Miramichi, New Brunswick
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2008-07-14T02:49:42Z
Lesfreck
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{{dablink|See [[Miramichi]] for other uses, and for information concerning the word's origin.}}
{{Infobox Settlement
|official_name = Miramichi
|motto =
|image_skyline = 1993 Ritchie Wharf.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_caption = Ritchie Wharf on the Newcastle waterfront in the City of Miramichi.
|image_flag =
|pushpin_map = New Brunswick
|pushpin_mapsize = 200
|pushpin_label_position = left
|pushpin_map_caption = Location of Miramichi in [[New Brunswick]]
|map_caption = Miramichi's Location in New Brunswick<br/><small>[[List of cities in Canada]]</small>
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = Canada
|subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Canada|Province]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[New Brunswick]]
|subdivision_type2 = County
|subdivision_name2 = [[Northumberland County, New Brunswick|Northumberland County]]
|leader_title = City Mayor
|leader_title1 = Governing Body
|leader_title2 = MP
|leader_title3 = Provincial Representatives
|leader_name = [[Gerry Cormier (New Brunswick politician)|Gerry Cormier]]
|leader_name1 = Miramichi City Council
|leader_name2 = [[Charles Hubbard]] (L)
|leader_name3 = [[Carmel Robichaud]] (L)<br /> [[John W. Foran]] (L)<br /> [[Bill Fraser]] (L)
|established_title = Established
|established_date = 1995
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 179.83
|area_total_sq_mi =
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|population_as_of = 2006
|population_note =
|population_total = 18,129
|population_footnotes = <ref name="StatsCan">[http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=1309050&Geo2=PR&Code2=13&Data=Count&SearchText=miramichi&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=13&B1=All&Custom= 2001 Community Profiles], ''[[Statistics Canada]]'', retrieved [[August 17]], [[2006]].</ref>
|population_metro =
|population_urban =
|population_density_km2 = 102.9
|population_density_sq_mi =
|timezone = [[Atlantic Standard Time Zone|Atlantic (AST)]]
|utc_offset = -4
|timezone_DST = ADT
|utc_offset_DST = -3
|latd=47|latm=1|lats=21|latNS=N
|longd=65|longm=30|longs=32|longEW=W
|elevation_m =
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|elevation_min_m = 0
|elevation_max_m = 31
|blank_name = [[National Topographic System|NTS]] Map
|blank_info = 021P03
|blank1_name = [[Geographical Names Board of Canada|GNBC]] Code
|blank1_info = DBEDJ
|website = http://www.miramichi.org/
|footnotes = [[Canadian postal code|Postal code]] span: E1V, E3V
}} <!-- Infobox ends -->
'''Miramichi''' is the largest city in northern [[New Brunswick]], [[Canada]]. It is situated at the mouth of the [[Miramichi River]] where it enters [[Miramichi Bay]]. The City of Miramichi was formed in 1995 through the forced amalgamation of two rival towns, [[Newcastle, New Brunswick|Newcastle]] and [[Chatham, New Brunswick|Chatham]], and several smaller communities, including [[Douglastown, New Brunswick|Douglastown]], [[Loggieville]], and [[Nelson-Miramichi|Nelson]].
==History==
===Early Mi'kmaq and French Communities (before 1765)===
Long prior to European settlement, the Miramichi region was home to members of the [[Mi'kmaq]] first nation. For the Mi'kmaq, [[Beaubears Island]], at the junction of the Northwest and Main Southwest branches of the [[Miramichi River]] was a natural meeting point.
