Churchill Falls, nestled in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is a unique community with a rich history. Known for its impressive hydroelectric generating station, this company town offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities.
The history of Churchill Falls dates back to 1839 when John McLean, a European explorer, first laid eyes on the falls. The town's development began in earnest in 1967 with the commencement of work on the Churchill Falls Generating Station, officially inaugurated by Premier Joey Smallwood. The same year marked the beginning of residential facilities construction.
The town was built around the Donald Gordon Centre, a town complex offering a range of amenities including a school, gymnasium, grocery store, hotel, restaurant, library, curling club, and swimming pool. Permanent housing facilities were added in 1969. Today, Churchill Falls is managed and operated by Nalcor Energy and continues to function as a company town.
Churchill Falls is well-connected by the Trans-Labrador Highway with Labrador City and Baie-Comeau in Quebec, serving as its primary transportation link. The Churchill Falls Airport, privately owned since 1971, has been serving the community despite lacking a formal terminal building. In the 1970s, there were scheduled flights to Goose Bay and Wabush, and up until 2003, PAL Airlines (formerly Provincial Airlines) provided scheduled service.
Churchill Falls is situated on the Churchill River, near one of Canada's largest waterfalls, the Churchill Falls. The community is approximately 245 km (152 mi) east of Labrador City.
Under the Köppen climate classification, Churchill Falls experiences a subarctic climate (Dfc) characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
Churchill Falls is part of Division No. 10, Subdivision D. As per the 2021 census, the town had a population of 732, with a total of 556 private dwellings. The population is diverse, with 175 individuals aged 0 to 14, 535 aged 15 to 64, and 20 aged 65 or older. The average age is 34.0. English is the mother tongue for 705 residents, while French is the mother tongue for the remaining 15. The community also includes 60 residents of First Nations heritage and 40 Métis.
Churchill Falls offers a variety of recreational facilities. The Terry Smith Memorial Arena, named after a longtime resident, is a popular spot in town. The Churchill Falls Gymnasium serves the needs of the Eric G. Lambert School as well as badminton and hockey teams. The curling club is based at the Donald Gordon Center. Additionally, the community boasts soccer fields and a swimming pool.
