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First identified in the 1830s as a prime area for agricultural development, Paradise has grown considerably since 1971. Over the past 30 years, the town’s population has more than quadrupled, from 2,270 to near 10,000 people. Population growth is outpacing all other areas in the region and is reflected in the growing number of new housing developments. In 2000 and 2001, over 400 new homes (valued at over $53 million) were constructed in the town. This represented 24% of new housing starts in the St. John’s area and 15% of total provincial housing starts.
Residential housing development is expected to increase over the next several years with over 2,400 building lots approved for construction in the town. This new growth, combined with the expansion of the past several years, is reflected in increasing school enrolment and expanding road infrastructure.
Industrial activity in Paradise is concentrated in St. Anne’s Industrial Park and adjacent areas along Topsail Road. Over the past two years, there have been more than 30 commercial and industrial developments in the town (valued at over $5.4 million). In addition to general service sector expansion, these developments have included firms specializing in services such as offshore oil supply, manufacturing, metal fabrication, construction, information technology, and transportation. Paradise is aggressively pursuing new commercial and industrial developments, by offering competitive land prices (including the new 64 acre Octagon Pond Industrial Park), and competitive taxation rates. The town is also promoting its proximity to St. John’s, and its strategic location to nearby industrial parks, the Trans Canada Highway, and other major roads. The continued expansion and diversification of the economy in the St. John’s area, combined with the rapid growth of the town’s residential and industrial base, bodes well for the community’s future.
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Paradise |
Province |
| Population (1998) |
9,680 |
545,362 |
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| Population Components (1998) |
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School Age Children |
30% |
29% |
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Prime Labour Force (25-54) |
52% |
46% |
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Seniors (65+) |
6% |
12% |
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| Education Attainment (1996) |
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Completed post secondary |
37% |
30% |
High school / some post
secondary |
32% |
24% |
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Less than high school |
31% |
45% |
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| Income (1998) |
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Median personal income |
$21,700 |
$14,700 |
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Median family income |
$37,400 |
$27,600 |
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| Education Enrollment |
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1996 |
973 |
106,205 |
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2001 |
999 |
90,167 |
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Source: Community Accounts Database; Department of Education; Statistics Canada |
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