Following the European discovery of the [[Americas]], the Miramichi became part of the French colony of [[Acadia]]. About 1648, [[Nicolas Denys]], Sieur de Fronsac, established a fort and trading post, Fort Fronsac, on the Miramichi. This establishment was apparently constructed "on the North side of the Miramichi, at the forks of the river". According to [[William Francis Ganong|W.F.Ganong]], a Recollet Mission was established in 1686 on the Miramichi "in Nelson", "probably near Beaubear's Island".<ref>English, E.J. (2002) Nelson and its Neighbours: 300 years on the Miramichi, 2nd Ed., Earl J. English, Miramichi</ref><ref>Davidson, W.H. (1947) An account of the life of William Davidson, otherwise John Godsman, of Banffshire and Aberdeenshire in Scotland and Miramichi in British North America. Publ. New Brunswick Museum, Historical Studies No. 6.</ref><ref>Davidson, W.H. (1966) William Davidson 1740-1790. Noth Shore Leader, Newcastle</ref>
[[Nicolas Denys]]' son, Richard Denys, was placed in charge of the fort and trading post, and in 1688 Richard states, "Miramichi is the principal place of my residence", and describes his establishment as including about a dozen French and more than 500 Indians. In 1691 Richard died at sea; the post declined. <ref>English, E.J. (2002) Nelson and its Neighbours: 300 years on the Miramichi, 2nd Ed., Earl J. English, Miramichi</ref><ref>Davidson, W.H. (1947) An account of the life of William Davidson, otherwise John Godsman, of Banffshire and Aberdeenshire in Scotland and Miramichi in British North America. Publ. New Brunswick Museum, Historical Studies No. 6.</ref><ref>Davidson, W.H. (1966) William Davidson 1740-1790. Noth Shore Leader, Newcastle</ref><ref>Beaubear's Island National Historic Site http://www.breadnmolasses.com/2004/atlanticarts/id73.html</ref>.
By about 1740 French villages were well established on [[Miramichi Bay]] at [[Bay du Vin, New Brunswick|Bay du Vin]] and [[Neguac, New Brunswick|Neguac]]. In the current city of Miramichi, a larger village existed at Canadian Point, and a town comprising 200 houses, a chapel, and provision stores occupied "Beaubear's Point". The French maintained batteries of guns at the east end of [[Beaubears Island]] and at [[French Fort Cove]].<ref>Cooney, R. (1832) A compendious history of the northern part of the province of New Brunswick and of the District of Gaspé in Lower Canada. Joseph Howe, Halifax</ref>
The [[Seven Years War]] erupted in 1756. During the war many Acadian homes were destroyed by the British, and their residents were deported (see the [[Expulsion of the Acadians]]).
[[Image:Camp d Esperance.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Camp d'Espérance Memorial at Wilson's Point, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 2007)]]
In 1757 the French general, [[Charles Deschamps de Boishébert et de Raffetot]] attempted to evade British troops in the St. John Valley and the [[Bay of Fundy]], by leading 900 French refugees up the northeast coast of New Brunswick to Miramichi, establishing a camp, "Camp de l’Espérance", on [[Beaubears Island]]. Over 200 of the refugees died at the camp. During the war, the camp was protected by a battery of French cannons at [[French Fort Cove]].
In September 1758 Colonel [[James Murray (British army officer)|James Murray]] reported spending two days in Miramichi Bay looking unsuccessfully for Acadians, but destroying anything he found. This included burning the first stone church built in New Brunswick (at the site of the present-day community of Burnt Church). Murray didn't sail as far west as Beaubear's Island.
Most of the surviving Beaubear's Island refugees soon left the Miramichi, seeking refuge in [[Quebec]]. Some Acadians, however, remained and escaped British attempts at deportation. They eventually established a host of small Acadian communities along the northern and eastern coasts of present-day New Brunswick.<ref>Charlotte Taylor: Her Life and Times http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/charlotte_taylor/Folder1/Destruction_of_Burnt_Church.htm.</ref><ref>Miramichi, New Brunswick http://www.acadian-home.org/miramichi-history.html</ref>
===Early Scottish, Loyalist and Irish Immigration (1765-1850)===
The French were defeated at [[Quebec]] in 1759, and the remaining Miramichi settlement was subsequently burned to the ground by British Commodore [[John Byron]] (Foul-Weather Jack) in 1760. The French North American colonies were ceded to the British in the 1763 [[Treaty of Paris]]. The Miramichi thus became a part of the British colony of [[Nova Scotia]], and later [[New Brunswick]]. Benjamin Marston, a surveyor and the first sheriff, reported in 1785 that "a considerable French Village" had existed on Wilson's Point (adjacent to Beaubear's Island - the present-day site of the Enclosure).<ref>Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada, J. Leonard O'Brien Memorial https://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nb/boishebert/natcul/natcul2_e.asp</ref>
Although they were clearly preceded by the Mi'kmaq and [[Acadian]] peoples, credit for the first permanent white settlement at Miramichi is often granted to Scottish settlers, led by [[William Davidson (lumberman)|William Davidson]]. William Davidson (a.k.a. John Godsman) and John Cort had obtained a large grant encompassing much of the Miramichi region in 1765, and promoted the area in both [[Scotland]] and [[New England]] as a new home to potential settlers.
