Labrador City is a town in western Labrador near the Quebec border. With a population of 7,412 as of 2021, it is the second-largest population centre in Labrador, behind Happy Valley-Goose Bay. 

 

Neighbouring Labrador City is Wabush, a smaller town with a population of approximately 1,964 as of 2021. Together, the "twin towns" are known as Labrador West.

 

Labrador City was founded in the 1960s to accommodate employees of the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), and iron ore mining continues to be the town's primary industry. The town motto is Kamistiatusset, a Naskapi word meaning "land of the hard-working people." 

 

The Labrador City town crest features a snowy owl holding a scroll atop a black spade on a mound of red earth, symbolizing the area's iron ore mining.

 

Labrador City is serviced by the Wabush Airport, the Quebec North Shore, and Labrador Railway, which provides freight rail transportation. 

 

The Trans-Labrador Highway (Route 500) is the only road connecting Labrador City with the rest of Labrador and the neighbouring province of Quebec.

 

The town contains many amenities, including an ice arena, curling, downhill and cross-country ski clubs, and the largest shopping mall in Labrador, the 22,940-square-metre (246,923 sq ft) Labrador Mall.

 

The White Wolf snowmobile club and the Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race are also located in Labrador City.

 

Labrador City is known as the "Iron Ore Capital of Canada" and is proud of its mining heritage and history. The town crest and motto reflect the importance of the iron ore industry to the community.

 

History of Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Labrador City was founded in the 1960s to accommodate employees of the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC). The town was built around the rich iron ore deposits of the Labrador Trough. 

 

In 1958, formal mining operations began at Carol and Smallwood Mines, and by 1959, the construction of a planned townsite had begun by the shore of Carol Lake. When the town was incorporated in 1961, Carol Lake was renamed Labrador City.

 

By 1968, Labrador City had a population of nearly 8,500, making it the largest town in Labrador. The IOC constructed the town; by 1960, it had an airstrip, a hospital, and numerous churches and schools. 

 

Labrador City's economy has been heavily tied to the fortunes of the global iron ore market, with employment fluctuating accordingly.

 

Labrador City is known as the "Iron Ore Capital of Canada," and its town crest and motto, "Kamistiatusset" (a Naskapi word meaning "land of the hard-working people"), reflect the importance of the iron ore industry to the community. 

 

The mining operations established in the region in the 1950s and 1960s drove the town's development and growth.

 

Geography of Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Labrador City is located in western Labrador, near the Quebec border, at the base of the Wapussakatoo Mountains. 

 

It lies adjacent to one of Canada's richest iron ore formations, the Labrador Trough. The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) built the town around these deposits in the 1960s.

 

LaCanada's richest iron ore formations are located in a vast area of ancient metamodern. The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) built the town around these iron ore deposits in the 1960s. The area is a well-forested, dissected plateau averaging about 450 m above sea level. 

 

Large, east-flowing rivers like the Churchill River dissect the area. The climate of Labrador City falls under the subarctic climate classification. 

 

Due to its northern location, large, east-flowing rivers like the Churchill River dissect the areand-level varieties. The town is surrounded by boreal forest, which is typical of the Canadian Shield.

 

Labrador City was developed in the 1950s as a planned community to serve the surrounding iron ore mining region. The Wabush Airport services the town and has rail connections to Schefferville, Quebec and Sept-Îles, Quebec, the ore transshipment port. 

 

The Trans-Labrador Highway (Route 500) proThe Wabush Airport services the townbrador and Quebec.

 

Demographics of Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Labrador City is a town in western Labrador, near the Quebec border, with a population of 7,412 as of 2021. It is the second-largest population centre in Labrador, behind Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The neighbouring town of Wabush has a population of approximately 1,964 as of 2021, and together the "twin towns" are known as Labrador West.

 

The median age in Labrador City was 39 in 2021, compared to 48 for the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The town experienced a population increase of 3.2% between 2016 and 2021, while the province saw a 1.8% decrease over the same period.

 

Regarding marital status, 48.2% of Labrador City residents are married, 16.9% are in common-law relationships, and 25.6% have never been married. The town has a relatively young population, with 18.2% under the age of 14 and 17.1% between 35 and 44 years old.

