Walter Torraville’s Fishing Stage, Wharf and Boardwalk

uilt ~ 1900s by Walter Torraville of Change Islands, the Torraville fishing stage and wharf is centrally located on the main tickle of Change Islands on the northwest shore of the North Island. It is situated about 100 feet east of the Change Islands causeway/bridge that links the north and south islands of the town. It is clearly visible to residents and tourists that cross on the bride/causeway and travel on the main roads of the town. Walter Torraville's business/building was located just to the east of the stage (near the current slipway). The current E. S. Spencer causeway/bridge completed 4 November, 1965 runs between the stage/wharf on the west and the business/building on the east, which is no longer standing.

Walter Torraville’s Fishing Stage, Wharf and Boardwalk – Before	Walter Torraville’s Fishing Stage, Wharf and Boardwalk – After

The second owners were Gerry and Pearl Kearley. Pearl still resides on Change Islands and lives in the adjacent house. The stage was purchased by Fred Chaffey in the late 1960's and he used it as the first Change Islands ferry terminal for a car ferry service that operated between Cobb's Arm on New World Island and Change Islands. This ferry service was discontinued when the Farwell/Change Islands/Fogo Island government service was introduced on December 9th, 1979.

The restored fishing stage is approximately 18' by 34' with one story 7' high and a round roof about 6' high. The re-constructed wharf is 50' by 12' and has been located in the same location as the previous structure. The building is a beautiful example of the traditional inshore fisherman premises where a variety of fishing activities was carried out - cod (traps, hook and line, and jigging); herring (nets); salmon (nets); lobster (traps); inshore sealing (4-5 miles on the drift ice); and associated support bait fishing.

The Walter Torraville Property (Cottage and Fishing Stage), Change Islands was designated a Registered Heritage Structure on May 2nd, 2004 by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Newfoundland Historic Trust presented the Southcott Award to the Stages and Stores Heritage Foundation for the restoration of Walter Torraville's Fishing Stage and Ferry Terminal.

For further information about Stages and Stores heritage awards and designations please see the Heritage Foundation Awards section of our website.