Relations with the Mi'kmaq were not always good. During the American Revolution, some Mi'kmaq, encouraged by the Americans, attacked the newcomers. Davidson temporarily found refuge along the St. John River. A subsequent treaty signed 22 September 1779 ensured a more peaceful coexistence. Following the [[American Revolution]] some [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|loyalist]] families moved to Miramichi. Davidson's original grant was revoked, and competition for the best lands escalated tensions between the early Scottish and new loyalist settlers. In the 1840's, the [[Great Irish Famine]] led to the last large influx of settlers, mostly settling on the south side of the river in the former town of Chatham. By this time, the best lands were already occupied by earlier Scottish, Loyalist and Acadian immigrants.
===Early Industry and Politics (1765-1850)===
[[Image:Rankin House.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Rankin House - former home of Miramichi [[lumber baron]] Alexander Rankin at Douglastown, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 1983)]]
Although subsistence farming constituted one part of the new settlement's economy, the thin, acid soils of the Miramichi were not conducive to agriculture; thus, the lumber industry and [[Atlantic salmon]] fishery were the mainstays. A [[shipbuilding]] industry was established by Davidson in 1773, largely to facilitate overseas lumber exports, including masts for the British navy, and to provide winter employment for the men. Davidson's first ship, "Miramichi", was unfortunately lost with her cargo off the Spanish coast.
Miramichi benefited greatly from the [[Napoleonic wars]] and [[American independence]], as Britain became dependent on its remaining North American colonies, including New Brunswick, for lumber. However, the Great [[Miramichi Fire]] of 1825, the advent of steel-hulled ships, and perhaps over-cutting of [[eastern white pine]], would eventually contribute to a long-term decline in the area's economy. The Miramichi Fire burnt almost 1/4 of New Brunswick's forest, and consumed most of the buildings along the northern side of the river. Only 12 buildings remained in Newcastle.
The towns of Newcastle and Chatham developed a long history of rivalry, including a small "war" fought between the communities ("the fighting election of 1843"). The 1843 election was fought on a political level between John T. Williston of Chatham (supported by local entrepreneur [[Joseph Cunard]] of Chatham, brother of [[Samuel Cunard]]) and [[John Ambrose Street]] of Newcastle (backed by the prominent lumber baron, [[Alexander Rankin]] of Douglastown). The Rankin and Cunard factions literally fought the election in the streets of Newcastle and Chatham with sticks, stones, coal and other missiles.
===The Age of Rail (1875-1950)===
In 1875 the region's largest construction project in history was completed when the federal government's [[Intercolonial Railway]] (ICR) opened between [[Moncton]] and [[Campbellton, New Brunswick|Campbellton]]. The following year it would link [[Halifax Regional Municipality|Halifax]] with [[Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec|Rivière-du-Loup]] and the Canadian railway network. One of the biggest geographic obstacles presented in the project was the crossing of the [[Miramichi River]]. Surveyors deemed the ideal location for bridging to be at the upper reaches of tidewater between [[Nelson, New Brunswick|Nelson]] and [[Newcastle, New Brunswick|Newcastle]], crossing the [[Southwest Miramichi River|Southwest Miramichi]], then a short section of land at Derby, followed by the [[Northwest Miramichi River|Northwest Miramichi]]. The combined length of these bridges would be among the largest constructed to date in Canada (surpassed only by the [[Victoria Bridge, Montreal|Victoria Bridge]] in Montreal) and were the first bridges over the [[Miramichi River]], revolutionizing transport in the region.
The ICR bypassed Chatham by running through Newcastle and then on to the north and west. Within a decade, the [[Canada Eastern Railway]] was built to link [[Chatham, New Brunswick|Chatham]] with [[Fredericton, New Brunswick|Fredericton]], along the length of the [[Southwest Miramichi River]] valley. In 1904, the Canada Eastern was purchased by the ICR. In 1915, the ICR became part of [[Canadian Government Railways]] and 3 years later in 1918 it became part of the [[Canadian National Railways]] (CNR).
[[Image:1974 Stotharts Mercantile.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Stothart's Mercantile in downtown [[Newcastle, New Brunswick]] (IR Walker 1974)]]
CNR operated express passenger trains along the main line from Halifax to Montreal via Newcastle, most notably the [[Ocean (passenger train)|''Ocean Limited'']], along with various local trains to Fredericton, Moncton and Campbellton. The [[Dungarvon Whooper]] provided passenger service along the [[Canada Eastern Railway]] from Newcastle to Fredericton. The ports and railways serving Newcastle and Chatham burgeoned with activity as the 19th century lumber industry gave way to the 20th century developments in pulp and paper, and mining.
===20th Century Industry & Politics===
As the shipbuilding, [[masting]] and lumber industries waned, [[pulp and paper]] production eventually replaced lumber exports as the mainstay of the area's economy. A valuable sports fishery developed, attracting "sports" initially from adjacent [[New England]], and subsequently from all parts of the world. In the mid 20th century, an air force base, [[CFB Chatham]], became the cornerstone of Chatham's economy. The discovery of base metal deposits and the development of [[Heath Steele Mines]], 60 km to the northwest, allowed Newcastle's economy to diversify and strengthen through the 1960s. The mine and airforce base had both closed by 1999 as the mine's ore body was depleted, and with the collapse of the [[cold war]]. The forest industry is the dominant player in the city's economy today.
[[Image:Miramichi Map.jpg|thumb|right|650px|Communities amalgamated in 1995 to form the City of Miramichi, New Brunswick]]
In the 20th century the rivalry between Newcastle and Chatham continued, expressed chiefly through sports, politics, and in competition for businesses and government largesse. In 1994 then Premier [[Frank McKenna]] (the Member of the [[Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick|Legislative Assembly]] for Chatham) developed and implemented a plan for merging the communities. The amalgamation of the former towns and villages to form the City of Miramichi was controversial at the time, and remains so today, due to the strong identities that each of the communities possessed. The 1995 amalgamation of the communities served to limit this rivalry, giving the region a larger and more united voice in promoting the region.<ref>The Canadian Encyclopedia</ref>
===Additional information===
For a more detailed local history, including details of prominent citizens, see the entries for Miramichi's founding communities ([[Newcastle, New Brunswick|Newcastle]], [[Chatham, New Brunswick|Chatham]], [[Douglastown, New Brunswick|Douglastown]], [[Loggieville]], and [[Nelson-Miramichi|Nelson]]). For a larger regional context, consult the entry for [[Maritimes|Maritime history]].
==Climate==
Miramichi enjoys a cool, moist climate (Mean Annual Temperature = 4.7°C, January Mean Temperature = -10.7°C; Mean July Temperature = 19.2°C). Proximity to the [[Gulf of St. Lawrence]] tends to moderate the winter climate, but [[Arctic air]] sometimes penetrates into the area during winter (coldest recorded temperature = -35°C, 2 February 1962). Summers are warm and sunny (hottest recorded temperature = 37.8°C, 12 August 1944). The city averages about 1100 mm of precipitation per year, with about 300 mm of the precipitation falling as snow.
Miramichi winters are sunnier than almost anywhere else in Canada, averaging 120 hours of bright sunshine in January (Compare with [[Winnipeg]], [[Manitoba]] - 120.3 hours; [[Kelowna]], [[British Columbia]] - 40 hours). Miramichi averages 250.5 hours of bright sunshine in July.
(All data are derived from [http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?Province=NB%20%20&StationName=&SearchType=&LocateBy=Province&Proximity=25&ProximityFrom=City&StationNumber=&IDType=MSC&CityName=&ParkName=&LatitudeDegrees=&LatitudeMinutes=&LongitudeDegrees=&LongitudeMinutes=&NormalsClass=A&SelNormals=&StnId=6140& Environment Canada statistics for the Miramichi airport])
==Demographics==
[[Image:St James & St John United Church.jpg|thumb|right|200px|St. James & St. John United Church, Newcastle, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 1983)]]
According to the Statistics Canada 2001 census<ref name="statcan2001">[http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=1309050&Geo2=PR&Code2=13&Data=Count&SearchText=miramichi&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=13&B1=All&Custom=] - Statistics Canada. 2002. 2001 Community Profiles. Released June 27, 2002. Last modified: 2005-11-30. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 93F0053XIE.</ref>, there were 18,508 people residing in Miramichi. 48.1% of residents were male and 51.9% were female.
Children under five accounted for approximately 5.0% of the resident population. This compares with 5.6% for [[Canada]] overall. In mid-2001, 15.5% of the resident population of Miramichi were of retirement age (65 and over for males and females) compared with 13.2% in Canada. The median age was 39.9 years of age, comparing to 37.6 years of age nationally.
In 2001, 97.6% of the population were born in Canada; 89.4% claimed "English only" as the "language(s) first learned and still understood", whereas 8.8% indicated French, and 0.7% indicated "both English and French". The population was 61.8% Roman Catholic, and 33.3% Protestant. 3.8% reported no religious affiliation.
:''<small>Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census</small>''<ref name="statcan2001"/>
==Economy==
The Miramichi area’s economy is primarily focused on forests, mining and fishing. Other sectors include: tourism, customer contact centres, manufacturing and provincial and federal government. The service sector is the largest employer.
==Transportation==
;Roads
Miramichi has good highway connections to other major centres in New Brunswick offered via [[New Brunswick Route 8|Highways 8]] (west to [[Fredericton]]; north to [[Bathurst, New Brunswick|Bathurst]] and [[Campbellton, New Brunswick|Campbellton]]) and [[New Brunswick Route 11|11]] (south to [[Moncton]], [[Prince Edward Island]] and [[Nova Scotia]]). The Plaster Rock - Renous highway ([[New Brunswick Route 108|Route 108]]) offers the quickest connection to major centres in [[Quebec]], [[Upper Canada]], and points west.
For years, the only bridge at Miramichi was a narrow, historic crossing, the [[Morrissy Bridge]], at [[Newcastle, New Brunswick|Newcastle]]. Ferry service facilitated crossings at Chatham and Loggieville. In the late 1960's the [[Centennial Bridge (New Brunswick)|Centennial Bridge]] was completed at Chatham, greatly improving north-south transit across the river. The [[Miramichi Bridge]] at Newcastle opened in the late 1990s.
;Water
The towns of [[Chatham, New Brunswick|Chatham]] and [[Newcastle, New Brunswick|Newcastle]] were formerly important ports for northeastern New Brunswick. Dredging, however, was necessary to maintain a deep enough channel for most ships to cross between the barrier dune islands at the mouth of [[Miramichi Bay]]. Ocean-going ships entering the port must have a shallow draft, and must navigate the ancient, meandering course of the drowned Miramichi River channel through the inner Bay.
;Rail
The [[New Brunswick East Coast Railway]] (NBECR), formerly part of the [[Canadian National]] (CN) Railway mainline, and the earlier [[Intercolonial Railway]] passes through [[Miramichi railway station|Miramichi]]. [[VIA Rail]] offers passenger service on this line, supplementing NBECR's freight capacity.
;Air
Miramichi is located within a 90 minute drive of two international airports ([[Greater Fredericton Airport|Greater Fredericton International Airport]], [[Greater Moncton International Airport]]) with scheduled domestic and international flights. In addition the Miramichi Airport Commission operates the [[Miramichi Airport]] (YCH) on the former site of [[CFB Chatham]].
==Arts & Culture==
===Roots===
Although the Miramichi can claim a host of refined, imported cultural traditions and events as showcased in theatres and on stage, true Miramichi culture is distinctive, rustic and homegrown. As in other regions of the [[Maritimes]], Miramichi culture is firmly grounded in the [[Mi'kmaq]], [[Acadian]], [[Scottish people|Scottish]], and [[Irish people|Irish]] traditions of the region's founding population, and in the fishing, sailing and lumbering industries of old. There is also a deep spiriitual connection, indeed reverence, that the people hold for their river(s). The accent and language of Miramichiers bears an unmistakable Celtic brand. The people speak irreverently, drawing on a host of distinctive expressions with meanings to baffle visitors. Every bend in the rivers, from [[Push and Be Damned Rapids]] to the Turnip Patch has a distinctive name. These roots and the hard lives of their ancestors have provided rich fodder for the dark novels of renowned local author [[David Adams Richards]], the more lively tales and folklore of [[Herb Curtis]] and [[Doug Underhill]], and the fiction and non-fiction of acclaimed Chatham-born writer [[Raymond Fraser]]. Local young adult author [[Valerie Sherrard]]'s first historical novel, ''Three Million Acres of Flame'', deals with the 1825 [[Miramichi Fire]] - the largest recorded land fire in North American history.
Local legends, like the tales of the ''[[Headless Nun]]'', the ''Wizard of the Miramichi'', and the ''[[Dungarvon Whooper]]'', are products of the long, rich history of the region, and a tradition of story-telling. The telling of "lies" (or tall tales) provided a social outlet, building a close bond among "shantymen" as they passed long winter nights in remote lumber camps. No doubt these tales were further embellished as each generation sought to improve upon the original stories, and captivate their audience. This oral tradition lives on in the hunting and fishing camps that line the river, and in the traditional ballads immortalised in [[Louise Manny]]'s ''Songs of the Miramichi'', in the 1962 [[Folkways Records]] recording [https://www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/containerdetail.aspx?itemid=656 ''Folksongs of the Miramichi: Lumber and River Songs from the Miramichi Folk Fest, Newcastle, New Brunswick''], and in the [[Miramichi Folk Song Festival]].
