1.0 Community Background

Town of Bishop’s Falls

The town of Bishop’s Falls, founded in the early 1900's, developed because of its strategic location. A groundwood pulp mill and hydro station at the Falls became the basis of economic activity in the town by 1910, followed shortly by the Reid Newfoundland Railway. Bishop’s Falls became the major railway service centre in central Newfoundland, and for many years, acted as the central terminus for the transisland rail service. Both of these operations were established at Bishop’s Falls because of the resources or logistics offered by our unique location. The woodland resources of central Newfoundland have also played an important role in shaping the history of Bishop’s Falls. The motto on the Town’s crest is In Media Silva Maneo - translated, “In the middle of the forest I remain”. The town’s strong ties with the railway can still be seen today, as the Exploits River Bridge, the longest railway bridge in the province at an expanse of 727 feet, continues to span the river.

The location of Bishop’s Falls is just as important today. Although the railway is now a part of the town’s history, Bishop’s Falls still offers immediate access to the major transportation system of today; the Trans Canada Highway. And it is prepared for the transportation systems of tomorrow; the information superhighway. Bishop’s Falls is serviced by the latest in communications technology, including state of the art digital switching equipment, a long distance fibre optic system, and full cellular telephone service. Several Internet Service Providers offer local access in the Exploits area.

The Industrial heritage of Bishop’s Falls is still alive and well. A number of smaller manufacturers have sprung up over the years, and today products from Bishop’s Falls are sold throughout Canada and around the world.

Bishop’s Falls Development Corporation

The Bishop’s Falls Development Corporation (BFDC) was formed in 1989, following the closure of the Newfoundland Railway. Over the past several years, the BFDC has assisted many businesses to start-up or expand. The BFDC has chosen the light-manufacturing sector as a key growth area on which to focus our efforts.

The BFDC offers a full range of non-financial business assistance programs, including information, advice and guidance. In addition, the BFDC owns or operates a number of commercial and industrial rental properties which are used to house BFDC clients. The BFDC has funded new business start-ups and has attracted new activity to Bishop’s Falls by offering incentive investments.

The mandate of the BFDC is to generate viable long-term employment through diversification of the local economy. The BFDC is targeting its efforts at small and medium sized manufacturing or technology-related operations, however, it will entertain proposals for any non-retail operation that is not unfairly competitive with existing area businesses.

The BFDC is a committed and experienced economic development agency, able to steer your business proposal through the myriad of business start-up obstacles. The Corporation’s aggressive pro-business and professional approach to economic development has helped it earn the trust and respect of both industry and government.