Did you know?
Placentia was settled by the French in 1662 who called the town “Plaisance” meaning
“the pleasant place”. It was once considered the French capital of NL.
The area was won over by the English in 1713; the modern town is reflective of its
English and Irish roots
Located in nearby Argentia is the Headquarters of the US Armed Forces Bases
constructed in 1941. The US Armed Forces Base closed in 1994, leaving behind
well developed infrastructure.
Placentia is in close proximity to two deep water harbours: Argentia and
Long Harbour.
Argentia is an excellent ice-free port with three wharf complexes
Placentia is strategically located near shipping and transportation routes,
St. John’s, the Argentia Industrial area, and the ferry connecting NL to
mainland Canada - as well as near the future site of the Vale Inco Nickel
Processing Facility in Long Harbour.
Placentia offers a favourable environment for economic growth in business
and industry including transportation, retail, manufacturing, supply and
distribution.
Placentia has a strong sense of community and is a safe and welcoming
place to live and work.
Many services are available in Placentia including medical facilities,
schools, banks, recreational opportunities, post office, automotive services,
grocery stores, restaurants, shopping mall, drug store, beauty salons, RCMP
station, building supplies, hotel, bed and breakfasts, churches, cultural arts
centre and more. Not sure how much this bullet and the one immediately above
really add. They seem more like promotional plugs than area tidbits. – S.H.
There are several tourist attractions that are a must-see for visitors including:
- Archaeological sites that expose Basque, French, English and Irish artifacts and buried structures
- Castle Hill National Historical Site
- Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Bird Sanctuary
- Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre