Wesleyville, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Wesleyville is a small coastal community in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It was settled in the early 1800's, when residents relocated from nearby islands. The first settlers originally lived on Swain's Island, then moved to what is now called Wesleyville. The population peaked in mid-century at about 1200. Wesleyville is now part of the municipality of New-Wes-Valley, with a population of approximately 2800. The municipality comprises the villages and towns of the area, including Pools Island, Badgers Quay, Valleyfield, Brookfield, Wesleyville, Pound Cove, Templeman, and Newtown. The primary industry has always been fishing, with people also employed traditionally in other industries such as forestry. The main employer today is a fish processing plant located in Valleyfield, owned by Beothic Fisheries. Wesleyville is named in honour of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. It is famous for its involvement historically in the sealing industry, and as the birthplace of well-known Canadian artist David Blackwood.