Conception Bay South, NL

Community Description:

With a population of more than 27,000, Conception Bay South is the second largest municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is located approximately 25 km from the provincial capital and is focused on becoming the community of choice for families wanting to establish long-term roots. It is comprised of nine historical communities (Topsail, Chamberlains, Manuels, Long Pond, Foxtrap, Kelligrews, Upper Gullies, Lawrence Pond, and Seal Cove)and it continues to hold a strong sense of place for its residents.

The Town of Conception Bay South has played a significant role in the military history of Newfoundland and Labrador. During World War I, many families from the community of Topsail, suffered the loss of loved ones on July 1, 1916, at Beaumont-Hamel – three of whom were Blue Puttees. On August 9, 1922, the Topsail War Memorial was unveiled to honour those who had made the supreme sacrifice. More names were later added to the original cenotaph to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers and sailors from surrounding communities. The original Memorial is an integral component of the Monument of Honour, unveiled on October 4, 2015, and both are now located directly in front of Town Hall, at Remembrance Square. Then on September 10, 2021, the LAV III Monument was installed at the same highly visible location.

All military memorials represent the Town’s commitment to honour, recognize, and support local veterans, military personnel, and their families, as pledged in 2011 after becoming the first in Canada to sign the Veteran and Community Covenant.