Dalhousie, New Brunswick: A Place Of Beauty

Dalhousie is a community in Heron Bay, Restigouche County, in New Brunswick, Canada. It is the northernmost municipality in New Brunswick and is part of the Maritime provinces. The town is situated at the mouth of the Restigouche River on the Bay of Chaleur and is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and streams. Dalhousie has a rich history, dating back to European settlement in 1800, and was officially incorporated in 1905. The town offers a range of outdoor activities, including sea kayaking, canoeing, and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Dalhousie's location and geography

Dalhousie is a community in Heron Bay in Restigouche County, New Brunswick. It is the shire town of Restigouche County and the northernmost municipality in New Brunswick. It is located in the Restigouche River valley at the point where the river discharges into Chaleur Bay. The town is surrounded by salt and freshwater bodies and lies in a hilly region, forming part of the Appalachian mountain range. The Dalhousie town site is situated on a hillside several decametres above sea level, with some development to its south on a low ridge of approximately 260 metres elevation. The rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and streams provide a scenic backdrop for New Brunswick's most northern community.

Dalhousie is the most northern point in New Brunswick, and thus is in the Maritime provinces. It faces Miguasha, Quebec on the Gaspé Peninsula to the north. The city of Campbellton lies 20 km (12 mi) upriver to the west, and the city of Bathurst is approximately 80 km (50 mi) southeast along the shore of Chaleur Bay. There are no major centres south of Dalhousie as this is the undeveloped and heavily forested geographic centre of the province.

Dalhousie has a humid continental climate, with vast differences in temperature between warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The area is rich in natural resources, with its economy historically dominated by the forestry industry.

History and settlement

The settlement of Dalhousie, New Brunswick, has a long and varied history. Nestled in the Restigouche River valley, the town is situated on a hillside in the Appalachian mountain range, several decameters above sea level. The area has a rich natural environment, surrounded by salt and freshwater bodies and home to diverse wildlife, unique birds, and fish. The town's history of settlement dates back to the early 1800s when European settlers, primarily from Scotland, arrived in the region.

The first merchant to settle in Dalhousie was Captain John Hamilton, a native of Kingscross Arran, Scotland. He played a significant role in the early days of the community, including building St. Johns Presbyterian Church. The town was named in 1826 after the 9th Earl of Dalhousie, George Ramsay, who was the Governor General of Upper and Lower Canada. The town site was first laid out in 1826, with Scottish settlers establishing the first settlement in 1827. Prior to this wave of Scottish immigration, the region had seen the arrival of its first Acadian settlers, Louis and Joseph Arseneault, around 1796.

Dalhousie experienced rapid growth and distinct periods in its history following its founding in 1825. Before this, the northern part of New Brunswick had attracted little interest. However, the Great Miramichi Fire of 1825 changed this, as it ravaged the central forests of New Brunswick and Maine, which were vital to the province's economy. This event drew lumbermen to the north, with its abundant pine forests. As a result, Dalhousie, located at the mouth of the Restigouche River, became a booming town, with lumber and fishing as its primary industries. Agriculture also played a more significant role in the early days than it does today.

The construction of the Intercolonial Railway (ICR) following confederation changed the dynamics of the region. The railway bypassed Dalhousie due to its steep hills, favoring the nearby town of Campbellton. However, Dalhousie's fortunes shifted again in the late 1920s when it was chosen as the site for a massive paper mill. The International Paper Company built one of the world's largest newsprint mills, transforming the town. From 1929 onwards, the mill dominated life in Dalhousie, bringing high average incomes and a different kind of prosperity. However, it also made the town heavily dependent on a single industry.

In recent years, Dalhousie has faced economic challenges with the closure of several major industries, including the paper mill and a chemical plant. The town is now turning towards tourism, arts, and culture to revitalize its economy and attract new opportunities.

Economy and industry

Dalhousie's economy was historically dominated by the forestry industry, with the town hosting a large pulp and paper mill on its waterfront along the Restigouche River. The mill, built in 1929, was one of the largest newsprint mills in the world at the time, and it came to define life in Dalhousie. However, the mill closed in 2008, leaving the town's economy in a state of uncertainty and resulting in significant job losses.

In addition to the mill, Dalhousie was also home to a chemical processing plant and a power generation station, both of which have since closed. The chemical plant, owned by Pioneer Chemicals, was located on the western edge of the town, while the power generation station, operated by NB Power, was a thermal plant that supplied fuel via a pipeline. The closure of these three major industries has had a significant impact on the community, with many residents losing their jobs and some being forced to move away.

