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Coordinates: 47°06′N 55°47′W / 47.100°N 55.783°W / 47.100; -55.783 (Grand Bank)
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*The climate of Grand Bank is classified as [[Boreal (Koppen Dfb)]].<ref> Climate and Weather of Newfoundland and Labrador, Banfield, C.E., St. John's Creative Publishing.</ref>
The climate of Grand Bank is classified as [[Köppen climate classification|Boreal (Koppen Dfb)]]. It enjoys one of the most favourable climates of Newfoundland and Labrador, mainly due to its position on the extreme southern coast of the [[Burin Peninsula]]. The average air temerature in January is -0.5°C - one of the warmest for all of Newfoundland and Labrador. July has a mean temperature of 20.6°C which is relatively low due to the fog frequency the area experiences during the early months of summer. Mean annual precipitation is 1461.1mm, which is high due to the occurrence of cyclonic storms and in which most of the precipitation falls as rain (1280.9mm or 81%). Snowfall in Grand Bank is about 180.2mm annually.

*It enjoys one of the most favourable climates of Newfoundland and Labrador, mainly due to its position on the extreme southern coast of the Burin Peninsula.

*The winters are relatively mild winters with considerable variation in snow cover and heavy rainfall from October through December.

*The average air temerature in January is -0.5°C - one of the warmest for all of Newfoundland and Labrador.

*Surface wind speeds average 20-30 km/hour, with 50-80 km/hr typically sustained during low pressure systems. Very strong gusts (120-140 km/hr) are a common feature along the south coast. <ref>[http://www.heritage.nf.ca/environment/seasonal_winter.html Heritage Newfoundland]</ref>

*During strong Arctic air outbreaks the "windchill equivalent temperature" is typically in the -25 to -35°C range on the island.

*July has a mean temperature of 20.6°C. Summers are generally cooled by low clouds and fog.

*Mean annual precipitation is 1461.1mm, which is high due to the occurrence of cyclonic storms and in which most of the precipitation falls as rain (1280.9mm or 81%).

*Snowfall in Grand Bank is about 180.2mm annually.




Revision as of 04:41, 14 June 2010

"Grand Bank" redirects here. For the electoral district, see Grand Bank (electoral district).
Grand Bank
Town
File:Merge GB.jpg
Official seal of Grand Bank
Seal
Country Canada
Province Newfoundland and Labrador
Settled1640
Incorporated1943
Government
 • TypeTown Council
 • MayorDarrell Lafosse
 • MHADarin King Ph.d, (P.C.),
Grand Bank (electoral district)
 • MPJudy Foote (LIB),
Random-Burin-St.George's
Area
 • Total16.97 km2 (6.55 sq mi)
Elevation
7 m (23 ft)
Population
 (2006)
 • Total2,580
 • Density152.03/km2 (393.89/sq mi)
 down 9.19% since 2001 (2841)
Time zoneUTC-3:30 (Newfoundland Time)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-2:30 (Newfoundland Daylight)
Area code709
Highway 220French Island Drive
WebsiteThe Town of Grand Bank

Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada or 'Grand Banc' as the first French settlers pronounced it, is a small rural town with a population of 2,580. It is located on the southern tip or "toe" of the Burin Peninsula (also known as "the boot"), 360 km from the province's capital of St. John's.

Map of Burin Peninsula.
Map of the Burin Peninsula.

















Grand Banc was inhabited by French fisherman as early as 1640 and started as a fishing settlement with about seven families. It was given the name "Grand Banc" because of the high bank that extends from Admiral's Cove to the water's edge on the west side of the harbour.

The Town of Grand Bank can attribute much of its past and present growth and prosperity to its proximity to the fishing grounds and its ice-free harbour. Original settlers thrived on trade with the French and a vigorous inshore fishing industry. Grand Bank became the nucleus of the bank fishing industry for Newfoundland and a service center for Fortune Bay. With the decline of the salt fish industry, the town's emphasis quickly shifted to fresh fish production. Enterprising businessmen and town planners prepared the way for a fresh fish plant (present day Grand Bank Seafoods Inc.) and a fleet of trawlers.

History

Grand Bank is a historically rich community. Documents indicate there may have been French fishermen in Grand Bank as early as 1640. The French census taken in Newfoundland in 1687 shows "Grand Bank" with a population of 45 - thirty-nine servants, two masters, three women and one child. The first community had one church, three houses and eighteen muskets. In 1693, census takers recorded some of the prominent names: Bourney, Commer, Chevallier and Grandin.

In 1713 the Treaty of Utrecht ceded North America to England and an influx of English settlers began. After the French were given St.Pierre, many of the English families on the French island moved to Grand Bank. Its name most likely came from the high bank or ledge that extends from Admiral's Cove to the harbour mouth. In July 1765, Captain James Cook moored his ship at Admiral's Cove, came ashore and gathered buds off the small spruce trees on Grand Bank cape to brew beer for his crew for medical purposes.

From the outset, the Life of Grand Bank revolved around the sea, "Cod was King". The fishery was an inshore operation until 1881 when as era the Bank Fishery began. Merchants built their own schooners ranging from 50 to over 100 tons and at one time, there were as many as six small shipyards. As the need for larger vessels increased, they were bought from Lunenberg and Glouchester.

Dozens of schooners landed their catches in the adequate harbour of Grand Bank. Women and men cured the fish in the wide cobblestone beaches. This marked the beginning of increased prosperity for the community and for the next 60 years, fleets of wooden schooners headed for the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Merchants also engaged larger three master schooners for local trade and overseas markets.

