WHO WE ARE
St. Lawrence was incorporated as a Town in 1949. It is governed by an elected Town Council operating under government grants and municipal taxes. The Town has a well kept network of paved streets and has been served by an efficient water and sewer system since 1953. Street lighting, snow clearing, garbage collection and general maintenance of the Town is provided by the Town Council. The community of St. Lawrence is supported by a fully functional and well equipment volunteer fire department, whom for many years have responded to any emergency that should arise. For decades this town has been the only producer of fluorspar in Canada and in 2007, it established itself as the soccer capital of Canada. According to the 2021 Census (Statistics Canada), 1105 people live in the community. Major industry in the community centers around the fishery, with the fish plant owned and operated by Ocean Choice International Ltd.
The Town of St. Lawrence is renowned for its competitive spirit and quintessence of generosity. A coastal town, St. Lawrence is located on the eastern side of the Burin Peninsula in southern Newfoundland. The Burin Peninsula Highway (Route 220) passes through the town and joins the Trans Canada Highway. Strategically located 32 km from international shipping lanes, St. Lawrence is connected to all major communities in the area by paved roads.
St. Lawrence was built surrounding its harbor; which is a sheltered year round port that can accommodate ships with a 6 meter draft. Harbour facilities include a fully serviced wharf and harbor authority building with shower and laundry facilities and warehouse and fish processing plant that can accommodate any commercial or industrial activity. Although the mine is not presently operating, mining infrastructure remains intact with a plentiful resource of fluorspar. The community is optimistic that the mine site will once again become operational within the town.
Sports, leisure and recreation have a big role in the lives of people in St. Lawrence. The Town boasts two regulation size grass soccer fields, a multipurpose recreation center, a tennis court and skate park, basketball court and Laurentian Grounds playground, all located in the heart of our community. We offer a seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool and year round use of a dog park and softball field. Soccer remains alive and well in the community carried through by the youth of our generations. After all, we are "The Soccer Capital of Canada!". The Town of St. Lawrence supports an age friendly community by maintaining an accessible building for social events. The Golden Age (50 + Club) of St. Lawrence are active in supporting recreation events for this population. St. Lawrence boasts a network of hiking trails, as well as ATV trails. Both areas are maintained by active community volunteer groups in coalition with the Town of St. Lawrence. The picturesque view from the Cape Chapeau Rouge walking trail is a bucket list item. A view you won't soon forget! Shoal Cove Beach, a popular destination within driving distance of the community provides a breathtaking view and is favored by locals. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, while relaxing on a clean and sandy beach!
There is a strong cultural heritage in the community. A short walk over the hills to Chamber Cove will help you trace the history and heroism that the residents of St. Lawrence displayed on a stormy night in February 1942. Two American ships, the Truxtun and the Pollux, ran ashore near St. Lawrence and Lawn. To commemorate this tragic event, in 1954 the American government built the U.S. Memorial Hospital in gratitude for the rescue of many men during the dreadful naval disaster. Finally, a visit to the St. Lawrence Miner's Museum is a must where photos and artifacts collected from the disaster are on display. The 3 (L) Training & Employment Board will guide a tour of the facility, highlighting the history of events. Drop by during your visit to the gift shop where employees craft souvenirs from locally sourced fluorspar.
Many breath-taking attractions around town will entice you to come back year after year. Take part in the annual St. Lawrence Day celebrations; catch capelin rolling on the beaches or try squid jigging in the harbor! We look forward to seeing you soon!
