New Brunswick's Plant Hardiness Zone

New Brunswick has several zones, including Zone 1 (Moncton), Zone 2 (Saint John), and Zone 3 (Fredericton). These zones have been used to implement COVID-19 restrictions, with Zone 1 and Zone 4 moving to the orange and red phases, respectively, as of February 2021. In terms of climate, New Brunswick experiences a range of temperatures across its zones, from USDA Zone 3a to USDA Zone 6b. Northern New Brunswick has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, while southern New Brunswick has a more moderate maritime climate.

New Brunswick's COVID-19 zones

New Brunswick has implemented a colour-coded system to indicate the level of COVID-19 restrictions in the province. The zones are numbered and correspond to specific regions within the province. The zones are categorised based on factors such as the number of active cases, transmission rates, and the capacity of the local healthcare system.

Zone 1 refers to the Moncton region, which has experienced COVID-19 restrictions ranging from the red phase to the orange phase. The red phase indicates a higher level of restrictions, while the transition to the orange phase signifies a loosening of restrictions. Zone 4 corresponds to the Edmundston region, which has also transitioned between the lockdown and red phase restrictions.

Zone 2, comprising the Saint John area, and Zone 3, encompassing the Fredericton region, have been in the orange recovery phase. This phase represents the second most restrictive level, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 cases and measures in place.

The COVID-19 zones in New Brunswick are adjusted based on the evolving pandemic situation and the advice of public health officials. The province has also emphasised the importance of adhering to travel guidelines, especially during holidays and breaks, to minimise the risk of virus transmission across zones.

It is important to note that the zones are subject to change, and residents are advised to stay informed about the latest restrictions and guidelines applicable to their respective zones. The government of New Brunswick provides regular updates on its website, ensuring residents can access the most current information regarding COVID-19 measures in their specific regions.

Zone 1: Moncton

Moncton is part of the Zone 1 (Moncton area) Health region, as per the 2016 Census. The zone includes the communities of Moncton, Richibucto, Sackville, Shediac, and the Moncton CMHC. Moncton's healthcare infrastructure includes the Dr. G.-L. Dumont University Hospital Centre and The Moncton Hospital.

The climate in Moncton, New Brunswick, varies depending on its location within the province. Northern New Brunswick, including areas north and northwest of Moncton, experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, can reach as low as -30°C to -35°C in the northwest.

On the other hand, the southern half of the province, which includes areas south and southeast of Moncton, experiences a more moderate maritime climate. This region has cooler summers and milder winters. Along the Bay of Fundy coast, fog is common during spring and early summer. The average temperature in July, the warmest month, ranges from 22°C on the Bay of Fundy coast to 25°C and higher inland.

Zone 2: Saint John

Saint John is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of King George III. The city is named after the Saint John River, which was originally called "Wolastoq" by the indigenous Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples.

The city of Saint John has a rich history that dates back to the French colonial era, when it served as an important trade and defence post for Acadia. The area was also inhabited by the Wabanaki Confederacy for thousands of years before European colonisation. The northwestern coastal region of the Bay of Fundy was home to the Passamaquoddy Nation, while the Saint John River valley north of the bay was the domain of the Wolastoqiyik Nation.

Saint John played a significant role in the Acadian Civil War, with Fort La Tour in the city's harbour becoming a pivotal battleground. After over a century of ownership disputes between the French and English, the British government deported the Acadians in 1755 and established Fort Frederick. However, the fort was pillaged and burned by American Privateers, leading to the construction of Fort Howe in 1779.

In 1785, the City of Saint John was established by uniting the two communities of Parr-town and Carleton, following the arrival of thousands of refugees from the newly formed United States who wished to remain British after the American Revolution. The city's demographics and culture were further transformed by immigration via Partridge Island, particularly during the Great Famine in Ireland.

Today, Saint John is the second-largest city in the province of New Brunswick, with a population of 69,895 people as of the 2021 census. The city is known for its diverse architecture, ranging from Victorian and Romanesque Revival to Second Empire and Queen Anne styles. It is also home to several historic sites, including the Carleton Martello Tower, Fort Howe, the Loyalist House, and the Saint John City Market.

The city's economy has traditionally been centred around shipbuilding, shipping, and the lumber trade. However, these industries have declined due to technological advancements and events such as the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877. Today, Saint John's economy relies on tourism, the arts and culture sector, and industries such as oil refining, shipbuilding, and lumber.

Saint John has a humid continental climate, with warm to hot summers and cold winters. The Bay of Fundy, which never fully freezes, moderates the winter temperatures compared to inland locations. The city experiences precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall and rain being common in winter.

Zone 3: Fredericton

New Brunswick has a varied climate, with the northern region experiencing a continental climate characterised by warm summers and cold winters, while the southern portion has a more moderate maritime climate with cooler summers and milder winters. Along the Bay of Fundy coast, fog is a common occurrence during spring and early summer.

Zone 3 encompasses the city of Fredericton, which is situated in the southern half of New Brunswick. This zone experiences a more moderate maritime climate compared to the continental climate found in the northern part of the province.

The summers in Zone 3 are typically cooler, with the average temperature in July, the warmest month, reaching around 72° F (22° C) in the surrounding areas. Winters, on the other hand, are milder compared to the colder temperatures experienced in the north.

Agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries are important economic sectors within Zone 3. The zone also encompasses various government departments and services, including the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, and the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

In terms of healthcare, Zone 3 is served by community mental health centres and the Psychiatric Unit at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. The zone falls under the jurisdiction of the New Brunswick Health Council, which works to ensure the quality of healthcare services for the residents of the province.

New Brunswick's climate zones

New Brunswick, Canada, has a varied climate with snowy winters and temperate summers. The province ranges from USDA Zone 3a to USDA Zone 6b. The northern half of the province experiences a typical continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The southern half has a more moderate maritime climate with cooler summers and milder winters.

The climate in New Brunswick is more severe than in the other Maritime provinces, which are lower and have more shoreline along the sea, which has a moderating effect. The province's climate is classified as humid continental, with slightly milder winters on the Gulf of St. Lawrence coastline. Elevated areas in the far north of the province have a subarctic climate.

The Bay of Fundy coast experiences fog during the spring and early summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year. July is the warmest month, with average temperatures ranging from 72° F (22° C) on the Bay of Fundy coast to inland temperatures of 77° F (25° C) and higher. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures around 18.5° F (-7.5° C) along the southeastern shore, while in the northwest, extremely low temperatures of -22° F (-30° C) to -31° F (-35° C) are common.

The USDA Hardiness Zones in New Brunswick range from Zone 3a, with temperatures as low as -40° C, to Zone 6b, with low temperatures of -20.6° C. These zones define the minimum range of temperatures that plants, flowers, and trees can safely survive in each geographic region.

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