Of course Churchill Falls is famous for the second largest hydro electric development in the world and if you are passing through the region it is well worth the visit. It is an enginnering site to be seen and you will be amazed at the magnitude of this development now providing power to regions in Quebec and the eastern United States.

The Churchill River had been recognized since 1894 as a potentially huge source of hydro-electric power. The inhospitable terrain, severe climatic conditions, and geographic remoteness, were further complicated by long distance transmission requirements and lack of markets for such a large block of power.

The first geological survey of the area was conducted in 1894 but economic development of Labrador did not take place until the discovery of large iron ore deposits in western Labrador and northeastern Quebec. The construction of the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway was completed in 1954. By 1962 further field surveys, power studies and basic planning, proved the feasibility of development of Churchill Falls as a power source.

The significant advantages of Churchill Falls as a potential hydro-electric power site would enable the disadvantages of the area to be overcome. Precipitation and run-off patterns were forecasted to be dependable and extensive storage of water on the elevated plateau was readily achievable. The river's natural drop of over 300 meters {1000 feet) in less than 32 km (20 miles) was perhaps its most significant feature, with respect to hydro power development.

A great many people shared a vision that Churchill Falls would not only provide a world class source of hydro-electricity, but the opportunity to bring other economic development activity to Newfoundland and Labrador.

In response to the province's desire to see its largely untapped water and mineral resources developed, a group of banking and industrial firms established the British Newfoundland Corporation Limited (Brinco) in 1953. Brinco was granted exclusive mineral and water rights for a 20-year period over more than 129,450 square kilometers (50,000 square miles) in both Newfoundland and Labrador, including the right to develop the river systems in both areas. Under the terms of its agreement with the province, Brinco undertook to carry out extensive exploration within Newfoundland. To carry out its commitment at Churchill Falls, the Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation Limited was established in 1961 and granted a 99-year lease authorizing development of the upper Churchill River watershed.

The Twin Falls hydro plant on the Unknown River, a tributary of the Churchill River, was constructed in the early 1960 s. This facility, with a capacity of 225 Mega-Watts, supplied the power requirements for the iron mining industries in western Labrador.

Twin Falls power was essential to development at Churchill Falls. It helped open up the area and supplied the power required during the construction phase of the project. In the planning however, it became apparent that greater efficiency in the production of electricity could be achieved by diverting the flow of water from the Ossokmanuan Reservoir into the Smallwood Reservoir utilizing this water at the Churchill Falls plant enabled approximately three times as much electricity to be produced from the same volume of water. In July 1974 the Twin Falls plant was closed and the water diverted into to the Smallwood Reservoir.

The development of the 735 KV Transmission permitted power to be moved over long distances lines Started in 1963 and continued until 1966 when a letter of intent with Hydro-Quebec provided the market and removed a significant barrier in the development of the project. A further three years of negotiations were required to finalize the Power Contract and financial agreements concluding in 1969.

Many years of planning, five years of non-stop fieldwork by approximately 6,300 workers and 946 million dollars of construction costs culminated at 5:17 pm on December 6, 1971 when the first two generating units began delivering Power to Hydro-Quebec, five months and three weeks ahead of schedule.

Tours of the hydro facility are available three times a day - 9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. year round. Tours must be booked in advance by calling the Town Office at (709) 925-3335,
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Tours are approximately 3 hours in duration and are free of charge. Please note that all guests must be over the age of eight.