The maps depict the remarkable evolution of Harbourville between 1950 and 2020. Over this 70-year period, the town shifted from a predominantly rural environment to a more urbanised and culturally oriented settlement, with significant reductions in natural land and several new facilities introduced.
In 1950, the western region consisted entirely of forest, and a fruit orchard dominated the southern part of the town. Housing was minimal, and the local economy appeared to rely heavily on the harbour, supported by a fish market and two operational marinas: Murphy’s Landing Marina in the north and West Shore Marina in the south.
By 2020, the most substantial environmental change was the replacement of the forest with a landscaped public park. The orchard was removed to make way for an expanded residential zone. A key development was the construction of a history museum in the northeast coastal area, indicating a shift towards cultural and possibly tourist-driven growth. While the northern marina continued to operate, the southern marina had been removed entirely, suggesting a reorganisation of maritime activity. Despite these major developments, the fish market and harbour maintained their original positions.
Overall, Harbourville experienced extensive urbanisation, with the introduction of cultural infrastructure and additional housing, accompanied by a marked decline in natural land.