Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming town located on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland. With a population of 6,540 according to the 2021 Canada Census, Stephenville serves as a local service centre for the southwestern part of the island. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the town's history, geography, demographics, and attractions.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, was formerly known as the Acadian village between 1848 and 1870. The village was home to Roman Catholics who made a living through farming and fishing. The town's population grew steadily due to a stable economy. From 1941 to 1966, the town was home to Ernest Harmon AFB, operated by the United States Army Air Forces and later the United States Air Force. This base led to an economic boom in Newfoundland's southwest coast during the 1940s. After the base was closed, the facility was turned over to the federal government, which then provided it to the provincial government to diversify the local community.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, is served by the Stephenville International Airport, formerly Ernest Harmon AFB. The airport offers weekly summer air service to Toronto Pearson with Sunwing Airlines, twice weekly international flights to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, France, and weekly flights to Halifax. The town is also served by DRL Coachlines, Eddy's Bus Services, and Gateway Bus Service. Three taxi companies operate in the town: Crown Taxi, Blue Bird Taxi, and United Class Cabs. The town is located 15 kilometres northwest of the Trans-Canada Highway and is accessible using Provincial Highway Routes 490 and 460.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, is located on the northeast coast of Bay St. George in southwestern Newfoundland, and on the Atlantic Ocean. The town is situated on a small plateau and surrounded by the Long Range Mountains and Lewis Hills on either side. The town is bisected by Blanche Brook, a small river which runs roughly north to south before meeting Warm Brook, which flows roughly east to west, before both empty in Bay St. George.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, has a maritime-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). The climate is characterized by vast seasonal differences and extremely snowy winters. However, seasonal lag is prevalent due to the slow warming of seawater, resulting in summer normals peaking in August.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, had a population of 6,540 living in 3,188 of its 3,412 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -1.3% from its 2016 population of 6,623.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, boasts a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and pubs. The town also hosts a monthly "Folk Night" at Emile's Pub, promoting local folk artists. The Stephenville Theatre Festival is a major tourist attraction, producing high-quality professional productions that attract visitors from all over Canada and the United States.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, offers numerous indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town often hosts Atlantic, provincial, and regional championships in sports such as curling, hockey, cross-country skiing, and soccer. The town also has an 18-hole links golf course, a curling rink, and the Stephenville Dome, home to the "Stephenville Jets" minor hockey team.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, has witnessed several notable events. On July 27, 2005, Abitibi-Consolidated announced plans to cease newsprint production in Stephenville, resulting in a loss of 280 jobs. On September 27, 2005, a torrential downpour caused 180 people to be evacuated after two rivers overflowed their banks and flooded the town. On January 7, 2006, the town was chosen as the site for the annual Hockey Day in Canada feature of Hockey Night in Canada.
Stephenville, Newfoundland Labrador, has a sister city relationship with Castlegar, British Columbia. This relationship fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two communities.
