Moncton is the largest city in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Located in the Petitcodiac River Valley, Moncton is situated at the geographic center of the Maritime Provinces and has earned the nickname "Hub City" due to its central inland location and history as a regional transportation hub.

 

French Acadians settled in Moncton in the 17th century, and later, an influx of Pennsylvania Germans and Loyalists occurred in the 18th century. 

 

The city was renamed in 1855 after Lieutenant Colonel Robert Monckton, a British military leader. In the 19th century, Moncton became a shipbuilding center and later a rail junction, port, highway hub, and air terminus.

 

Moncton has a diverse economy with industries including food processing, woodworking, lobster fisheries, paperboard, farm implements, and auto parts manufacturing. 

 

The city is also a cultural center for New Brunswick's Acadian population and home to the Université de Moncton, the largest French-language university in Canada outside of Quebec.

 

Moncton is a bilingual city. Over 60% of households subscribe to the English-language Times & Transcript newspaper, and there is a significant French-language media presence as well. 

 

The city has 17 radio stations covering a variety of genres and several television stations representing the major national networks.

 

Geographically, Moncton lies along the Petitcodiac River, which features a tidal bore - a wave that rises 3-6 feet twice daily as the tide surges up the river. 

 

The city is bounded by Lutes Mountain to the north and the Caledonia Highlands to the south. Moncton's metropolitan area had a population of 171,608 as of 2022, making it the fastest-growing census metropolitan area in Canada that year, with a growth rate of 5.3%.

 

History of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton, New Brunswick, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Mi'kmaq First Nation originally inhabited the area and established a village in present-day Moncton.

 

French Acadians were the first European settlers, arriving in the early 18th century and establishing a farming community called Le Coude (The Elbow) along the Petitcodiac River in 1733. The Acadians named the river Petitcodiac, which in Mi'kmaq means "bends like a bow."

 

In 1755, the area fell under British control after the capture of nearby Fort Beauséjour by forces under Colonel Robert Monckton. 

 

The Acadian population was later deported, but some returned under Joseph Broussard's leadership. In 1855, the settlement was renamed Moncton after Lt. Col. Monckton.

 

Moncton was officially founded in 1766 with the arrival of Pennsylvania German immigrants from Philadelphia. It was incorporated as a town in 1855 and a city in 1890. 

 

The city's economy grew with shipbuilding in the 19th century but declined in the 1860s, causing Moncton to lose its civic charter in 1862 before regaining it in 1875.

 

The city's fortunes rebounded with the arrival of the Intercolonial Railway in 1871, making Moncton a railway hub for over a century. In 1875, the city's motto, "Resurgo" (Latin for "I rise again"), was chosen to celebrate this economic revival.

 

Moncton faced economic hardship again in the late 20th century with the closure of major employers like the CN locomotive shops in 1988. However, the city diversified into sectors like information technology and call centers, leading to a "Moncton Miracle" turnaround called "Moncton Miracle."Today, Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick and Canada's fastest-growing census metropolitan area, with a population of over 171,000 as of 2022. It remains an important transportation and economic hub for the Maritime Provinces.

 

Geography of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton is located in southeastern New Brunswick, at the geographic center of the Maritime Provinces. The city lies along the north bank of the Petitcodiac River, at a point where the river bends acutely from west-east to north-south flow. 

 

This geographical feature has contributed to the community's historical names, such as "Le Coude" (French for "the elbow"), used by early Acadian settlers, and "The Bend," used by later English immigrants.

 

The Petitcodiac River valley at Moncton is broad and relatively flat. It is bounded by Lutes Mountain to the north and the rugged Caledonia Highlands to the south. 

 

Moncton lies at the original head of navigation on the river. Still, a causeway to Riverview constructed in 1968 resulted in extensive sedimentation of the downstream river channel, rendering the Moncton waterway unnavigable.

 

Unusual local geographical features include Magnetic Hill, which creates an illusion of uphill gravitation, and the Petitcodiac River's tidal bore - a wave that rises 3-6 feet twice daily as the tide surges up the river. The name "Petitcodiac" in the Mi'kmaq language has been translated as "bends like a bow."

 

Moncton is on Route 2 of the Trans-Canada Highway, which passes through Quebec to the west and Nova Scotia to the east. The city's central inland location and transportation links have earned it the nickname "Hub City."

 

Demographics of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton, New Brunswick, has a population of 79,470 as of the 2021 census, with a metropolitan area population of 157,717. 

 

The city covers a land area of 140.7 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of 564.9 people per square kilometer.

 

Moncton's population is predominantly English-speaking (65%) and French-speaking (32%), with a high proportion of bilingual residents (50%). 