In the wake of these closures, Dalhousie has been striving to reinvent itself and diversify its economic base. The town has been investing in tourism, arts, and culture, aiming to capitalise on its natural beauty and attractive geographic location. The town's deep-sea port, which is ice-free year-round, remains an important economic asset, providing access to global markets for the export of goods. Additionally, the town's largest employer is now the Dalhousie Nursing Home, and there are several smaller employers across various sectors.

More recently, there have been proposals for an open-pit mine to extract volcanic rock near Dalhousie. The rock, known as pozzolan, has the potential to be used by the cement industry to lower emissions. While some residents have welcomed the prospect of new jobs, others have expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project. The project has received backing from the federal government, and developers are working on detailed plans while taking into account the concerns raised by the community.

Tourism and attractions

Dalhousie, located in New Brunswick's Heron Bay, is a charming community that offers a plethora of attractions for visitors seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Here are some highlights of the tourism and attractions in Dalhousie:

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Activities:

• Scenic Backdrops: Dalhousie is nestled in a picturesque setting with rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and streams. The Restigouche River valley, part of the Appalachian mountain range, provides a stunning natural backdrop.
• Beaches and Outdoor Recreation: Visitors can enjoy long stretches of natural beaches along the Bay of Chaleur. The Inch Arran Park and Campground offer a full-service camping experience with unique attractions like the absence of flies and mosquitoes. Dalhousie also has a leisure centre with an indoor pool, tennis courts, soccer fields, ball fields, and walking trails.
• Water Sports: The area's waterways provide ample opportunities for sea kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, and sailing.
• Adventure Activities: For those seeking a thrill, Dalhousie offers mountain biking and go-cart racing. During winter, ice fishing, skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing are popular choices.
• Birdwatching and Photography: Dalhousie's diverse wildlife, unique birds, and scenic landscapes attract birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Historical and Cultural Landmarks:

• Inch Arran Lighthouse: The 'Bon Ami Point Range Front' lighthouse, constructed in 1870, guides ships to safety and is recognised as a Federal Heritage Building. It can be seen from a distance of 25 km on clear days.
• Arch Rock: This natural rock formation, carved by tides, features the outline of a face on its edge, facing the Eel River Bar First Nations Reserve. Legend says that the chief of the reserve proclaimed he would return to watch over his people after his death.
• Restigouche Regional Museum: The museum showcases the rich history of the Restigouche area, including the development of the Mi'kmaq culture and the arrival of various settler groups. It also highlights the logging, shipbuilding, and paper industries that shaped the region's economy.
• Inch Arran Point Range Lighthouses: These lighthouses are popular tourist attractions, offering both historical significance and scenic views.

Arts, Culture, and Dining:

• East Wind Boutique: This cooperative showcases the talents of 30 artists and artisans from Restigouche County, featuring a diverse range of art forms such as painting, pottery, jewellery, and photography.
• Bijoux Sail Away Jewellery: A speciality shop that caters to those seeking unique jewellery pieces.
• Dining Options: While Dalhousie has experienced some restaurant closures, there are still dining options available, including regional chains offering pizza, subs, wings, and donairs.

Dalhousie, New Brunswick, offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and artistic experiences. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking relaxation, Dalhousie provides a memorable getaway in the heart of the Maritime provinces.

Transport and infrastructure

Dalhousie is a community in Heron Bay in Restigouche County, New Brunswick. It is the shire town of Restigouche County and is the northernmost community in the province. The town is situated in the Restigouche River valley at the tongue of the river where it discharges into Chaleur Bay. Dalhousie is surrounded by salt and freshwater bodies and is home to many species of wildlife, unique birds, and fish. The area is rich in natural resources.

Dalhousie is accessible by road, rail, and air. It is located on the Highway 11 arterial highway and is served by the New Brunswick East Coast Railway. Via Rail Canada provides passenger train service three days per week with stops at Charlo, immediately east of the town, and in Campbellton to the west. The Charlo Airport, located several kilometres east of the town, offers private and charter services, while the Bathurst Airport provides additional scheduled air services.

The town of Dalhousie also has a deep-sea port, which is ice-free year-round. The port is located on the south shore of the Bay of Chaleur at the mouth of the Restigouche River. It includes 98 acres of land, 494 acres of "waterlot," and two cargo facilities—the East Bay Marine Terminal and the West Wharf. The port has a draught capacity of 9.7 to 10.3 meters and can accommodate vessels up to 355 meters in length.

In terms of public transportation, Maritime Bus operates an inter-regional bus service connecting Dalhousie with other destinations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Additionally, VIA Rail Canada offers train routes across Canada, including the The Ocean route between Halifax and Montreal, with stops in Moncton and Sainte-Foy (near Quebec City).

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