Explore the Nature in Miramichi City, New Brunswick
Miramichi is the largest city in northern New Brunswick, Canada. It is situated at the mouth of the Miramichi River, where it enters Miramichi Bay. Established in 1995 through the amalgamation of former towns and villages, Miramichi has a population of around 17,811, according to the 2011 Census.
The city boasts a diverse economy focused on industries like mining, fishing, and shipbuilding. Miramichi is renowned for its salmon fishing along the Miramichi River, which attracts visitors globally.
The city prides itself on its cultural and historical attractions, hosting various festivals and promoting itself as a four-season tourism destination. Miramichi is also known as "Canada's Irish Capital" and celebrates an annual Irish festival, reflecting its rich heritage.
History of Miramichi City, New Brunswick, Canada
Miramichi has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was part of the French colony of Acadia. In 1648, Nicolas Denys established a fort and trading post called Fort Fronsac on the Miramichi River.
After the British defeated the French in Quebec (1759) and Montreal (1760), British Commodore John Byron burned down the remaining Miramichi settlement.
The French colonies were ceded to Britain in the 1763 Treaty of Paris, and Miramichi became part of the British colony of Nova Scotia, later New Brunswick.
The first permanent white settlement is often credited to Scottish settlers led by William Davidson. In 1765, Davidson obtained a large grant in the Miramichi region and promoted it as a new home for potential settlers.
The area developed around the lumber industry and Atlantic salmon fishery. Davidson established a shipbuilding industry in 1773 to facilitate lumber exports.
Miramichi benefited economically from the Napoleonic Wars and American independence, as Britain relied on its North American colonies for lumber. However, the Great Miramichi Fire of 1825 devastated many communities in northern New Brunswick.
After the fire, the town of Newcastle was rebuilt with houses and public buildings designed by Scottish architect William Murray.
In the late 19th century, Irish immigrants began arriving in Miramichi, many after the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815. Today's city celebrates its Irish heritage and is known as "Canada's Irish Capital."
Miramichi was officially incorporated as a city in 1995 through the amalgamation of the towns of Chatham and Newcastle, several villages, and local service districts. The city remains an important industrial and commercial center focused on the forest industry, manufacturing, and tourism.
Geography of Miramichi City, New Brunswick, Canada
Miramichi is located in northeastern New Brunswick, Canada, situated at the mouth of the Miramichi River, where it enters Miramichi Bay. The city lies 84 miles (135 km) north-northwest of Moncton.
The Miramichi Valley, where the city is situated, is the second longest valley in New Brunswick, after the Saint John River Valley. The city's elevation ranges from 0 meters at sea level to 31 meters at its highest point.
Miramichi is near numerous salmon sport fisheries along the several branches of the Miramichi River, which has made it famous worldwide for Atlantic salmon fishing. The city promotes itself as a four-season tourism destination, focusing on its cultural and historical attractions, outdoor adventure activities, and numerous summer festivals.
Demographics of Miramichi City, New Brunswick, Canada
According to the 2016 Census, Miramichi's population was 17,537, down 1.5% from 17,811 in 2011. The city covers an area of 179.47 square kilometres, resulting in a population density of 97.7 people per square kilometre.
In terms of age distribution, 2,465 residents (14.1%) were between 0-14 years old, 10,895 (62.2%) were 15-64, and 4,180 (23.8%) were 65 and over. The median age was 44.5 years old.
Most of Miramichi's population identified as non-immigrants (14,005 or 81.8%), while 2,995 (17.5%) were immigrants. The most common immigrant countries of origin were the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and the United States.
English was the mother tongue of 15,995 residents (91.6%), while 1,045 (6%) spoke French as their first language. A small percentage spoke other languages at home, such as Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.
The city's economy is diverse, with major industries including retail (15%), manufacturing (14%), health services (13%), government (9%), and education (8%). Miramichi has been recognized as having a high quality of life, ranking 1st in Canada for life satisfaction in a 2012 Canadian Federation of Independent Business report.
