Summerford is a small town on the central coast of Newfoundland in Canada

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

. It is located just off Provincial Route 340, Road to the Isles.

The Town of Summerford (formerly the Farmer’s Arm from unknown date – circa 1906) lies in New World Island, in Notre Dame Bay Newfoundland, Canada

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

 and had a population of 976 in the Canada 2006 Census

Canada 2006 Census

The Canada 2006 Census was a detailed enumeration of the Canadian population. Census day was May 16, 2006. The next census following will be the 2011 Census. Canada's total population enumerated by the 2006 census was 31,612,897...

. It is close to the neighbouring communities of Virgin Arm, and Cottlesville.

The Town of Summerford covers an area of 16.6 square kilometres (6.4 sq mi).

History

At Summerford’s advent, it was a town focusing on the industries of fishing and logging. It was a relatively prosperous town within rural, coastal Newfoundland. It contained three churches, which were filled every Sunday, for religion was paramount in this community. Farming was also a staple, as most grew their own food and raised their own animals for meat.

When World War I and World War II occurred, almost any man capable left the town to aid the British side, as at this point, Newfoundland was still a colony of Britain.

In the early 1970s, the Town Hall was established, which also serves as a community hall, fire station, and holds the library. The residents fought against having a town hall build for many years, knowing it would mean more taxes, but in the end, it was established anyway. The local government consists of a mayor (Clayton LeDrew), deputy mayor (Newman Harris) and 6 to 8 councilors.

Economy

Summerford’s economy consisted of a mainly barter system for many years, and still implements it occasionally.

Historically there have been multiple regional schools, both elementary and high. In 2003 the so called "Super School", New World Island Academy was opened. It is a K-12 school, and its students are from all over the island.

Tourists supply local artists and crafts people, as well as tour guides, etc, with income during the summer months. Lindy Rideout, of kayak making fame, gives guided paddles, mostly for tourists, and they are quite popular.

Education

Summerford residents generally attend New World Island Academy

New World Island Academy

New World Island Academy is a K-12 school in Summerford, New World Island, Newfoundland, Canada. It operates under the Nova Central School District and serves all towns on New World Island, including Summerford, Virgin Arm, Hillgrade, Cobb's Arm, Newville, Herring Neck and others. Current...

, a K-12 school, located along Route 340

Newfoundland and Labrador Route 340

Route 340 is a road in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador that runs from Notre Dame Junction to Long Point Lighthouse, passing through the towns of Lewisporte, Summerford, Twillingate, and other smaller communities.The highway has a length of 106 kilometres and a speed limit...

.

Health care in Summerford

Summerford required a doctor, so a clinic/house was built for him, in the early 1960s. A full clinic was built later, in the late 1960s, because of population increases. The New World Island Clinic serves all of NWI, and is an extension of the Twillingate Hospital.