===Festivals===
Local festivals which celebrate Miramichi culture, and the ancestral roots of the original settlers include:
* [http://www.miramichifolksongfestival.com/ Miramichi Folksong Festival]
* Annual Pow-wows hosted in nearby Eel Ground and Red Bank
* La Fête nationale des Acadiens - Acadian Day
* Celebration of Scots
* [http://www.canadasirishfest.com/Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi]
* Miramichi Fiddle Festival
Other local festivals include<ref>[http://www.miramichi.org/en/visit-festivals-e.asp City of Miramichi, New Brunswick - Community, Business & Tourism<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>:
* Canada Days Festival
* Downtown Miramichi Rock 'n Roll Festival
* Miramichi Salmon Classic
* Miramichi Exhibition
===Proper Diction===
Miramichiers speak in a colourful language, a form of [[Maritimer English|Maritime English]], not readily understood by outsiders. A small part of the language has been captured in [[Herb Curtis]]' 1991 book, "Look what the Cat drug in - a Miramichi Dictionary" , and Doug Underhill's 1996 "City of Miramichi - An interpretive guide". Visitors may find a few words and expressions useful when visiting the region:
Geography
* Nor'wst - the [[Northwest Miramichi River]]
* Sou'wst - the main [[Southwest Miramichi River]]
* L'il Sou'wst - the [[Little Southwest Miramichi River]], a tributary to the [[Northwest Miramichi River]]
* North Pole - [[North Pole Stream]], a tributary to the [[Little Southwest Miramichi River]]
* Skunk Ridge - a neighbourhood in the former town of Newcastle
* Back Lots - The area North of McKinnon Road in the former Village of Douglastown
The River
* Bogan - a small still-water channel set apart from the main river channel
* Boatin' - canoeing
* Runnin' - canoeing downstream
* Polin' - canoeing, possibly upstream, but navigating with the use of a long pole, rather than a paddle
* Sport - a paying guest at a fishing camp
* Hole - a deep pool in the river frequented by salmon
Weather
* Warm - too hot to bear
* A touch cool - unbearably cold
Quality
* Good - okay
* Some good - very good
* Right some good - wow! amazingly good!
* Right some jeezly good - world's finest, unbelievably good
Miscellaneous
* Government Dairy - liquor store
* Lad - an ageless, gender-neutral term used in reference to anyone: an elderly gentleman (or woman, or possibly pet canine), a child, a youth, or anyone in between
* Moosebird - [[gray jay|grey jay]]
* Run - a mass of fish, usually salmon, heading upstream
* Tear - a wild party
* Ugly - angry
* Lie - a really, good story (possibly even the truth)
* The Absolute Truth - probably complete fiction
Expressions
* How's she going - How are you?
==Recreation==
The city offers a full range of summer and winter [[sports]] programs and facilities, including recreation centres, swimming pools, a [[golf]] course, and rinks for [[skating]], [[curling]] and [[ice hockey]]. The city, however, is best known as a haven for outdoor sport enthusiasts. The river offers gently meandering, and challenging whitewater opportunities for [[canoe]] and [[kayak]], and superb angling for [[Atlantic Salmon]] and [[brook trout]]. About one-half of the sport catch of [[Atlantic salmon]] in [[North America]] are landed on the [[Miramichi River]] and its tributaries. The warm waters of [[Miramichi Bay]] offer an ideal setting for [[sailing]] enthusiasts during summer. The snowy winters are welcomed by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. An extensive network of trails is available for [[hiking]], [[cycling]], [[birding]], [[skiing]], and [[snowmobiling]].
== Education ==
Miramich is served by 11 public schools operated by the New Brunswick Department of Education. Post-secondary education, including a distance education component from the [[University of New Brunswick]], is offered primarily through the Miramichi campus of [[New Brunswick Community College]].
