Fredericton: New Brunswick's Capital

Fredericton is the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It was founded in 1785 by United Empire Loyalists and named after Frederick, the second son of King George III. Fredericton is situated in the west-central portion of the province along the Saint John River, also known by its Indigenous name of Wolastoq. The city is an important cultural, artistic, and educational centre for the province, home to two universities and several cultural institutions. Fredericton's economy is tied to the public sector, but the city also has a growing IT and commercial sector.

Fredericton's history as a British garrison town

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, was a British garrison town from 1784 to 1869. The city's history as a British garrison town began with the arrival of the United Empire Loyalists in 1783, who had fought on the side of King George III in the American War of Independence. The following year, New Brunswick was partitioned from Nova Scotia and became its own colony, with Fredericton as its capital. The city was considered to have a better defensive position than the port city of Saint John.

As a British colonial capital, Fredericton was designated the centre of higher learning, leading to the establishment of the University of New Brunswick, and later, the Provincial Normal School. The Anglican Church also chose this location for the bishopric and the construction of Christ Church Cathedral.

The British colonial capital designation also dictated the presence of a governor's residence and a legislative assembly building. A substantial military presence was established to protect and project a strong sense of sovereignty over the region. Many of the original military buildings downtown still stand and are now tourist attractions. The military compound has been preserved as a National Historic Site of Canada.

The founding of Fredericton dates from 1783 when the United Empire Loyalists settled in Ste. Anne's Point (the site of present-day Fredericton). About 2,000 Loyalists settled in the area, including several army regiments. The first winter was harsh, with early and severe snowfalls, and many died during the winter of 1783-84. They were buried in what became the Loyalist cemetery, which is still found on the south bank of the Saint John River.

In 1785, Fredericton became the shire town of York County. In 1790, the New Brunswick Legislative Building was constructed. The city's streets were laid out in the typical grid pattern of the time, with street names reflecting Loyalist tendencies: Charlotte, Brunswick, George, King, and Queen.

The city's role as an administrative and educational centre

Fredericton is the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is an administrative and educational centre, home to several universities and cultural institutions.

The city is an important educational hub, with two universities: the University of New Brunswick, which is the oldest English-language university in Canada, and St. Thomas University. Fredericton also has several colleges, including the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the New Brunswick Community College, and the Maritime College of Forest Technology. The city has the highest percentage of residents with post-secondary education in the province.

As an administrative centre, Fredericton is the seat of the provincial government of New Brunswick. The city's economy is closely tied to the public sector, with the provincial government being one of the primary employers. Fredericton is also a cultural and artistic centre, with institutions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Fredericton Region Museum, and The Playhouse, a performing arts venue.

The cultural significance of Fredericton's festivals and art galleries

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, is a hub of cultural significance, boasting a vibrant arts scene with several notable festivals and galleries. The city is an essential centre for the region's top visual artists and has been home to some of Canada's most renowned historical painters, including Goodridge Roberts and Molly and Bruno Bobak.

Art Galleries

Fredericton is home to several prestigious art galleries that showcase the works of local and international artists. One of the most prominent is the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, which recently unveiled a major expansion of its art collection, making it one of the largest one-time purchases since its opening in 1959. The gallery hosts exhibitions featuring New Brunswick, Canadian, and International art, with a focus on promoting Atlantic Canadian artists.

The city also boasts the University of New Brunswick Art Centre, which offers a glimpse into the creative works of the university's artistic community. This gallery is often overlooked by visitors but is definitely worth a visit. Another hidden gem is the Birch Cres Gallery, which, according to Tripadvisor reviews, offers incredible displays and a pleasant atmosphere for art enthusiasts.

Other notable galleries include the Gallery at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the Crown Ashton Porcelain Studio, and Ingrid Mueller Art and Concepts. These galleries contribute to the cultural fabric of the city, providing spaces for artists to exhibit their creative endeavours.

