Fredericton, New Brunswick: Size And Scope

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, Canada, has a land area of 133.93 square kilometres (51.71 square miles) and a population of 63,116 as of the 2021 Canadian census. The city is situated in the west-central portion of the province along the Saint John River and is known for its picturesque downtown, vibrant cultural scene, and growing IT and commercial sector. Fredericton offers the advantages of a larger city while maintaining a small-town feel and affordability. With a moderate climate, thriving industries, and easy access to other major cities, Fredericton is a desirable location in the heart of New Brunswick.

Fredericton's population and demographics

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, had a population of 63,116 according to the 2021 Canadian Census. This was a 7.5% increase from its 2016 population of 58,721. The metropolitan population of Fredericton was 108,610 in 2021. The population of Fredericton is estimated to be 65,909 in 2024.

The population density in 2021 was 471.3/km2 (1,220.6/sq mi). The land area of Fredericton is 133.93 km2 (51.71 sq mi). The population density in Fredericton is 4423% higher than in the rest of New Brunswick.

In 2021, 12.6% of Fredericton's population were immigrants (individuals born outside Canada). The top countries of origin for these immigrants were the United Kingdom (9.8%), China (8.3%), the United States of America (7.3%), Syria (6.5%), and the Philippines (6.4%).

In terms of ethnicity, Fredericton was 82.5% white/European, 3.5% Indigenous, and 14.0% visible minorities in 2021. The largest visible minority groups were Black (2.9%), South Asian (2.9%), Arab (2.5%), Chinese (1.8%), and Filipino (1.0%). The median age in Fredericton is 15% lower than in New Brunswick.

English is the most common mother tongue in Fredericton, spoken by 80.2% of residents. Other common mother tongues include French (6.1%), Arabic (2.1%), Chinese languages (1.4%), Spanish (0.7%), Russian (0.6%), and Persian languages (0.5%). 1.4% of the population reported both English and French as their mother tongues.

According to the 2021 census, the religious makeup of Fredericton was as follows: Christianity (52.2%), Irreligion (40.7%), Islam (3.7%), Hinduism (1.3%), Buddhism (0.4%), Sikhism (0.3%), Judaism (0.3%), Indigenous Spirituality (<0.1%), and other (1.1%).

Fredericton is known for having the highest percentage of residents with post-secondary education in the province of New Brunswick.

Fredericton's climate

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb under the Köppen climate classification system). This means the city experiences short, warm summers and long, cold winters, with high humidity and precipitation all year round.

Summers in Fredericton are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30 °C (86°F). July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 19.7 °C (67.5 °F), while June, August and September are also warm months.

Winters in Fredericton are cold, with temperatures often below freezing. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -8.9°C (15.9°F) or 5°F or -15°C (5°F). February and December are also freezing cold months, with average highs of -2°C (28.4°F) and -0.7°C (30.7°F) respectively. Snow depths of greater than 1 cm are seen on about 105 days each year in Fredericton.

Spring and autumn are transitional seasons in Fredericton. In March, the average high temperature is a chilly 3°C (37.4°F), while in April, the average temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) to -1°C (30.2°F). By May, the average high temperature has risen to a comfortable 17.6°C (63.7°F). In autumn, September is a pleasant month with average highs of 20°C (68°F), while October and November are much cooler, with average highs of 13.2°C (55.8°F) and 6°C (42.8°F) respectively.

Throughout the year, there are 115.4 rainfall days, and 859.1mm (33.8") of precipitation. May is the wettest month, with 13.8 rainy days and 94.5mm of precipitation. February, on the other hand, is the driest month, with only 4.3 rainy days and 31.4mm of precipitation.

In terms of sunshine, Fredericton averages about 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. Winters are sunnier than summers, with July seeing the most daily hours of sunshine (8.97) and January the least (4.41).

Fredericton's history

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is an overview of Fredericton's history, from its early inhabitants to its development as a city:

Early Inhabitants and European Colonization

The Wolastoqiyik (also known as Welastekweyik or Maliseet) were the primary inhabitants of the Fredericton area before the arrival of Europeans. They lived in villages along the Saint John River, practising agriculture and hunting. In the late 17th century, French colonists established Fort Nashwaak on the north side of the river, serving as the capital of Acadia. However, the fort was abandoned in 1700 due to flooding. In 1732, Acadian refugees fleeing Nova Scotia settled south of the river, establishing the village of Pointe Sainte-Anne.

Conflict and Expulsion

The region was a site of conflict between the French and British empires, and in 1755, the British defeated the French, forcing the exile of over 5,000 Acadians. In 1758, British forces led by Colonel Robert Monkton destroyed Acadian settlements along the Saint John River, including Pointe Sainte-Anne. The Acadian presence in the region came to an end, and in 1762, the British captured and burned the village.

