First Civic Construction
The population has grown significantly since 1884 when Dominion Point (now known as Peterview) had only 32 people. Over the next six years, the population grew close to 100, enough that a Prayer House (Barracks) was built in 1910 by the citizens from their own logs. In 1911, the first Salvation Army officer, Lieutenant Sweetapple, was appointed. He would go on to become the first schoolteacher and teach in the Prayer House.
By 1921, the population of what was then called Peter’s Arm increased to 362 people. Between 1911 and 1940, the population grew enough to support the operation of the first school. This happened under the direction of Envoy R. W. Abbott and the school taught from kindergarten to grade 11, which was the final grade at this time.
In 1951, Dominion Point was renamed “Peter's Arm South”, by R. W. Abbott, who happened to be a clergyman, teacher and first chairman of the council. Five years after this, the town was renamed “Peterview” because of the beautiful view of the bay, known as the Bay of Exploits.
In 1963, the school was deliberately burned down by arsonists and a new structure was built in 1964 and then opened in 1965. This school was permanently closed in June 1995 as the result of many government cutbacks.
A proper road was started in the 1950’s, spanning from the old Botwood highway going as far as the Peter’s Point area. The road was partially paved in 1967 and completed to Wigwam Point a couple of years later. It was completely repaved in 2001.
In May of 1964, a water line was connected from Botwood and the water was officially turned on. It did not span the whole town right away and was added to over the years to include more of Peterview. Prior to this, obtaining drinking water meant bringing it across the bay from Botwood.
During 1964 and 1965, Peterview's first Fire Brigade was formed, with the first Chief being Harry Pope. The Town Hall was built through Federal government projects over a period of years, beginning in 1972.