Economy of Miramichi City, New Brunswick, Canada
The economy of Miramichi City in New Brunswick, Canada, is diverse and focuses on various industries. The primary sectors include mining, fishing, and forestry, with the service sector being the largest employer in the city.
Other significant sectors contributing to Miramichi's economy include tourism, customer contact centers, manufacturing, and government services. Notably, the city is known for its salmon fishing along the Miramichi River, which attracts visitors globally.
The region has experienced the closure of several wood mills, leading to some residents migrating west.
Additionally, Miramichi has good highway connections to other major centers in New Brunswick, facilitated by highways 8 and 11, offering links to Fredericton, Moncton, Bathurst, Campbellton, and beyond.
The city's economy combines traditional industries like forestry and fishing with modern sectors such as customer service centers and tourism.
Education in Miramichi City, New Brunswick, Canada
Miramichi is home to the Miramichi Campus of the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), which offers a range of academic programs in areas such as Applied and Media Arts, Business Administration, Environment and Marine Systems, Health, Information Technology, Social Sciences, and Trades.
The campus has over 500 students, nearly one-fifth of whom come from outside Canada, contributing to the city's increasingly diverse population.
NBCC provides support services to help students settle in, including career and well-being counselling, information about accommodations, public transit, and medical services.
In addition to the community college, Miramichi has several public and private schools serving the city's population. The Anglophone North School District oversees the public schools in the area.
The city's educational institutions play a vital role in shaping the future workforce and contributing to Miramichi's economic and social development and the surrounding region.
Transport System in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada
The transport system in Miramichi City, New Brunswick, Canada, is well-developed. Various modes of transportation facilitate the movement of people and goods within the city and to other parts of the province and beyond.
Roads
Miramichi has good highway connections to other major centers in New Brunswick, including Fredericton, Moncton, Bathurst, and Campbellton, via Highways 8 and 11. The Plaster Rock – Renous highway (Route 108) provides the quickest connection to major centers in Quebec, Ontario, and points west.
Bridges
The city has several bridges that facilitate crossings over the Miramichi River. The Morrissy Bridge, a historic crossing, was once the only bridge in Miramichi. The Centennial Bridge was completed in the late 1960s at Chatham, greatly improving north-south transit across the river. The Miramichi Bridge at Newcastle opened in the late 1990s, further enhancing connectivity.
Bus
Miramichi Transit operates local bus service within the city, providing residents with an affordable and convenient mode of transportation.
Water
The city's marine terminal, situated close to the Morrisey Bridge in Miramichi West (formerly Newcastle), is owned and operated by HTI / High Tech Industries. The terminal has a berthage length of 313 meters and a depth of 9 meters, making it suitable for shallow draft ocean-going ships. The site includes two unheated storage sheds and an open area, offering approximately 21,625 square meters of storage space.
Rail
The Canadian National Railway (CN) northern line passes through Miramichi, connecting the city to Moncton and Campbellton. Via Rail offers passenger service on this line at the Miramichi railway station, providing a convenient option for travellers.
Miramichi's transport system is comprehensive. It has a network of highways, bridges, a local bus service, a marine terminal, and a railway line, making it easily accessible by land, water, and rail.
Living in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada
Miramichi is a city in northeastern New Brunswick, Canada, known for its diverse economy, rich history, and natural beauty. Here are some key points about living in Miramichi:
Economy and Job Market
Miramichi has a diverse economy with major industries including retail (15%), manufacturing (14%), health services (13%), government (9%), and education (8%). The city has been recognized for its high quality of life, ranking 1st in Canada for life satisfaction in a 2012 Canadian Federation of Independent Business report.
Education
Miramichi is home to the Miramichi Campus of the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), which offers a range of academic programs. The city also has several public and private schools serving the local population.
Recreation and Tourism
The city offers various summer and winter sports programs and facilities. Miramichi is best known as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Miramichi River offering excellent salmon fishing. The city promotes itself as a four-season tourism destination, focusing on its cultural and historical attractions, outdoor activities, and numerous summer festivals.
