Some of Placentia's greatest potential lies within its strong sense of community. It is a safe, friendly and comfortable place to live, work, and raise a family.

The modern day town, its people and their lifestyle, belie little of the town's French heritage. Instead, the spirit and soul of the community are more deeply connected with its Irish-English roots.

Some of the surnames that were recorded there prior to 1800 are still on the census: Barron, Collins, Mooney, Traverse and Walsh.

The "small town" atmosphere is refreshing. Every day along the mile-long Placentia boardwalk, friends and neighbours meet and chat on their daily walk. The sea air is healthy and clean. The crime rate is virtually non-existent. The level of services is superior.

Among the many services Placentia offers are:

• banking • restaurants • service stations • garages • shopping mall • department stores • supermarkets • health care facility and nursing home • night clubs and pool hall • hardware stores • building supplies • laundromats • drugstores • beauty salons • RCMP station • post offices • libraries • churches • dental office • real estate services • hotels • town hall • bed and breakfasts

Medical
The Placentia Health Care Facility was opened in 1996 and is an efficient and up-to-date facility. There are 10 acute care beds, 101 full-time employees and four physicians. The facility also houses the Lions Manor Nursing Home, which has 75 beds and 40 residential units.

Education
Placentia has a high school, two primary/elementary schools, College of the North Atlantic - Placentia Campus, as well as several private training institutes.

Volunteers
Placentia residents devote their time and energy to numerous volunteer organizations, including the Royal Canadian Legion, the Knights of Columbus, Lions Clubs, Star of the Sea, Freshwater Community Club, Dunville's Anglican Church, Women and the Women's Institute, whose origins date back to the South Coast Tidal Wave of 1929.

Recreation
Placentia has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. In the community or nearby, there is swimming, bird-watching, fishing, hiking, kayaking parks and playgrounds. The schools are well-known for their athletic programs, and there are other recreational activities. There is something for everyone - from the boardwalk to the youth center to the local ATV Association!

Visitors
Visitors to Placentia can also benefit from such attractions as the Atlantic Charter site in nearby Ship Harbour and the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve on the Cape Shore.

The amalgamated Town of Placentia consists of the former municipalities of Placentia, Jerseyside, Freshwater, Dunville and unincorporated area of Argentia

Placentia *	Jerseyside
Freshwater	Dunville

- Photos Courtesy of Innovative Photography