The Town of Bay Roberts was incorporated in 1951 after Premier Joseph Smallwood suggested that if the town had its own council, it could take care of paving its own roads. In the time since its incorporation, Bay Roberts has seen many changes. The number of services has greatly increased from two main businesses to a town whose economy depends upon its service industry. Bay Roberts has become a main business centre for a large part of Trinity and Conception Bays. Vast improvements have also been made in the area of recreation with the modernization of the swimming pool and the development of the ball fields and tennis courts. It had a population of 2,226 in 1911 and 4,072 in 1976.