Our Communities

The Killick Coast Chamber of Commerce represents the geographical area of St. John’s East recognized as the Killick Coast.

It includes the following seven municipalities:

  • Portugal Cove-St. Philip's (PCSP)

  • Torbay

  • Bell Island

  • Flatrock

  • Pouch Cove

  • Bauline

  • Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove (LB-MC-OC)

PCSP

Photo Credit Town of PCSP

Portugal Cove is believed to have been named after the explorer Gaspar Corte Real.  In the early 1500s, Ferdinand of Portugal commissioned Real to explore North America. Whether Gaspar Corte Real actually visited Portugal Cove remains a mystery, he may have named the area as he sailed by.

On the other hand, St. Philip’s was settled in 1790 by John Squires and Robin Tucker. Squires initially settled on the east side of Broad Cove, while Tucker settled on the west side. They found that the west side is more suitable for farming. Therefore, the two ended up switching properties since Squires was more interested in farming, and Tucker was more interested in fishing. 

Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s was merged in 1992 and in 2021, the population was 8,300 people. Today, the town provides a rural atmosphere and offers breathtaking views of Newfoundland’s unique landscape.

Torbay

Photo Credit Town of Torbay

Known as the second fastest growing municipality in the province, Torbay has a rich history. Torbay received its name from a coastal town in Devonshire, England and its history can be dated back to the early English fishery in the late 1500s. 

By 1794, the population was 108 English settlers and 99 Irish settlers. Torbay experienced three French Campaigns, the first occurring in 1696. These invasions led to the construction of the Torbay Battery in 1781. 

The town was officially established soon after Colonel William Amherst and his troops landed in 1762 on their way to recapture the capital St. John's. Torbay celebrated their 250th anniversary of this historic event in 2012.

Today, Torbay is known for its scenic coastline, and as of 2021, has a population of 7,852.


Bell Island

Bell Island is known for its resourceful history of iron ore and its significance in World War II. 

Mining began on Bell Island in 1895 and so began the island’s journey of being an ideal location for mining industries. Mining on Bell Island was the driving force of the local economy, making Bell Island the second-largest community in Newfoundland by 1923.

Additionally, Bell Island was the target of two German U-Boat attacks during World War II. The 1942 attacks resulted in damage to the Scotia pier, the sinking of four ships, and the deaths of Allied sailors, bringing the war home to Newfoundlanders. 

Today, Bell Island remains a tourist destination with a rich history, and tourists can explore mining tours, amongst other historical landmarks. As of 2021, the island has a population of 2,085.


Flatrock

Photo Credit via Town of Flatrock

Flatrock, the name inspired by the appearance of the shoreline, was settled in 1762. The settlers were people from Norway, Ireland, England and Scotland. Many Irish people, who were farmers, settled in the town because of the troubles back home. 

The town has a long history of women planting vegetables that would last all year round, and the men fishing, who would then sell their supplies to merchants in St. John’s in exchange for fishing supplies. 

The town is slowly growing and as of 2021, has a population of 1,722.


Pouch Cove

Photo Credit via Town of Pouch Cove

Pouch Cove was permanently settled by Europeans in the early 1800’s. The town has a history of helping out in both World Wars by providing roles in infantry, artillery, forestry, and the merchant navy. 

For much of its history, Pouch Cove didn’t have a government or a council. Eventually, in 1970, the town formed a council, which included a Mayor and Councilors. Pouch Cove and the neighboring town of Shoe Cove were merged in 1987. As of 2021, Pouch Cove has a population of 2,063.


Bauline

Photo Credit via Town of Bauline

Bauline, another town on the Killick Coast, was incorporated in 1988, and today, has a population of about 400 residents. The original settlers arrived in Bauline for the summer fishing season from the communities of Blackhead, Broad Cove, and Lead Cove.

Bauline was permanently settled around 1800 and the first permanent church was built sometime between 1901 and 1903. Today, Bauline is known for hiking along the East Coast Trail and enjoying the scenery.

Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove

Photo Credit via Town of LB-MC-OC

The town, the combination of three former communities on the outskirts of St. John's, was incorporated in 1986. In 1610, the land was granted to the London and Bristol Company and the land was believed to have been used by fishermen in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 

Permanent settlers began in the early 1800s. The Irish settlers were drawn to the area because of the arable land, fishing opportunities, and proximity to St. John’s. The town had a population of 2,364 as of 2021. The town is currently home to Memorial University's Marine Sciences Research Laboratory.