Placentia is a town in southeastern Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It lies along the Avalon Peninsula and the east shore of Placentia Bay, about 67 miles (108 km) southwest of the provincial capital, St. John's.

 

Placentia has a long and storied history. Basque fishermen arrived in the 16th century and likely named the site after Plasencia, Spain. 

 

In 1662, the French permanently settled the area and named it Plaisance. They heavily fortified it as a base for attacks against the British-held St. John's. 

 

Plaisance served as the capital of the French settlements in Newfoundland until 1713 when it was renamed Placentia and came under British administration.

 

During World War II, the nearby community of Argentia was developed into a major U.S. military base. The base closed in 1994 when several nearby communities, including Argentia, were amalgamated into Placentia.

 

Today, Placentia's economy is based on a mix of fishing, tourism, services, and some manufacturing. The town is connected to the Trans-Canada Highway and has a seasonal ferry service to Nova Scotia. 

 

Despite its picturesque setting, Placentia has been identified as one of the Canadian cities with the worst winters, likely due to its exposed coastal location.

 

The town features preserved historic fortifications at Castle Hill National Historic Park, which overlooks Placentia Bay. Placentia is also known for its role in signing the Atlantic Charter between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1941.

 

History of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Placentia has a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century. Basque fishermen likely arrived in the area in the early 1500s and named the site after Plasencia, Spain. 

 

In 1662, the French permanently settled the area and named it Plaisance, heavily fortifying it as a base for attacks against the British-held St. John's. Plaisance served as the capital of the French settlements in Newfoundland until 1713.

 

Under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, France ceded its claims to Newfoundland to the British. The French population of Plaisance then moved to Île Royale (now Cape Breton Island). 

 

Placentia was administered from Nova Scotia from 1713 to 1729 and became the site of a British naval station in the 1760s after the fall of Quebec.

 

During World War II, the nearby community of Argentia was developed into a major U.S. military base. The base closed in 1994 when several nearby communities, including Argentia, were amalgamated into Placentia.

 

Placentia's economy is based on fishing, tourism, services, and manufacturing. The town features preserved historic fortifications at Castle Hill National Historical Park. 

 

It is known for its role in signing the Atlantic Charter between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1941.

 

Geography of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Placentia is located in southeastern Newfoundland, Canada, along the Avalon Peninsula and the east shore of Placentia Bay. It lies approximately 67 miles (108 km) southwest of St. John's provincial capital.

 

The town comprises the amalgamated communities of Placentia ("Townside"), Southeast Placentia, Freshwater, Dunville and Jerseyside. It also includes the Argentia Industrial Park.

 

Placentia is situated among forested hills and a rolling coastline. The town is connected to the Trans-Canada Highway, about a 90-minute drive from St. John's. It is also just minutes from the Argentia ferry terminal via Route 100.

 

Placentia Bay was first explored by Portuguese explorers Gaspar and Miguel Corte Real in 1501 when the first map of Newfoundland appeared. The town's name likely derives from the similarly named village of Placencia de las Armas in the Basque Country of Spain.

 

Demographics of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

In the 2021 Census, Placentia had a population of 3,289 living in 1,543 of its 1,827 total private dwellings, a decrease of 5.9% from the 2016 population of 3,496. The population density was 56.9 people per square kilometre.

 

The age breakdown of the population in 2016 was:

• 0-14 years: 155 (10%)
• 15-64 years: 900 (58%)
• 65+ years: 500 (32%)

 

The median age was 54.1 years, significantly higher than the provincial median of 46.3 years.

 

The gender ratio was roughly even, with 50.6% males and 49.4% females.

 

Most of the population, 98.3%, reported English as their mother tongue, with French and other languages comprising the remainder.

 

Placentia has experienced ongoing population decline since the early 1990s, with the town being the 2nd fastest shrinking in Canada between 1991-1996. This has been attributed to the closure of the nearby Argentia military base in 1994 and the collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery.

 

Economy of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The economy of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has traditionally been based on fishing and tourism. However, with the redevelopment of the former Argentia military base, the town's economy has diversified to include services and some manufacturing.

 

Placentia has a long history of involvement in trade and commerce, playing an important role in the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador . 

 

Placentia (then called Plaisance) was a French colony from 1662 to 1713. The town's economy was centred around the fishing industry, serving as a base for attacks against the British.

 

After coming under British administration in 1713, Placentia continued to be an important economic center. In the 1760s, it became the site of a British naval station. The town's economy focused on fishing and maritime activities for many decades.

 

Establishing the major U.S. military base near Argentia during World War II brought new economic opportunities to the Placentia area in the 20th century. However, the closure of this base in 1994 was a significant blow to the local economy.

 

Today, Placentia's economy has adapted, with the town now connected to the Trans-Canada Highway and providing seasonal ferry service to Nova Scotia. While fishing and tourism remain important, the town has diversified into services and manufacturing to support its economic base.

 

Education in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to several educational institutions:

 

College of the North Atlantic - Placentia

The College of the North Atlantic's Placentia campus is one of Newfoundland and Labrador's largest post-secondary educational and skills training centers. It offers diverse programs and is a popular choice for students studying abroad in Canada.

 

Academy Canada - ABE Learning Centre: Placentia

Academy Canada's Placentia location is an Adult Basic Education (ABE) learning center that helps students prepare for their dream careers in one of 35 available paths.

 

Other Education Services

The town also has a location of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Advanced Education and Skills.

 

While the population of Placentia has been declining in recent decades, the presence of these educational institutions helps provide opportunities for students in the region. The College of the North Atlantic in particular is a major part of the town's economy and identity as a public college serving the province.

 

Transport System of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The transport system of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, includes the following key elements:

 

Road Network

Placentia is connected to the Trans-Canada Highway via Route 100. It is located about 67 miles (108 km) southwest of the provincial capital, St. John's.

 

Marine Transportation

Placentia has seasonal ferry service to Nova Scotia. The nearby Argentia ferry terminal provides access to the Marine Atlantic ferry service.

 

Port of Argentia

The Port of Argentia is a major economic driver for the Placentia region. It has recently received $38 million in federal funding to expand its cargo handling capabilities, including adding 460 meters of berthing space and a Roll-on Roll-Off ramp. This will allow the port to accommodate larger vessels and increase trade volumes.

 

Argentia Industrial Park

The Argentia Industrial Park is located within the Placentia area and is home to various industrial and commercial activities, including the North Atlantic Oil Refinery . This refinery has a capacity of 115,000 barrels per day and exports over $4 billion worth of refined products annually.

 

Petroleum Transshipment

The Newfoundland Transshipment Limited (NTL) terminal at Whiffen Head in Placentia Bay is a key facility for transshipping crude oil from offshore fields to smaller tankers for transport to markets . This terminal has operated safely for over 11 years.

 

Placentia's transport system centers around its road connections, marine facilities, and industrial port operations, which support the town's economy and regional trade.

 

Living in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Living in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada offers the following:

 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Placentia is about 5% less than the national average in Canada. Housing, food, and transportation costs are all lower compared to the rest of the country.

 

Geography and Climate

Placentia is situated in a picturesque setting along the Avalon Peninsula, with forested hills and rolling coastline. However, the town has been identified as one of the Canadian cities with the worst winters, likely due to its exposed coastal location.

 

Economy and Employment

Placentia's economy has traditionally been based on fishing and tourism, though it has diversified in recent decades to include services and some manufacturing. The closure of the nearby Argentia military base in 1994 was a significant blow, but the town has adapted. Major employers include the Port of Argentia and the North Atlantic Oil Refinery.

 

Education

Placentia is home to several educational institutions, including the College of the North Atlantic campus and an Adult Basic Education learning center. These provide post-secondary and skills training opportunities for residents.

 

Transportation

Placentia is connected to the Trans-Canada Highway and has seasonal ferry service to Nova Scotia. The nearby Port of Argentia is also a key transportation hub for the region.

 

Placentia offers a lower cost of living than the national average, a scenic coastal setting, and a diversifying economy, though the harsh winters can be challenging. The town's educational and transportation infrastructure also support the local community.

 

Healthcare in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Healthcare in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador is primarily provided by the Placentia Health Centre, a community health facility operated by Eastern Health, the provincial health authority. The Placentia Health Centre is committed to delivering excellent healthcare services to the residents of the town and surrounding area.

 

In addition to the Placentia Health Centre, the town is also home to the Placentia Medical Clinic, which has received a 5-star rating from patients. The clinic provides primary care services to the local community.

 

Other healthcare resources in Placentia include the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Medical Oversight Program, which is certified to provide medical oversight and support. The town also has access to community services and clinics operated by Eastern Health.

 

Placentia's healthcare system centers around the Placentia Health Centre as the primary provider, supplemented by the Placentia Medical Clinic and other provincial healthcare resources. The town's healthcare infrastructure aims to meet the needs of its residents.

 

Tourist Places in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The top tourist places to visit in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada include:

 

Castle Hill National Historic Site

Placentia's most famous attraction is Castle Hill National Historic Site, which features preserved historic fortifications overlooking Placentia Bay. Visitors can explore the remains of the 17th century French and British forts and learn about the town's strategic military history. 

 

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve

Located just 45 km from Placentia, the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve is a renowned birdwatching destination. Visitors can see thousands of seabirds, including gannets, kittiwakes, and puffins, nesting on the dramatic coastal cliffs. 

 

Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre

This arts center in downtown Placentia hosts a variety of cultural events, performances, and exhibits celebrating the region's heritage and creativity. It's a hub for the local arts community. 

 

Heritage Walking Trails and Boardwalk

Placentia offers scenic walking trails and boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the town's natural and historic sites, including the Argentia Backland Trail. 

 

O'Reilly House Museum

This historic house museum provides a glimpse into 19th century life in Placentia, with period furnishings and exhibits on the town's past. 

 

Placentia's combination of natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions make it a popular destination for tourists visiting Newfoundland and Labrador. 

 

Local Food of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The local food of Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada reflects the town's history and coastal location:

 

Seafood

As a fishing community, Placentia is renowned for its fresh seafood. Local specialties include:

• Atlantic cod - Placentia was once a major exporter of salt cod.
• Lobster - The cold waters of Placentia Bay produce high-quality lobster.
• Crab - Dungeness and snow crab are popular local catches.
• Shellfish - Clams, mussels, and scallops are commonly found on menus.

 

Traditional Dishes

Placentia is home to several traditional Newfoundland dishes:

• Jiggs Dinner - A hearty boiled dinner with salt meat, cabbage, potatoes, and vegetables.
• Fish and Brewis - Salted cod served with hard bread and pork scrunchions.
• Toutons - Fried dough puffs, often served with molasses or scrunchions.
• Figgy Duff - A steamed pudding made with raisins or dried figs.

 

Local Produce

The region's cool climate is suitable for growing hardy vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and carrots. Berries like partridgeberries and bakeapples are also locally foraged.

 

Beverages

Placentia is home to the Newfoundland Distillery Company, which produces craft gin, rum, and other spirits. Local beer brands like Quidi Vidi and Yellowbelly are also popular.

 

Placentia's culinary offerings highlight its maritime heritage and Newfoundland traditions, centered around fresh seafood, root vegetables, and homemade comfort foods.

 

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