Beresford, New Brunswick, is a community rich in history and natural beauty. Once a town in Gloucester County, Beresford held town status until 2023. Today, it is part of the town of Belle-Baie, a result of an amalgamation that has added to its historical significance.
On January 1, 2023, Beresford underwent a significant change. It amalgamated with three villages, seven local service districts (LSDs), and parts of three other LSDs to form the new town of Belle-Baie. Despite this change, the community's name, Beresford, remains in use for addresses, preserving its historical identity.
Beresford is beautifully situated on the shore of Nepisiguit Bay, which is part of Chaleur Bay. It lies immediately north of the city of Bathurst, offering a blend of coastal charm and urban proximity.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Beresford had a population of 4,294 living in 2,013 of its 2,225 total private dwellings. This represented a slight change of 0.1% from its 2016 population of 4,288. With a land area of 19.24 km2 (7.43 sq mi), it had a population density of 223.2/km2 (578.0/sq mi) in 2021. Interestingly, 79% of the former town's residents are francophone, adding to the cultural diversity of Beresford.
The linguistic landscape of Beresford is predominantly French, with 79% of the residents being francophone. This linguistic diversity adds to the cultural richness of the community.
Beresford is home to several attractions that draw visitors from near and far. One of the main attractions is its beach, renovated in the late 1990s. The beach features an observation tower overlooking the marshes, a boardwalk, and change room, restroom, and shower facilities. On warm summer nights, it's not uncommon to find local musicians showcasing their talents at the beach.
Every year, Beresford hosts a carnival called "Carnaval du Siffleux". The carnival features sculptures made of snow collected by ploughing parking lots, displayed all around town. This is one of the many activities available to Beresford residents during this carnival. However, in recent years, fewer sculptures have been seen around the time of the festival, adding a touch of nostalgia to this beloved event.
