Rose Blanche – Harbour le Cou | |
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— Town — | |
Rose Blanche – Harbour le Cou
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Coordinates: | |
Country | Canada |
Province | Newfoundland and Labrador |
Settled | 1810 |
Population (1869) | |
• Total | 663 |
Time zone | Newfoundland Time (UTC-3:30) |
• Summer (DST) | Newfoundland Daylight (UTC-2:30) |
Area code(s) | 709 |
Rose Blanche – Harbour le Cou is a small town on Newfoundland's southwest shore, about 45 km from Port aux Basques. This community is located in a barren area on the east side of a small bay. In this bay there are 2 harbours that were mainly used to provide shelter for fishing vessels.
Formerly Rose Blanche was primarily a fishing community, until the Moratorium on Cod Fish was introduced in 1992. Scenery includes the rugged coastline, and the white and rocky cliffs of "Diamond Cove". Its restored lighthouse serves as a tourist attraction.
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The first settlers in Rose Blanche arrived and probably settled in 1810, though the French had held seasonal premises in the area in the 18th century. Rose Blanche was first settled for its sheltered harbours and close location to fishing grounds.
By the 1869 census, the population had grown to 663, and the area continued to attract new settlers from England and the Channel Islands to participate in the fishery. By the 1870s the community had a number of businesses which participated in the local fishery and the Labrador fishery.
The 1950s and 1960s brought significant changes to the community with the opening of a fresh-frozen fish plant, plus resettlement of outlying communities in Rose Blanche, as a result of the road connection completed between Rose Blanche and Port aux Basques in 1961. Stores in Rose Blanche include T and T Variety and a grocery store (Darlene's Groceteria) near the former school. The school was shut down by the government due to lack of funding. There is also a small gas station, a couple of restaurants, and a new artists' retreat centre and guest house called "RoseSea House".
The Anglican church is dedicated to "Saint Michael and All Angels," which has a "high church" tradition. A few decades ago the former church building was replaced by a new one.