Bell Island (Wabana)
Bell Island - It is the largest of several islands in Conception
Bay, measuring about 9 km by 3.5 km. From the province's
capital St. John's, the oldest city in North America, it's a
20-minute drive to the ferry terminal at Portugal Cove, then a
20-minute ferry ride to Bell Island.
Bell Island was initially settled by farmers in the 1700's. The
discovery of iron ore in the late 1800's resulted in Bell Island becoming 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.
Contact Information:
Diane Butler, Town Manager
Telephone: (709) 488-2025
Email: Dianecbutler@aol.com
Website: http://www.bellisland.net/
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