Saint John
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| Saint John | |
|---|---|
| Name | Saint John |
| Settlement type | City |
| Motto | "O Fortunati Quorum Jam Moenia Surgunt" (O fortunate ones whose walls are now rising) |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Canada |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | New Brunswick |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Saint John County |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1604 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1785 |
| Government type | Saint John City Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Donna Reardon |
| Area total km2 | 315.96 |
| Population total | 69395 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | AST |
| Utc offset | -4 |
| Timezone DST | ADT |
| Utc offset DST | -3 |
| Coordinates | 45, 16, N, 66... |
| Elevation m | 0-100 |
| Postal code type | Postal code(s) |
| Postal code | E2K, E2L, E2M, E2P |
| Area code | 506 |
| Website | saintjohn.ca |
Saint John. It is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, founded on the traditional territory of the Passamaquoddy and Mi'kmaq peoples. The city's strategic location at the mouth of the Saint John River where it meets the Bay of Fundy has shaped its history as a pivotal port and industrial centre. Governed by the Saint John City Council, it is a cultural hub for the province of New Brunswick and is renowned for its historic architecture and reversing rapids.
History
The area was first encountered by European explorers, with Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons arriving on June 24, 1604, the feast day of John the Baptist. Following the American Revolutionary War, the city was formally established in 1785 by thousands of United Empire Loyalists fleeing the newly independent United States, including figures like Benedict Arnold. Its growth was fueled by the Napoleonic Wars and the rise of the British wooden sailing ship industry, with the Saint John Shipbuilding yard becoming famous for vessels like the *Marco Polo*. Devastating fires, most notably the Great Fire of 1877, repeatedly reshaped the urban landscape. The 20th century saw the city's economy become dominated by the Irving family's corporate interests, spanning oil, media, and transportation.
Geography
Saint John is situated in the Fundy Basin within the Appalachian region, characterized by rugged coastline and dense forests. Its most famous natural feature is the Reversing Falls, a series of rapids on the Saint John River where the extreme tides of the Bay of Fundy reverse the river's flow twice daily. The city encompasses several prominent peninsulas, including the Central Peninsula and Lancaster, and is home to the protected Irving Nature Park. The Harbour Passage trail system connects key waterfront areas, and the climate is heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Ocean.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Canadian census, the population was recorded at just under 70,000 within the city proper, with a larger metropolitan area exceeding 120,000. The population is predominantly of British and Irish descent, a legacy of 19th-century immigration, with growing communities of First Nations and recent immigrants. The city is part of the Bible Belt and has a significant Protestant population, though Roman Catholic and other faiths are well represented. Key educational institutions include the University of New Brunswick's Saint John campus and the New Brunswick Community College.
Economy
Historically a major shipbuilding and manufacturing centre, the modern economy is anchored by the Port of Saint John, one of Canada's largest and oldest continuous port facilities, handling crude oil, potash, and dry bulk. The Irving Oil Refinery, one of the largest in the country, is a cornerstone employer. Other significant sectors include information technology, with companies like IBM and Salesforce operating centres, healthcare led by the Horizon Health Network, and tourism focused on the city's history and the Bay of Fundy. The Saint John Energy utility is a notable local corporation.
Culture and landmarks
The city boasts a rich cultural scene, including the Imperial Theatre, the Saint John Arts Centre, and the annual Area 506 Waterfront Container Village festival. Historical landmarks are abundant, such as the Carleton Martello Tower, a National Historic Site, the Saint John City Market (Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers' market), and the interconnected Saint John Harbour Passage. Museums like the New Brunswick Museum and the Loyalist House preserve the region's heritage. The city is also known for its collection of Second Empire architecture in the Trinity Royal Heritage Preservation Area.
Government
Saint John operates under a Council-Manager system. The municipal government is led by the Saint John City Council, consisting of a mayor, currently Donna Reardon, and ten councillors elected from wards. The city manager oversees administrative operations. The city is represented in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly by the ridings of Saint John Harbour, Saint John East, and Saint John Lancaster, and federally in the House of Commons of Canada by the electoral districts of Saint John—Rothesay and Fundy Royal. Policing is provided by the Saint John Police Force.
Category:Cities in New Brunswick Category:Port cities and towns in New Brunswick Category:Populated places established in 1785