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'''Public schools'''
[[New Brunswick School District 11]] (French):
* [[École Carrefour Beausoleil]] (K-12)
[[New Brunswick School District 16]] (English):
* [[High Schools]]:
** ''[[James M. Hill Memorial High School]]''
** ''[[Miramichi Valley High School]]''
* [[Middle Schools]]:
** ''[[Dr. Losier Middle School]]''
** ''[[Harkins Middle School]]''
* [[Elementary Schools]]:
** ''[[Croft Elementary School]]''
** ''[[Gretna Green Elementary School]]''
** ''[[Harkins Elementary School]]''
** ''[[Ian Baillie Primary School]]''
** ''[[Nelson Rural School]]''
** ''[[St. Andrew’s Elementary School]]''
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'''Private schools'''
* ''Karasek School Of Dance''
* ''[[L.F.M. Memorial Academy]]''
* ''Miramichi Taekwondo Academy''
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'''Post-secondary'''
* Public:
** ''[[New Brunswick Community College]], Miramichi Campus''
* Private:
** ''Miramichi Career College''
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==Prominent Citizens - Past and Present ==
[[Image:Old Manse Library.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Beaverbrook House, formerly the Old Manse Library, and earlier the boyhood home of [[Max Aitken]], Lord Beaverbrook, in Newcastle, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 1983)]]
* [[Richard Bedford Bennett]] (11th Prime Minister of Canada)
* [[David Adams Richards]] (writer)
* [[Valerie Sherrard]] (writer)
* Doug Underhill (writer)
* Susan Butler (singer)
* [[Raymond Fraser]] (writer)
* [[Frank McKenna]] (former MLA, NB premier, and ambassador)
* [[Yvon Durelle]] (boxing great)
* [[Louise Manny]] (historian)
* [[Lord Beaverbrook]] - Max Aitken (philanthropist, newspaper magnate)
* [[Joseph Leonard O'Brien]] (lieutenant-governor, politician, businessman)
* [[Jabez Bunting Snowball]] (lieutenant-governor, politician, businessman)
* [[W.S. Loggie]] (politician, businessman)
* [[Richard Hutchison]] (politician, businessman)
* [[Michael Whelan (poet)]]
* [[Peter Mitchell (politician)|Peter Mitchell (politician, father of confederation)]]
* [[Joseph Cunard]], brother of [[Samuel Cunard]] (businessman)
* [[Alexander Rankin]]
* [[John Ambrose Street]]
* [[William Davidson (lumberman)|William Davidson]] (pioneer, businessman, politician)
* Richard Denys, son of [[Nicolas Denys]] (fur-trader)
==Tourism==
[[Image:Miramichi Doaktown.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The abandoned [[Canada Eastern Railway]] bridge over the [[Southwest Miramichi River]] at [[Doaktown, New Brunswick|Doaktown]] (IR Walker 1988).]]
[[Image:Flahertys Pitch.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Flaherty's Pitch" on the [[Little Southwest Miramichi River]] (IR Walker 2006).]]
With its rich history and scenic landscape, the city attracts visitors from all over the world. The greatest attraction, beyond all else, is the [[Miramichi River]].
====Attractions====
;Miramichi River
The [[Miramichi River]] is the centre of all activity. The communities that compose the city lines its banks. It's many tributaries offer perhaps the greatest sports fishing experience in the world. The river is a delight for boating enthusiasts. It is beautiful! It is the greatest source of Miramichi pride.
;Beaubears Island
[[Beaubears Island]], located in the middle of the Miramichi River between Newcastle and Nelson-Miramichi, is is home to two National Historic Sites, Boishébert National Historic Site of Canada and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada, J. Leonard O'Brien Memorial. The island is recognized for its role in the [[Great Upheaval|Acadian Expulsion]], and as the former home of a major shipbuilding industry.<ref name=beau>[http://www.mightymiramichi.com/breadnmolasses/id172.html "Beaubears Island"], by Joyce LeBlanc, retrieved [[August 21]], [[2006]].</ref>
;Enclosure Campground
Also known as Wilson's point, this location marks the area of Miramichi that was first developed by settlers. It, along with Beaubear's Island, was involved in the Acadian Expulsion. It now serves as a campground and contains kilometres of walking trails.
;French Fort Cove
[[Image:French fort Cove.JPG|thumb|left|190px|French Fort Cove, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 2007)]]
[[French Fort Cove]] is a nature park located between Newcastle and Nordin. The park contains regular and advanced walking trails, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boats, a children's playground, and an ice-cream shop. The park holds many events and activities during the summer.