Festivals

Fredericton is renowned for its vibrant festivals that celebrate music, art, and culture. One of the most notable events is the annual Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, which attracts both regional and international artists in jazz, blues, rock, and world music. This festival brings the city to life, creating a buzz that resonates throughout the community.

During the summer months, the city hosts the Garrison Night Market, a celebration of local vendors, artists, and musicians. This market showcases the talent and creativity of Fredericton's residents, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.

In addition to these flagship events, Fredericton also hosts a variety of other festivals throughout the year, including the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival, the Silver Wave Film Festival, the Flourish Arts & Music Festival, and Symphony New Brunswick. These festivals contribute to the city's cultural vibrancy, providing platforms for artistic expression and community engagement.

Cultural Centres

Fredericton is also home to several cultural centres that play a vital role in preserving and promoting the unique culture of the city and its diverse communities. One such centre is the Centre Communautaire Sainte-Anne, which serves as Fredericton's French cultural centre. This centre coordinates cultural events, performances, and art exhibits that nurture and preserve Francophone culture and language. It is a testament to the city's commitment to celebrating its bilingual heritage.

Another significant cultural hub is the Charlotte Street Arts Centre (CSAC), which houses over 15 arts organisations and artists. CSAC provides a space for artistic expression, offering an auditorium, art, dance, and music studios, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

The Cultural Centre on Saunders Street is yet another example of Fredericton's dedication to cultural preservation and exchange. This centre offers office, meeting, and event space for cultural groups, non-profits, and businesses, including the Multicultural Association of Fredericton (MCAF) and the Cultural Market.

In conclusion, Fredericton's festivals, art galleries, and cultural centres play a pivotal role in shaping the city's cultural landscape. They provide platforms for artistic expression, community engagement, and the preservation of Francophone and Acadian heritage. Through these avenues, Fredericton fosters creativity, celebrates diversity, and strengthens its position as a vital cultural centre in New Brunswick and beyond.

The economic importance of Fredericton's IT and commercial sectors

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has a strong and growing IT and commercial sector that is of great economic importance to the city. As the Start-Up Capital of Canada, Fredericton attracts entrepreneurs and businesses with its low-cost business environment, skilled workforce, and strong innovation focus.

The city's IT sector is particularly notable, with Fredericton boasting the highest concentration of IT workers in Atlantic Canada. This contributes significantly to the local economy, as IT jobs tend to be high-paying and create a ripple effect of economic growth. The presence of IT companies also enhances the city's overall innovation and competitiveness, making it an attractive destination for talented immigrants and businesses alike.

Fredericton's commercial sector is equally vibrant and diverse, encompassing industries such as insurance, financial services, retail, and tourism. The city's position as a provincial capital also means that its economy is closely tied to the public sector, providing a stable foundation for economic growth.

Moreover, Fredericton's economic development corporation, Ignite Fredericton, plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses. By fostering collaboration and partnerships between stakeholders, Ignite Fredericton helps attract and retain talented individuals, encouraging the growth of established businesses and start-ups alike.

Overall, Fredericton's IT and commercial sectors are vital to the city's economy, driving innovation, creating high-paying jobs, and establishing the city as a desirable business destination in North America. The growth and success of these sectors contribute to Fredericton's overall economic prosperity and enhance its reputation as a leading business hub in Canada.

Fredericton's literary tradition and notable writers

Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has a long literary tradition. The city has been home to several notable writers, including Jonathan Odell, Charles G.D. Roberts, Bliss Carman, and Francis Sherman.

Currently, Fredericton is home to writers such as Raymond Fraser, Herb Curtis, David Adams Richards, Mark Anthony Jarman, and Gerard Beirne.

Julia Catherine Beckwith, a native of Fredericton, was Canada's first published novelist. Poets such as Bliss Carman and his cousin Charles G.D. Roberts were among the first Canadians to achieve international acclaim for their writing.

Fredericton also has a strong educational focus, with two universities, several colleges, and cultural institutions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Fredericton Region Museum, and The Playhouse, a performing arts venue.

Frequently asked questions