 

The city has a diverse population, with 4.3% identifying as Aboriginal and 4.7% belonging to a visible minority group, including Black (1.7%) and South Asian (0.7%) communities.

 

The median age in Moncton is 40.5, slightly higher than the national average. The city has a labor force participation rate of 65%, an employment rate of 59%, and an unemployment rate of 9.1%. 

 

The average total income for individuals in Moncton is $46,160, while the average household income is $82,900.

 

Moncton has experienced significant population growth in recent years, with the metropolitan area growing by 9% between 2016 and 2021. The city attracts migrants from other parts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia (13%), and Ontario (9%).

 

Economy of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton, New Brunswick, is a thriving economic hub with a stable and diversified economy. The city's economic strength is rooted in its traditional sectors, such as transportation, distribution, retailing, and commercial activities, which have been supplemented by education, health care, finance, information technology, and insurance growth.

 

Moncton's central location in the Maritimes gives it a strategic advantage. The largest catchment area in Atlantic Canada encompasses 1.6 million people within a three-hour drive of the city. 

 

The city's economy is bolstered by a skilled bilingual workforce, with almost half the population proficient in both French and English, making it an attractive center for federal employment and call centers for Canadian companies.

 

The city's economic performance has garnered national recognition, with Moncton being named "The best city for business in Canada" by Canadian Business magazine and the fifth most business-friendly small-sized city in North America by FDi magazine. 

 

Moncton's unemployment rate consistently remains below the national average. In 2016, its gross domestic product (GDP) was reported at CA$6.9 billion, with a GDP per capita of CA$7,959.

 

Furthermore, Moncton's economy is forecasted to continue growing, with a predicted GDP growth of 1.7% in 2023 and 0.6% in 2024. The city's population has been expanding, with a 6% growth rate in recent years, and it is expected to rise by 3.4% in 2023. 

 

To sustain this growth, Moncton is investing in downtown infrastructure, residential units, and other amenities to meet the demands of a growing population and economy.

 

Education in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton, New Brunswick, offers a wide range of educational opportunities at both the secondary and post-secondary levels:

 

Secondary Schools

Moncton has several public secondary schools serving English and French-speaking students, including:

• Harrison Trimble High School
• Bernice MacNaughton High School
• Moncton High School
• École L'Odyssée (French)
• École Mathieu-Martin (French)

 

The city also has several private and alternative secondary schools.

 

Post-Secondary Institutions

Moncton is home to several major post-secondary institutions:

• Université de Moncton - Canada's largest French-language university outside of Quebec, with over 6,200 students
• New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) - The largest NBCC campus, offering over 40 full-time programs to 1,400+ students
• Crandall University - A private Christian liberal arts university with under 1,000 students
• University of New Brunswick (UNB) - Has a small health sciences campus in Moncton

 

Other post-secondary options include Eastern College, Oulton College, and the Moncton Flight College.

 

The city also provides English and French second language training programs for newcomers to Canada. Overall, Moncton offers a robust education system at both the secondary and post-secondary levels in both official languages.

 

Transport System of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

The transport system in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, is well-developed and offers various options for residents and visitors to get around the city and its surrounding areas. Here are some key points about the transport system in Moncton:

• Public Transit: Codiac Transpo is the urban transit service of the City of Moncton, providing bus services for residents of Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. The system operates 19 regular routes Monday to Saturday, with some routes offering additional evening and Sunday services.
• Cycling: Moncton is considered a great area for biking. Its flat terrain, many trails, and bicycle lanes on busy streets make it easy to travel by bicycle in the city and neighbouring areas.
• Taxi Services: Moncton is served by licensed and registered taxi services, providing safe and clean transportation from door to door. Direct phone lines are available to call for taxis to public buildings like the airport or train station, as well as for pick-up at home or other locations.
• Inter-City Connections: Moncton enjoys inter-city bus services connecting to many communities in New Brunswick, with connections to the rest of Canada and the United States provided by Maritime Bus. The city also has comprehensive urban transit systems, including public transportation options in Fredericton and Saint John.
• Other Modes of Transport: New Brunswick has a modern transportation infrastructure, including highways, air connections to major cities in North America and Europe, rail services, and an extensive network of ferries operating year-round to various destinations.

 

Moncton's transport system offers a mix of public transit, cycling infrastructure, taxi services, and inter-city connections, providing residents and visitors with convenient and accessible options for getting around the city and beyond.

