Badger's Quay-Valleyfield-Pool's Island

Origin of name Badger's Quay: Sometimes referred to as Badger's Bay in early census data. Origin of Badger is uncertain but it is probably named after the community of Badger in Shropshire England.

Population: 3, 061, (includes Newtown and Wesleyville, 1996), Protestant

Early Settlement: Area was visited by land based seal fishermen and inshore cod fishermen from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Settlement in the area began on Fool's Island (now known as Pool's Island), when the first settlers were English fishermen who came to the area in the early 1800s via Bonavista.

Employment: While the inshore fishery and sealing have been the traditional industries, more recently government services, self employment, tourism and the service industry have diversified the economy.

Interesting Facts about Badger's Cove-Valleyfield-Pool's Island

• 1700s to early 1800s, English fishermen visit the area in search of cod and seals.
• 1845, A church and school is operating in Pool's Island.
• 1845-1869, With increased activity in the seal hunt, Pool's Island's population begins to increase dramatically.
• 1870s-1900s, Pool's Island becomes an active port for schooners bound for the Labrador fishery.
• 1901, A church of England school is built in Badger's Quay.
• 1903, Methodist Church is built in Valleyfield
• 1946, Badger's Quay-Valleyfield-Pool's Island is incorporated as a community.
• 1954-55, remaining settlers in nearby Safe Harbour are re-settled to Badger's Quay under the Newfoundland Government's Centralization Program.
• 1956, Pentecostal Church is floated from the newly abandoned community of North West Arm to Valleyfield as part of the Government's Centralization Program.