American Loyalists and the Founding of Fredericton

As the American Revolution concluded in 1783, thousands of American Loyalists settled along the Saint John River, fleeing persecution. They founded a village at Pointe Sainte-Anne, driving out the remaining Acadians. In 1784, St. Anne's Point became the capital of the newly established British province of New Brunswick, separated from Nova Scotia. The town was renamed "Fredericstown" in honour of Prince Frederick, the second son of King George III.

Fredericton's Development

Fredericton was laid out in 1785, with streets following a typical grid pattern of the time. It became the shire town of York County and attracted educational and religious institutions. King's College, now the University of New Brunswick, was established as the first English-language university in Canada. The town also became a British garrison town from 1784 to 1869, with a military compound that has been preserved as a National Historic Site. Fredericton continued to develop as an administrative and educational centre, becoming a city in 1848 with the completion of the Christ Church Cathedral.

Modern Fredericton

Over time, Fredericton's demographics and economy evolved. Irish, Presbyterian, and Catholic immigrants altered the religious and cultural landscape. The city's economy was centred on lumbering, agriculture, and its role as a transshipment point. In the 20th century, Fredericton experienced population growth due to the centralization of provincial government functions and the expansion of the University of New Brunswick. Today, Fredericton is a vibrant city with a growing IT sector, a rich arts scene, and a diverse population.

Fredericton's economy

Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is a hub for information technology, engineering, and the environment industries. The city has a strong economy with a diverse range of sectors contributing to its growth and development. Here is an overview of Fredericton's economy:

Government and Public Sector

As the provincial capital, Fredericton's economy is closely tied to the public sector. Government services and public-sector employment are significant contributors to the local economy, with the provincial government being one of the top employers in the region. The centralization of government functions in the 1960s led to an expansion of the population and increased economic activity in the city.

Information Technology (IT)

Fredericton has a thriving IT sector, which has been experiencing significant growth. The city has actively invested in its IT infrastructure and was recognised as a Top 7 Intelligent Community by the Intelligent Community Forum in 2008 and 2009. The presence of universities and a talented workforce have contributed to the development of this sector.

Education

Education is a key pillar of Fredericton's economy, with the city being home to several notable educational institutions. These include the University of New Brunswick, St. Thomas University, the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, and New Brunswick Community College. The presence of these institutions attracts students and talent from across the region, contributing to the city's economic vitality.

Commerce and Business

Fredericton has a vibrant business ecosystem, with a mix of start-ups, small businesses, and established companies. The city has been recognised as the "Start-Up Capital of Canada" and the "#1 micro-city in North America for business" by fDI Magazine. The city's low cost of doing business and talented workforce make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

Research and Development

Research and development play a crucial role in Fredericton's economy, with the city being home to various research institutions and organisations. The University of New Brunswick, in particular, has a strong focus on research and development, offering programs in computer science and forest engineering. The city's innovation district hosts more than 60 R&D organisations.

Aerospace and Defence

With the presence of Canadian Forces Base Gagetown nearby, Fredericton has a significant aerospace and defence sector. The city's aerospace training cluster serves Canada's largest military training base, contributing to its economic activity.

Health and Social Services

Health and social services are important sectors in Fredericton's economy. The Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital is one of the major employers in the region, highlighting the significance of this industry.

Accommodation and Hospitality

The accommodation and hospitality sector is also prominent in Fredericton, with the city being a tourist destination known for its cultural and historical attractions.

Manufacturing and Natural Resources

Manufacturing, particularly in lumber products, mobile homes, and computer software, contributes to Fredericton's economy. Additionally, the city's surroundings are rich in natural resources, making the region ideal for agriculture.

Fredericton's culture

Fredericton is the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is an important cultural, artistic, and educational centre for the province. The city is home to two universities, The University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University, as well as several colleges and cultural institutions. Fredericton has a rich literary tradition and a thriving music and arts scene.

The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival, the Silver Wave Film Festival, the Flourish Arts & Music Festival, and Symphony New Brunswick. The Playhouse is the main venue for Theatre New Brunswick, the province's largest professional theatre company.

Fredericton is also home to several museums and historic buildings, including the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Fredericton Region Museum, and Christ Church Cathedral. The city's downtown core features historically significant buildings such as City Hall, the Legislative Assembly, Wilmot United Church, and York County Gaol.

The city has a diverse population, with people of Canadian, English, and Scottish origin making up the largest ethnic groups. Visible minorities account for a significant portion of the city's residents, with Chinese, Black, South Asian, and Arab communities being the largest within this group. The city also has a notable Indigenous population, with the Wolastoqiyik (also known as Welastekwewiyik or Maliseet) being the original inhabitants of the region.

Fredericton is known for its natural beauty, with the Saint John River, also known by its Indigenous name of Wolastoq, flowing through the city. The river is the dominant natural feature of the area and is a popular spot for outdoor activities. The city also has a network of trails for walking and biking, including the Northside Riverfront Trail and the Green, which runs along the banks of the Saint John River.

Overall, Fredericton offers a blend of urban energy and small-town charm, with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong connection to its natural surroundings.

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