Community Profile

Bell Island was initially settled by farmers who supplied surrounding communities with their produce. The discovery of iron ore resulted in a thriving mining community with the third largest population in the province. However, since the mines closed in 1966 the population has declined. In 1961 Bell Island had a population in excess of 12,000 while the 1996 Census placed it at under 4,000. Most of the population lives in incorporated Wabana, with the rest living in unincorporated Lance Cove and Freshwater. Farming is done on a small scale. There is some fishing. Tourism is becoming more and more popular.