It is the former site of a gristmill, lumbermill and shipyard. It is also the former location of a rock quarry which was used to build many local buildings and the [[Langevin Block]] of the [[Parliament Hill]], among others.
It is the setting for the local legend of the [[Headless Nun]].<ref>[http://www.frenchfortcove.com/stonequarry.html "Story Quarry"], ''French Fort Cove Nature Park'', retrieved [[August 21]], [[2006]].</ref>
;Middle Island
[[Image:Middle Island Miramichi Memorial.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Irish Memorial on Middle Island, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 2007)]]
Middle Island was used as a quarantine station when, in 1847, [[typhus]] and [[scarlet fever]] spread throughout the ship Looshtauk as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Of the 462 passengers on board, at least 146 people died en route and 96 died while in quarantine.<ref name=middle>[http://www.mightymiramichi.com/breadnmolasses/id173.html "Middle Island Irish Historical Park"], ''Bread n' Molasses'', retrieved [[August 16]], [[2006]].</ref> Initially those who died on the island were buried in caskets, but as the death toll continued to rise personal resting places could no longer be an option. This resulted in large mass graves being placed on the island. Some of these graves were discovered as recently as 1996.
Many people are able to trace their family roots back to the journey taken by the Looshtauk.
The island now serves as a tourist location and memorial.
;Rankin House
[[Alexander Rankin]] and James Gilmour came to the area in 1812 to establish a lumber and shipbuilding enterprise (Gilmour, Rankin & Co.) at Douglastown (then known as Gretna Green). Rankin House was constructed in 1837 as the home of Alexander Rankin.
Rankin House is now a museum containing a collection of objects relating to early life in New Brunswick. It is located in Douglastown on the King George Highway.<ref>[http://www.miramichimemories.com/id9.html "Rankin House"], ''Miramichi Memories'', retrieved [[August 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
;Ritchie Wharf
Ritchie Wharf is a park located on the waterfront of Newcastle-Miramichi. It is the location of many events that take place on the river, and is often the location of choice for local musicians.
Its boardwalk is lined with restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops, and it is also the location of a tourist information centre. In addition, there is a children's playground with a small water park.
;Marine (Seamen's) Hospital
[[Image:MiramichiMarineHospital.JPG|thumb|left|190px|Marine Hospital, Miramichi, New Brunswick (IR Walker 2008)]]
The Marine Hospital was built in 1830-1831, and was used to provide care to members of the shipping community involved in the lumber trade. It is the oldest surviving marine hospital in Canada, and now serves as a hall for a local church and the general public. It last opened its door to patients in 1921, and was commemorated by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in September 2000.<ref>[http://www.miramichi.org/en/visit-historic-e.asp "Historic Sites"], ''City of Miramichi'', retrieved [[August 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
==Twin City==
*[[Image:Flag of Ireland.svg|20px| ]] [[Monaghan]], Ireland. In 1999 Miramichi was twinned with the [[County Monaghan]] in [[Ireland]]. Monaghan, a county of some 55,000 people, is located in the north-east of the Republic of Ireland on the border with Northern Ireland. This link denotes the strong ancestral bonds between Ireland and New Brunswick and Canada generally. Each year delegations from Monaghan and Miramichi exchange visits.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
*[http://www.inmgroup.net/jeep1/history/?Lang=EN Miramichi History]
*[http://bridges.nblighthouses.com/ New Brunswick Covered Bridges]
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=47.009640,-65.542202&spn=0.118721,0.160632&t=k&hl=en Google Map]
*[http://www.beaubearsisland.ca/ Beaubear's Island]
*[http://www.frenchfortcove.com/ French Fort Cove]
*[http://www.historicmiddleisland.com/ Historic Middle Island]
*[http://www.localdirectorymaps.com/localdirectorymap.php?id=28 Local Directory Maps - Map of Miramichi City]
* [http://www.kevinmccorrytv.com/lifestory-2.html McCorry's Memoirs Era 2: Where am I? In the Village of My Childhood (1972-7)] - Written by Kevin McCorry
* [http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nb-25_metric_e.html Miramichi Weather]
{{Subdivisions of New Brunswick}}
[[Category:Miramichi, New Brunswick|*]]
[[Category:Coastal towns in Canada]]
[[Category:Communities in Northumberland County, New Brunswick]]
[[Category:Cities in New Brunswick]]
[[fr:Miramichi (Nouveau-Brunswick)]]
[[pt:Miramichi]]
[[vo:Miramichi]]