Gander - Definition and Overview

Gander is a town in northeastern Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is in Division No. 6, on Gander Lake. It is the site of Gander International Airport, an important refuelling point for transatlantic aircraft.

History

Gander was chosen for the construction of an airbase in 1935 due to its location close to the northeast tip of the American continent. In 1936 construction of the base began and the town started to develop. During the Second World War as many as 10,000 people were settled around the airbase. Once the war was over the air base became a civilian airport and the location of the town was moved a safe distance from the runways. The municipality was founded in 1958.

After the second World War the town grew as the airport was used as a refuelling stop for transatlantic flights. Recently efforts have been made to diversify the economy from being dependant on the airport.

After the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Gander was part of Operation Yellow Ribbon as 39 flights were rerouted to Gander when airspace above the United States was closed. Approximately 6,600 passengers and airline crew members unexpectedly found themselves in Gander, where they stayed for up to three days until flights resumed. Residents of Gander and nearby towns pitched in to house, feed, and entertain the travellers.

Demographics

According to the 2001 Statistics Canada Census:

• Population: 9,651
• % Change (1996-2001): approx. -6.9
• Dwellings: 3,993
• Area (sq. km.): 104.25
• Density (persons per sq. km.): 92.6

See Also

• Gander International Airport
• Gander Lake

External Links

• Town of Gander (Official Site) (http://www.gandercanada.com/)