 

Labrador City's economy is heavily dependent on the iron ore mining industry. The town was founded in the 1960s to accommodate Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) employees. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in Labrador City was 35.7%.

 

Most of Labrador City's housing stock was built between 1961 and 1980, with 44% constructed in the 1960s and 33.2% in the 1970s. The average household size is 2.4 people, and 77.6% of homes are owner-occupied.

 

Labrador City is a relatively young, resource-based community that has experienced population growth in recent years, in contrast to the broader demographic trends in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

Economy of Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Labrador City's economy is heavily dependent on the iron ore mining industry. The town was founded in the 1960s to accommodate employees of the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), and iron ore mining continues to be its primary industry.

 

In 2008, IOC and its parent company, Rio Tinto, announced they would spend $800 million to develop additional mines in the region, but the project was shelved shortly after due to the economic recession and low demand for steel. 

 

However, it is believed that the IOC will expand shortly as the world recovers from the economic crisis.

 

Labrador City is serviced by the Wabush Airport, the Quebec North Shore, and the Labrador Railway, which provides freight rail transportation to and from Sept-Îles, Quebec, the ore transshipment port. 

 

The Trans-Labrador Highway (Route 500) is the only road connecting Labrador City with the rest of Labrador and the neighbouring province of Quebec.

 

In addition to mining, the town contains many amenities and facilities, including an ice arena, curling, downhill & cross country ski clubs, and the largest shopping mall in Labrador, the 22,940-square-metre (246,923 sq ft) Labrador Mall. 

 

Labrador City also includes the White Wolf Snowmobile Club and the Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race.

 

Labrador City's economy heavily relies on the iron ore mining industry, which has driven the town's development and the Quebec North Shore in the 1960s.

 

Education in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The town is home to several primary and secondary schools that fall under the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, including AP Low PrimarWolf-3), R. Smallwood Middle School (Grades 4-7), and Menihek High School (Grades 8-12). 

 

Menihek High School also offers a French Immersion program from kindergarten through grade 12. A francophone school in Labrador City called Le Centre éducatif L'ENVOL serves all grade levels.

 

For early childhood education, the town has a preschool called Little Hands in The Big Land for 3 and 4-year-olds, as well as the First Steps Family Resource Center that offers programs for young children and their families.

 

At the post-secondary level, the College of the North Atlantic has a campus in Labrador City known as the "Mining Centre of Excellence." It offers programs such as CAS Transfer, Construction/Industrial Electrician, Engineering Technology, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Mining Technician, and Office Administration.

 

Additionally, the Labrador Institute of Memorial University has a presence in Labrador City, providing access to distance education and facilitating research and community engagement.

 

Labrador City has a well-developed primary, secondary, and post-secondary education system to serve the community's needs, with a particular focus on programs related to the town's mining industry.

 

Transport System in Labrador City 

A multi-modal transportation system serves Labrador City:

 

Air

Labrador City is serviced by the Wabush Airport, which provides air transportation to and from the town.

 

Rail

The Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway runs from Sept-Îles, Quebec, to Labrador City, providing freight rail transportation. The railway was instrumental in the town's development, linking Carol Lake to Quebec in 1960 before Labrador City was incorporated in 1961.

 

Road

The Trans-Labrador Highway (Route 500) is the only road connection to Labrador City, linking it with the rest of Labrador and the neighbouring province of Quebec. Since its completion in 2009, the highway has made driving in Labrador easier, although drivers should still be prepared for isolated roads and challenging conditions.

 

Water

While Labrador City is not located on the coast, it is connected to the marine transportation system via the port of Sept-Îles, Quebec, which serves as the ore transshipment point for the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway.

 

Labrador City's transportation system is centred around the movement of iron ore, the town's primary industry, via rail and ship. The highway provides roads, while the airport serves passengers and cargo. The town's transportation links have been critical to its development as a resource-based community in the 1960s.

 

Living in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Labrador City is a planned community founded in the 1960s to serve the surrounding iron ore mining region. As of 2021, the town had a population of 7,412, making it the second-largest population centre in Labrador. Neighboring Wabush has a population of approximately 1,964, and together, they are known as Labrador West.