Transportation
Miramichi has good highway connections to other major centers in New Brunswick via Highways 8 and 11. The city also has a local bus service, a marine terminal, and a railway line connecting it to Moncton and Campbellton.
Demographics
As of the 2021 Census, Miramichi had a population of 17,692, with a median age of 44.5 years. Most residents identified as non-immigrants (81.8%), while 17.5% were immigrants. English was the mother tongue for 91.6% of the population, while 6% spoke French as their first language.
Miramichi offers a high quality of life with a diverse economy, educational opportunities, recreational amenities, and a rich cultural heritage. The city's natural setting along the Miramichi River also makes it an attractive place to live and visit.
Healthcare in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada
Healthcare services in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada, are primarily provided by the Miramichi Regional Hospital, which is part of the Horizon Health Network. The hospital offers a wide range of health services to Miramichi and its surrounding communities, catering to a catchment population of 46,000.
The hospital provides services in general surgery, urology, internal medicine, psychiatry, orthopedics, ophthalmology, oncology, and ambulatory care. It also has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including a 64-slice CT scanner and digital mammogram machines.
Additionally, the hospital supports medical education programs, such as the Dalhousie New Brunswick Distributed Medical Education Program and the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Program for medical students.
The hospital also offers services in mental health, addiction, cancer therapy, geriatrics, rehabilitation, cardiology, respiratory therapy, and various therapeutic services.
Moreover, the hospital provides pharmacy, respiratory, audiology, nutrition, occupational, physiotherapy, social work, and speech-language pathology services. The Miramichi Regional Hospital is a vital healthcare institution in the region, offering comprehensive medical care to the residents of Miramichi and its surrounding areas.
Tourist places in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada
Some of the tourist places in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada, include:
- Wilsons Point: 8 Enclosure Rd, Derby Junction, NB E1V 5B2, Canada
- Middle Island Irish Historical Park: Middle Island, 2345 Water St, Miramichi, NB E1N 3A8, Canada
- Ritchie Wharf Park: 84 Nortons Ln, Miramichi, NB E1V 2G1, Canada
- Sheephouse Falls: Unnamed Rd, Northesk Parish, NB, Canada
- French Fort Cove: Unnamed Road, Miramichi, NB E1V 5J7, Canada
- Île Beaubears Island: 35 St Patricks Dr, Miramichi, NB E1N 4P6, Canada
- W S Loggie House and Cultural Center: 222 Wellington St, Miramichi, NB E1N 1M9, Canada
These locations offer a mix of cultural experiences, historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational activities, making Miramichi a diverse and appealing destination for tourists.
Local Foods in Miramichi city, New Brunswick, Canada
Miramichi city in New Brunswick, Canada, offers a variety of local food options for residents and visitors to enjoy:
Seafood
As a coastal city at the mouth of the Miramichi River, Miramichi is known for its fresh seafood. The Miramichi River is famous for its Atlantic salmon fishing. Other local seafood specialties include lobster, crab, and oysters from nearby waters.
Farmers' Markets
Miramichi has a thriving local food scene. The Dooryard Co. Fresh Food Market is a popular spot for residents to purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. The market features a variety of vendors selling items from the surrounding region.
Restaurants
Many restaurants in Miramichi feature local ingredients on their menus. The 1809 Restaurant & Bar at the Rodd Hotel offers dishes highlighting New Brunswick's best local ingredients, including lobster, crab, lamb, and pork. Other local eateries like Mind Full Of Food Catering and Culinary Services provide catering services using fresh, locally sourced foods.
Festivals
Miramichi celebrates its local food culture through various festivals throughout the year. The annual Miramichi Irish Festival in July features traditional Irish food and drink. The city also hosts the Miramichi Folksong Festival, showcasing local musical talent and cuisine.
Miramichi's coastal location and agricultural surroundings provide a wealth of fresh, local ingredients celebrated in the city's restaurants, markets, and festivals. From Atlantic salmon to farm-fresh produce, Miramichi tastes New Brunswick's culinary bounty.
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