brought a surge of employment and prosperity to Chapel Arm, Newfoundland Labrador, over the past few years. This economic growth has further enhanced the appeal of this thriving community.
The origin of the name "Chapel Arm" is a subject of debate. Some, like M. F. Howley, suggest it was named after Lieutenant Edward Chappell, who sailed up Trinity Bay in 1818. However, historical records contradict this claim, with references to "Chapple" dating back to 1767.
The most widely accepted theory is that Chapel Arm, Newfoundland Labrador, was named during the 1765–1772 survey of Trinity Bay's coastal waters by James Cook and Michael Lane. The name likely refers to the spire-shaped headlands visible upon entering the arm, which resemble a church or chapel roof.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Chapel Arm, Newfoundland Labrador, had a population of 446 living in 204 of its 241 total private dwellings. This represents a slight decrease of -2.4% from its 2016 population of 457. With a land area of 28.08 km2, the community had a population density of 15.9/km2 in 2021.
