Fredericton, New Brunswick: Population Hub

Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, Canada, is home to 63,115 people as of the 2021 Canada Census. It is considered a small city by Canadian standards, with a diverse population that includes Chinese, South Asian, Arab, Korean, Southeast Asian, and West Asian nationalities. Fredericton is known for its colonial charm, combining the comforts of a small town with world-class facilities. The city boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage and is recognised as a vibrant community with a range of attractions, festivals, green spaces, and recreational activities.

Population density

Fredericton is the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is one of the main urban centres in the province, with a population of 63,116 and a metropolitan population of 108,610 as of the 2021 Canadian census. The city's population has been growing, with a 7.5% increase from its 2016 population of 58,721.

In terms of population density, Fredericton had a density of 471.3 people per square kilometre (or 1,220.6 per square mile) in 2021. This is based on its land area of 133.93 square kilometres (or 51.71 square miles). At the census metropolitan area (CMA) level, the Fredericton CMA had a population density of 18.1 people per square kilometre (or 46.8 per square mile) in 2021, with a land area of 6,014.66 square kilometres (or 2,322.27 square miles).

The population density of Fredericton is relatively low compared to other major cities in Canada, and the city is known for its natural features, including the Saint John River, which bisects the city and provides a dominant natural landmark. The city's development has occurred on the sloping hills alongside the river, with the downtown core situated on flatter terrain along the riverbank.

Fredericton's population density is also influenced by its role as a cultural, artistic, and educational centre for the province. The presence of two universities, cultural institutions, and a growing IT and commercial sector contribute to the city's population and economic growth.

Language

Fredericton, the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, is predominantly English-speaking, with 80.2% of residents speaking English as their mother tongue. However, as the only officially bilingual province in Canada, New Brunswick also recognises French as an official language, with 6.1% of Fredericton residents speaking French as their mother tongue. Both languages have equal status and rights in all institutions of the legislature and government of New Brunswick, and residents have the right to communicate with and receive services from these institutions in either English or French.

The bilingualism of the province is reflected in the place names of Fredericton, which has streets named in English (Charlotte, Brunswick, George, King, and Queen) and French (Saint John River, or "Wolastoq" in the Indigenous language). Fredericton's bilingualism is also evident in its educational institutions, with the University of New Brunswick offering courses in English and French, and the availability of English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) programmes for newcomers.

In addition to English and French, other languages spoken in Fredericton include Arabic (2.1%), Chinese (1.4%), Spanish (0.7%), Russian (0.6%), and Persian (0.5%). This linguistic diversity is a result of immigration, with 12.6% of Fredericton's population born outside of Canada, including individuals from the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Syria, and the Philippines.

Religion

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, Canada, has a diverse religious landscape. According to the 2021 census, the majority of the population identified as Christian (52.2%), while a significant portion claimed no religious affiliation (40.7%). Other religious groups include Islam (3.7%), Hinduism (1.3%), Buddhism (0.4%), Sikhism (0.3%), Judaism (0.3%), and Indigenous Spirituality (<0.1%).

Christianity has a strong presence in Fredericton, with the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton being one of the prominent denominations. The Christ Church Cathedral, located downtown, is the mother church of the diocese and a landmark in the city. Established in 1845, the diocese has a rich history, with John Medley serving as its first bishop until his death in 1892. The cathedral is a replica of the Gothic St. Mary's Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, England.

The city is also home to various other Christian churches, including the Fredericton First Church of the Nazarene, Devon Park Baptist Church, Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and St. Paul's United Church. These churches offer a range of theological perspectives and worship styles, catering to different Christian traditions.

Islam is another notable religion in Fredericton, with a growing Muslim community. The Fredericton Islamic Association has a mosque on Lincoln Road, established in 1995, which offers prayer services in English. The Islamic Society of New Brunswick also plans to open a new mosque and community centre in Maugerville, a short drive from downtown Fredericton. This reflects the increasing need for places of worship to serve the growing Muslim population in the region.

In addition to Christianity and Islam, Fredericton is home to religious minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, and Indigenous Spirituality practitioners. The city accommodates these diverse beliefs with facilities like a Hindu temple, a Unitarian fellowship, and a Shambhala Buddhist meditation centre.

The religious landscape of Fredericton is shaped by the freedom of religion and cultural diversity that characterises Canadian society. The presence of various religious institutions and the efforts to establish new ones demonstrate the active role of religion in the community.

Employment

Fredericton, the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, had a population of 63,116 as of the 2021 Canadian census. The city is an important cultural, artistic, and educational hub, with a growing IT and commercial sector.

The public sector is a major source of employment in Fredericton, as it is the provincial capital. The Government of New Brunswick is one of the largest employers in the province, and the centralization of government services in the city during the 1960s led to an increase in jobs and population.

The city also has a high percentage of residents with post-secondary education, and the highest per capita income of any city in New Brunswick. This has contributed to the growth of the IT and commercial sectors, with the city actively investing in its IT infrastructure. Fredericton won the "Judges Innovation Award" at the 2004 Canadian Information Productivity Awards for its "Fred-eZone" free municipality-wide Wi-Fi initiative.

The city's two universities, The University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University, along with other educational institutions, are also major employers. The healthcare sector is another significant source of employment, with a variety of professionals required to support the region's healthcare system.

Other notable employers in Fredericton include:

• The University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law
• Fredericton Convention Centre
• Fredericton Region Museum
• Beaverbrook Art Gallery
• The Playhouse (performing arts venue)
• Fredericton International Airport
• Fredericton Transit
• Maritime Bus
• GEMTEC Consulting Engineers and Scientists Limited
• Lounsbury Heavy-Duty Truck Limited
• Fredericton Railway Bridge
• Fredericton Loyalists (rugby)
• Fredericton Red Wings (hockey)

The top job postings in New Brunswick include opportunities in:

• Accounting and Finance
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
• Community and Social Services
• Education and Training
• Hospitality and Food Service
• Human Resources and Recruiting
• Information Technology
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Management and Operations
• Marine and Aquaculture
• Marketing and Advertising
• Media Arts and Entertainment
• Real Estate and Property Management
• Sales and Business Development
• Science and Research
• Skilled Trades and Labour

Housing

Fredericton, the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, had 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, which is also known by its Indigenous name of Wolastoq. The river is the dominant natural feature of the area.

The housing market in Fredericton consists predominantly of single-detached homes, with a significant portion of the dwellings built between 1960 and 1980. The rest of the buildings were mainly constructed pre-1960 and in the 1980s. The city offers a mix of two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes, with about two-thirds of the population owning their homes and the rest renting.

The city has a slower-paced atmosphere, with over 150 public green spaces for residents to enjoy. Most areas in Fredericton are quiet, with low levels of traffic noise. Driving is the preferred mode of transportation, and the city's highways are easily accessible from any location. Finding parking spots is generally convenient. However, walking is not the ideal mode of transportation for daily needs, as it can be challenging to access some amenities on foot.

Some residents live within walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. However, it is difficult to walk to high schools, primary schools, and daycares from properties for sale in Fredericton, as these tend to be spread out.

For those interested in purchasing a home in Fredericton, real estate listings are readily available online, offering various options, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, duplexes, and land for sale.

Frequently asked questions