 

The town's economy is heavily dependent on the iron ore mining industry. Labrador City was built around the rich iron ore deposits of the Labrador Trough by the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC). Employment has fluctuated with the fortunes of the global iron ore market.

 

Amenities in Labrador City include an ice arena, curling and ski clubs, and the largest shopping mall in Labrador, the 22,940-square-metre Labrador Mall. The town also hosts the White Wolf Snowmobile Club and the Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race.

 

Labrador City has a subarctic climate with very cold winters. The coldest recorded temperature was around -52°C with wind chill. Residents need to use block heaters for their vehicles in winter.

 

While more isolated than Newfoundland, Labrador City has a strong community spirit. Crime rates are low, with people often leaving their doors unlocked. The town attracts people from diverse backgrounds due to the mining industry.

 

Outdoor activities are popular, and the surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for snowmobiling, skiing, and other winter sports. Summers are described as "really nice."

 

Labrador City provides a unique northern experience centred around the mining industry. While isolated and with a challenging climate, the town has a strong community and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

 

Healthcare in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Labrador City is served by the Labrador West Health Centre, a 28-bed hospital that provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services to the community. The health centre has 14 long-term care beds for levels three and four nursing care.

 

Inpatient units at the Labrador West Health Centre provide care for medical, surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, respite, palliative care and psychiatric clients. Family physicians, a general surgeon, an obstetrician/gynecologist, an anesthesiologist, and visiting specialists staff the hospital.

 

The health centre offers the following services:

• Emergency Department
• Outpatient clinics (visiting specialists)
• Surgery (major and minor operating rooms)
• Satellite dialysis
• Maternity care
• Laboratory and diagnostic imaging
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology
• Respiratory therapy, EEG, EKG
• Oncology/chemotherapy services
• Dietary services
• Diabetes education
• Mental Health and Addictions Services
• Population Health client services

 

Labrador City is part of the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone and is one of four regional health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Labrador-Grenfell Health supports the town's healthcare services and provides contact information for the region.

 

Tourist Places in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada:

1. Gateway Labrador: This visitor center provides information and keepsakes for travellers. It has a friendly staff and a nice atmosphere.
2. Menihek Nordic Ski Club: A popular destination for downhill and cross-country skiing, with lighted trails for night skiing.
3. Smokey Mountain Lookout: An outdoor recreation area with scenic views.
4. Labrador City Town Hall: This building displays artwork, including Group of Seven paintings, and houses the local fire department.
5. Fermont, Quebec, is a neighbouring town with a unique 1.3 km long and 50 m high windbreak, "the wall," that shelters the community.
6. Northern Lights Viewing: Labrador City is an excellent location to view the stunning Aurora Borealis, with the lights visible over 240 nights per year.
7. Jean Lake Regatta: An annual rowing regatta, the second largest in Newfoundland and Labrador, held at the end of July.
8. Tanya Walking Trail: A 3 km beginner-level trail around Tanya Lake in Labrador City with scenic lookouts.
9. Menihek Interpretive Trail: A 5 km advanced hiking trail part of the Menihek Nordic Ski Club's trail network.

 

Labrador City offers a range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and community events for visitors to enjoy.

 

Local Food in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Some of the top restaurants in Labrador City include:

• Baba Q's Smoke & Grill, a barbecue and Canadian restaurant
• Sushi Lab, which serves Chinese and Japanese cuisine
• Pizza Delight, an Italian pizza restaurant
• Grenfell Restaurant
• Two Seasons Inn

 

Other notable food establishments in Labrador City are:

• Carter's Grub Box
• Fun Food
• Great Wall Restaurant
• Jordan's
• M & E Cafeteria
• Mary Brown's Chicken

 

Liifer, a food delivery service, is available in Labrador City, allowing residents to order food from local restaurants.

 

The town also has several food services and supplies businesses that cater to the local community.

 

Labrador City has a range of dining options, from barbecue and Canadian fare to Chinese, Japanese, Italian and pizza restaurants. Delivery services are available to bring local food to residents' doorsteps.

 

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