The provincial government is conducting a preliminary cost-benefit analysis on the potential relocation of the town of Gaultois on the south coast.

Gaultois initially resisted government’s resettlement plan back in 1965, but 75 per cent of its population recently reached out to government in consideration of shutting down services and accepting a relocation package that was beefed up in the fall.

The cod moratorium had a devastating impact on the town and its residents, shutting down the local plant, and sparking a steady exodus of residents despite some success with aquaculture and tourism.

If the results of a cost-benefit analysis shows that relocation will result in net savings to government of $10 million dollars over a 20-year period then the matter will be put to a final vote of eligible permanent residents.

The department of Municipal Affairs says since the regulations surrounding resettlement were updated, they’ve received inquiries from four other communities including Wild Cove on the Baie Verte Peninsula, La Poile, Francois and Cottrell’s Cove.