 

Living in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Pros of Living in Moncton:

1. Affordable Cost of Living: Moncton is known for its reasonable cost of living, making it an attractive option for residents.
2. Strong Community: Residents describe Moncton as a friendly and pleasant place to live, ideal for raising a family.
3. Outdoor Activities: The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including parks, trails, golf courses, and recreational opportunities year-round.3
4. Location: Moncton's central location in the Maritimes provides easy access to neighbouring provinces and attractions like Fundy National Park and warm salt waters.3
5. Work-Life Balance: The city is known for its excellent work-life balance, allowing residents to enjoy a high quality of life.3

 

Cons of Living in Moncton:

1. Language Barrier: While Moncton is bilingual, being an English-only speaker may pose challenges in certain areas.
2. Winter Weather: The winters in Moncton can be cold and snowy, which may not be ideal for everyone.
3. Job Market: Finding work in Moncton may vary depending on the industry, with considerations for job availability and career opportunities.

 

Moncton offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable living costs, a strong sense of community, and ample outdoor activities. Still, potential challenges include language considerations, winter weather, and job market dynamics.

 

Healthcare in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton, New Brunswick, has a well-developed healthcare system with two major hospitals and numerous medical clinics:

 

Hospitals

• The Moncton Hospital is a level 2 trauma center referral hospital for tertiary care in neurosurgery, neonatal intensive care, maternal-fetal medicine, neurology, and advanced-stage oncology across the Maritime provinces. It is undergoing expansions to modernize maternal and newborn services, neonatal intensive care, and cardiac care.
• The Greater Moncton Health Centre is a primary care facility with six nurse practitioners who assess health, diagnose, and manage chronic conditions. It opened in 2020 and is expanding its services.

 

Primary Care Clinics

• The Moncton Primary Health Care Clinic provides care to newcomers who have arrived as refugees, aiming to see them within a month of arrival. Services include health assessments, diagnostic tests, vaccination, and developing care plans in multiple languages.
• Vitalité Health Network's Greater Moncton Health Centre has a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and administrative staff to facilitate access to primary care and improve health in the region.

 

Other Services

Moncton also has many medical and dental clinics throughout the city to serve residents' healthcare needs. The healthcare system aims to provide the proper care at the right time and in the right setting to improve accessibility and appropriateness of services for patients.

 

Tourist places of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada:

 

Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill is a famous optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill when parked in neutral. It's one of Moncton's most popular attractions, with a rating of 4.1 stars from 1,758 reviews. The hill is located at 2846 Mountain Rd.

 

Magnetic Hill Zoo

Moncton's Magnetic Hill Zoo is a 40-acre zoo featuring over 600 animals from 150 species. It has a rating of 4.6 stars from 3,158 reviews, making it one of the top zoos in Canada. The zoo is located at 125 Magic Mountain Rd.

 

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a 94-hectare urban park with walking trails, sports fields, a beach, and the Treego aerial adventure park. It has a rating of 4.7 stars from 2,458 reviews. The park is located at 811 St George Blvd.

 

Resurgo Place

Resurgo Place is a museum and interpretive center that showcases Moncton's history and transportation heritage. It has a rating of 4.5 stars from 460 reviews and is located at 20 Mountain Rd.

 

Irishtown Nature Park

Irishtown Nature Park is a 1,155-hectare nature preserve with hiking trails and wildlife viewing. It has a rating of 4.8 stars from 1,127 reviews, making it a top spot for nature lovers visiting Moncton. The park is located at 1155 Elmwood Dr.

 

Other notable attractions include the Tidal Bore, a unique natural phenomenon on the Petitcodiac River, the Acadian Museum showcasing Moncton's French heritage, and the city's vibrant food and craft beer scene. With a mix of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, Moncton offers plenty for visitors to discover.

 

Local Food of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, offers a diverse culinary scene with various local food options. Some popular local food spots in Moncton include:

1. Tide & Boar Gastropub: Known for its seasonal, fresh, and local fare, Tide & Boar offers elevated pub food with generous portions. A must-try dish is the Boar Poutine, featuring braised boar, chicken gravy, cheese curds, house ketchup, caramelized onions, and hand-cut fries.
2. Red Satay Grille Rouge: This spot serves authentic Vietnamese favourites, including flavorful and fresh dishes like pho, barbecue, stir-fry, and soups. The Saigon Delight, with marinated pork slices, shrimp, broccoli, and egg on rice stick noodles with sweet soy sauce, is highly recommended.
3. Tony's Bistro & Patisserie: Offering French and European cuisine, Tony's Bistro is known for its world-class croissants, macarons, and scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The Salmon Benedict, featuring poached eggs, smoked salmon, bakery brioche, scratch hollandaise, potatoes, and fruit, is a popular choice.

 

These restaurants showcase the diverse culinary offerings in Moncton, catering to various tastes and preferences with a mix of local and international flavors.

 

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