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Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook


The communities of Birchy Head and Shoal Brook take their names from geographical features, while the community of Glenburnie is a tribute to the Scottish origins of the first settlers.

These communities are "enclave" communities in Gros Morne National Park. These communities are not in the park, but are closely tied to the development of park facilities and tourism.

The community of Glenburnie was not settled until the late 1880s. The first settler is believed to be Hugh McKenzie, who came to cut wood, but realized the potential for farming in the area. The early settlers of Shoal Brook came to fish in the area. Birchy Head was not claimed by any fishermen because of the areas steep cliffs.

Most of the residents of the area were involved in farming and fishing.
As time exceeded, people moved on to other places, such as Corner Brook and Stephenville. Most of the once farmland has now gone to hay or pasture land.
The communities were incorporated as one town in 1978. The population in 1991 was 365 people.