Community Profile

A Growing Business Community

As a regional centre, Clarenville has amenities and services comparable to any large town with real growth potential. The town boasts a vibrant, growing and diversified business community, focused on retail and trade, services, health, construction and manufacturing.

Bright Economic Forecast

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing much economic growth and the Town of Clarenville is no different! Strong growth was recorded in the province’s employment and GDP; directly contributable to significant capital investment in the province. Major contributors include the development of Vale’s nickel processing plant in Long Harbour and the development of various oil projects, namely, Hebron and the expansions of the White Rose and Hibernia projects.

Clarenville’s proximity to these developments has contributed to growth in the local economy and an increase in high-paid employment opportunities for its residents.  The economic forecast for the Town of Clarenville is promising; increasing private and public investment in the town has resulted in growth in residential construction and development, expansion of commercial operations and a healthy rate of employment.  Clarenville has the infrastructure and facilities to accommodate further growth in its residential and commercial population.  Town planning has kept pace with current demands, as well as future needs of the population, providing services and utilities necessary to facilitate and sustain economic growth.

5-year Strategic Economic Plan

The Town of Clarenville unveiled a 5-year Strategic Economic Plan in May 2004, a blueprint aimed at boosting our community and businesses while fostering continued prosperity.

Crafted with input from stakeholders and partners, this plan focuses on innovation, attracting businesses, and addressing key social, economic, and environmental issues. With 7 core priorities and forty-seven collaborative initiatives that build on our brand of Real Life Potential, our goal is to position Clarenville as a dynamic hub for both business and residents.

The key areas included in the 5-year strategy focuses on investing in infrastructure, addressing available and affordable housing, improved access to childcare, tourism development, reducing red tape and encouraging business growth with the aim to build a diverse and resilient economy that will be beneficial to taxpayers and the community.

Please view the new Strategic Economic Plan below.

Infinite Possibilities

An outstanding place to do business, Clarenville offers its business community convenience of location, accessibility to a diverse labour force and the benefits of quality infrastructure and support services.  Current firms, as well as those that are new and expanding, will enjoy the many benefits to doing business in the well established Town of Clarenville!  We have real business potential.

Location:

The Town sits on the Trans Canada Highway, interconnected to every major centre in the province through the highway network. Shipping by air made easy – two international airports (Gander International Airport and St. John’s International Airport) are in close proximity to Clarenville, both within a two hour drive. A population of about 35,000 is serviced by private business and public sector organizations located in the Town of Clarenville. Conveniently situated between three major peninsulas (the Avalon, Burin, and Bonavista), and  in close proximity to Central Newfoundland, Clarenville has 70% of the province’s population within its reach.

Infrastructure and Town Services:

The Town of Clarenville is committed to providing its businesses and residents with the highest quality service and infrastructure:

• Road Maintenance
• Snow Clearing
• Waste Management
• Water and Sewer

Clarenville has a competitive commercial tax structure. The Council has taken steps to ensure that the new business development process is streamlined, for example, by applying red tape reduction measures. The Town has room for growth!  Commercial land within town boundaries is available for development.

Public Services/Business Services:

Home to two educational institutions responsive to labour market trends and demands locally and provincially.Health care network including  a regional hospital, long term care home and community based health care services. Clarenville is home to facilities and services comparable to any large town, a variety of professional services and suppliers are conveniently located within  town boundaries. Many government departments and other public sector providing business support services are within reach, for example:
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Department of Innovation Business and Rural Development
Community Business Development Corporation Eastern Initiatives
Clarenville Area Chamber of Commerce

Labour Force:

Clarenville has a diverse labour pool on which to draw; the CMA population is approximately 35,000.  Residents from surrounding communities commute to Clarenville for work. Residents have higher than provincial average formal education levels. The labour force participation rate for both men and women is above the provincial average and is among the highest in Newfoundland and Labrador.