A Census of 1836 lists 45 dwellings and a population of 236 residents. The first Waymaster in 1856 was Jonathan Hickman. A post office was built in 1883 and the first Post Master was George Forsey

During the period (1890 -1940) Grand Bank, with its fleet of banking and foreign-going ships, earned the distinction "The Bank Fishing Capital" of Newfoundland. In 1955, a modern fresh fish processing plant was built in Grand Bank and modern steel trawlers replaced the schooners. Today, Grand Bank is the home of a shell fishing industry, a modern plant owned by Grand Bank Seafoods (A Division of Clearwater Seafoods).

21st Century Grand Bank boasts many innovative industries and businesses supported by modern infrastructure, a new Hospital, up to date Seniors Complex, Recreational Facilities, and the Community Centre. Grand Bank is becoming synonymous with innovation, prosperity, and most recently, a captivating tourist attraction! [1]


Chronology

1640 - French fishermen were said to be in Grand Bank during this time.

1687 - First French Census taken in Newfoundland shows “Grand Banc” (name probably originating from the high bank that extends from Admiral’s Cove to the harbour) with a population of 45.

1713 - Treaty of Utrecht, France relinquishes its claim to Newfoundland including St. Pierre et Miquelon. The French Population moved to Ile Royale (Cape Breton).

1714 - William Tavaner surveys the coast for the English Government.

1763 - Peace Treaty of Paris: French are given St. Pierre et Miquelon, forcing the English population at St. Pierre to relocate to Grand Bank and Fortune Bay. First record of English settlement…

1765 - Captain James Cook mapped out the area and moored his ship at Admiral’s Cove. Came ashore and gathered buds off the small spruce tree to brew beer (excellent source of vitamin C) for his crew.

1850s - By the end of the 1850s, Grand Bank had a school, a doctor, a judicial system, a postal service and a road system.

1870s - A change in fishing vessel from a shallop to a schooner. With the change in vessel came a change in fishing gear. The trawl was introduced. However, the trawl could not be set directly from the schooner. There was a need for a smaller boat, different from the punt; we have the first appearance of the dory.

1879 - Breakwater and Dredging legislation was passed.

1881 - Bank Fishery began and Samuel Harris’s first season on the banks was a success. In short order, a number of other Grand Bankers with schooners followed (some of which include George Abraham Buffett, Simeon N. Tibbo and Daniel Tibbo). The demand for schooners dramatically increased. There were at one point (1885 & 1886) seven schooners being built in Grand Bank.

The Fish Drying Process - Once the schooners arrived in port, the next stages would begin:

1. Remove surface salt: Used mops to scrub the salt from the fish as water flowed through the openings in the bottom of the pound (an open crate, 10 to 12 ft2).

2. Fish taken by horse and cart to one of the beaches and placed in large piles called waterhorses and left to drain.

3. The “beach women” were responsible for spreading and tending to the fish while it was drying. The fish was kept on the beach for a month, being spread and turned every day and put in piles in the night and covered.

1955 - Modern fresh fish processing plant was built in Grand Bank and the schooners were replaced with modern steel trawlers.[1]

Grand Bank Seafoods

Grand Bank Seafoods is a division of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership based inNova Scotia. In 1992, in the midst of the cod moratorium, Grand Bank Seafoods (GBS) upgraded their ground fish plant to a shellfish operation. The company still retains its ground fish license but decided that until the cod population recovers, it is more profitable to harvest shellfish. [2]

Today Clearwater employs approximately 135 people processing some 10 million lbs of Arctic Surf Hokkigai and Cockle Clams long favored in Asia and across Asian markets in North America. [3]


Tourist attractions

In recent years Grand Bank has seen a tripling of visitors interested in the Queen Anne architecture in the older homes, the traditions of a seafaring people and the heritage still evident in the older businesses, stores, halls and museums. Heritage Canada's Main Street program has been a great success, as evident in the face-lift of many storefront properties. This program was designed to assist in the revitalization of the downtown of Grand Bank using its four components - organization, marketing, design and economic development.

Historic Family Names

  • Buffett
  • Evans
  • Hillier
  • Warren
  • Forsey
  • Hickman
  • Matthews
  • Rose
  • Foote
  • Penwell
  • Nurse
  • Welsh
  • Osmond
  • Skinner
  • Follett
  • Thornhill
  • Stone
  • Anstey

Schools

Climate

Climate data for Grand Bank
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Source: Environment Canada[4]


  • It enjoys one of the most favourable climates of Newfoundland and Labrador, mainly due to its position on the extreme southern coast of the Burin Peninsula.
  • The winters are relatively mild winters with considerable variation in snow cover and heavy rainfall from October through December.
  • The average air temerature in January is -0.5°C - one of the warmest for all of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Surface wind speeds average 20-30 km/hour, with 50-80 km/hr typically sustained during low pressure systems. Very strong gusts (120-140 km/hr) are a common feature along the south coast. [6]
  • During strong Arctic air outbreaks the "windchill equivalent temperature" is typically in the -25 to -35°C range on the island.
  • July has a mean temperature of 20.6°C. Summers are generally cooled by low clouds and fog.
  • Mean annual precipitation is 1461.1mm, which is high due to the occurrence of cyclonic storms and in which most of the precipitation falls as rain (1280.9mm or 81%).
  • Snowfall in Grand Bank is about 180.2mm annually.


Regional Newspaper

The Southern Gazette is a newspaper that covers the entire Burin Peninsula.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e The Town of Grand Bank History
  2. ^ Getting the Message Out PDF File
  3. ^ Clearwater
  4. ^ Environment Canada—Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  5. ^ Climate and Weather of Newfoundland and Labrador, Banfield, C.E., St. John's Creative Publishing.
  6. ^ Heritage Newfoundland

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