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Emergency contacts
Fire and other emergencies: 1-418-585-2911
Sûreté du Québec (Quebec Police): 1-418-585-2626
Public works: 1-418-998-4099
History, land and population
Our history
Schefferville was named in the honour of Bishop Lionel Scheffer, the first bishop of Labrador-Schefferville. Located on the northern edge of the boreal forest and south of the tundra, it straddles the border between Quebec and Labrador. The town owes its existence primarily due to its highly pure iron ore mines.
Its mining potential was discovered in 1854 by Father Babel, a geologist on a mission to the region. Accompanied by Innu guides, he chronicled his discoveries, notably finding iron ore in the Labrador Trough. Several years later, in 1892, the geologist A. P. Low detected several potential mineral sites. The Geological Survey of Canada asked him to explore the region. At the time, no Northern Quebec maps existed. Low used Father Babel’s journals as his starting point. Mathieu André Misha-Napeu, a well-respected Innu hunter-trapper, is credited with sparking interest in the Schefferville region, and Knob Lake in particular, from which a first iron sample was taken (and is now housed in the Musée régional de la Côte-Nord in Baie-Comeau. The Second World War was a turning point for the industry, which saw an increase in geological surveys and large-scale projects.
The first permanent prospecting infrastructure in Schefferville was built in 1947. These buildings still are part of the town’s landscape, most notably Burnt Creek cabin (the site of a crucial 1947 agreement) and the Guest House, where then Premier Maurice Duplessis died in 1959.
On August 1, 1955, the land was incorporated as the Town of Schefferville. On August 15, 1955, the following people were appointed as the town’s aldermen: François Langlais, chief electrician, member of the municipal council and mayor of the town; Mr. Horace Lanthier, electrician; Marc Chénier, outfitter; Joseph Skelding, foreman; and, Allan Macdonald, accountant. The population of 4,500 inhabitants was drastically reduced to 280 people following the 1981 closures. Much of the population that had contributed to Schefferville’s growth moved away. The nearby Innu and Naskapi and the remaining residents have kept Schefferville going.
Walking through the town’s streets today, you can see new structures alongside the remnants of yesteryear, showing the promising way forward.
The land
The Town of Schefferville is in the administrative region of Côte-Nord (09), more than 510 km north of Sept-Îles, (longitude 66° 49’ 11’’ and latitude 54° 48’ 02’’), or on the southern border of Northern Quebec. It is part of the Regional County Municipality of Caniapiscau.
The Schefferville region includes two Indigenous communities: Matimekush-Lac John (Innu Nation), and Kawawachikamach (Naskapi Nation). The latter is more than 10 km from Schefferville while the Matimekush shares an urban core with the town. In other words, it is possible that one side of a street belongs to the town and the other belongs to Matimekush. Lac John is just over 3 km from Schefferville.
Schefferville is accessible by train or plane. Reserving accommodations and transportation in advance is recommended.
Schefferville’s population
As of 2024, the population consists of 259 people, a total urban area that includes the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach and Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John, each with approximately 1,000 inhabitants.
The population of Schefferville is expected to grow due to current mineral extraction projects and new service development.
Citizens
For information: [email protected]
Administrative organization
Schefferville is unique in many respects. Notably, there is no mayor or councillors. An administrator is chosen by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and has a three-year renewable term. The administrator exercises the power of the municipal council by ordinance.
Ordinances
Schefferville is unique in many respects. Notably, there is no mayor or councillors. An administrator is chosen by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and has a three-year renewable term. The administrator exercises the power of the municipal council by ordinance.
Municipal by-laws
The Town of Schefferville posts electronic versions of municipal by-laws on its website, for informational purposes only. The only official copies are those certified by the town clerk or the deputy town clerk. The town is not responsible for the use or interpretation of the published by-laws.
Business development
Due to a growing demand for iron ore, rare earth elements and other metals, Schefferville now has several new mining projects. Its strategic position at the heart of the Labrador Trough makes it an essential service centre for mining companies. Schefferville is undergoing a renaissance and these development projects attest to that.
For information: [email protected]