Conche, Newfoundland and Labrador
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| Conche | |
  Conche
|
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| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Population | |
| - Total | 250 |
| Time zone | Newfoundland Time (UTC-3:30) |
| - Summer (DST) | Newfoundland Daylight (UTC-2:30) |
| Area code(s) | 709 |
| Website: Conche home page | |
Conche is a community with a population of about 250 on the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
[edit] The village
Conche is a small, remote fishing village on the North East tip of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. Its residents are chiefly Irish Catholic, with a few exceptions. The children there (about 25) attend Sacred heart All-Grade School, and several over-achieving sports teams have come out of the community, including provincial gold medal winners in softball and broom ball and a silver performance in volleyball in recent years.
Conche is found on a small peninsula and has a deep harbour that runs the length of the community. In the spring and summer icebergs float through the harbour and maroon there, providing a beautiful spectacle. Whales also frequent the harbour and can be heard at night. There is also a large seal population which resides in Conche harbour.
For many years, Conche suffered from harsh isolation. Boat and dog-sled remained the best means of transportation for a long time. In 1960, a nursing station was established to serve the community and in 2005 a highway was built to allow for easier access to Conche and its surrounding communities.
A notable plane crash once occurred outside of Conche Village and the strewn remains of the crash still remain.
Residents of Conche are noted for their musical prowess, with most parties including singing and guitar playing.
Many people who now reside in Conche are former residents of the Grey Islands who were forced to move their homes and families during the resettlement period.
Although Conche has been on a steady decline for the past few decades, a recent effort is being made by Conche Village to market itself as a tourist destination. The French Shore Historical Society, working with the community, has installed a museum there, marking the culture and long past of the settlement, first inhabited by migratory French fishermen. There are many trails and geological marvels for visitors to see, in addition to learning about the culture. Conche is home to a large waterfall, as well as several notable natural wonders, including the Glass Hole.
Recent efforts by the community have had Conche’s once crumbling lighthouse restored.
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