Dieppe, a city in the Canadian maritime province of New Brunswick, is a blend of rich history and modern development. As of 2021, it is the fourth-largest city in the province, with a population of 28,114. The city expanded its boundaries on 1 January 2023 by annexing parts of two neighbouring local service districts.
Dieppe's history and identity date back to the eighteenth century. Initially known as Leger's Corner, it was incorporated as a town under the Dieppe name in 1952 and designated as a city in 2003. The name Dieppe was adopted in 1946 to commemorate the Second World War's Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid of 1942.
Dieppe is officially a francophone city, with 63.8% of the population speaking French as their mother tongue. English speakers make up 24% of the population, while 3% are bilingual, speaking both French and English. The remaining 8% speak other languages. The residents of Dieppe speak French with a unique regional accent, colloquially known as "Chiac". Dieppe is the largest predominantly francophone city in Canada outside Québec.
Dieppe's history is deeply rooted in Acadian culture. The first pioneers to settle in the area were Acadians from the Petitcoudiac and Shepody regions. They founded Sylvabreau in 1730, followed by the Melanson family at Fox Creek in 1746 and the LeBlanc and Boudreau families at Chartersville in 1776. Before the arrival of Acadian settlers, the southern part of the province was inhabited by the Algonquin people.
Dieppe underwent several transformations before becoming the city it is today. After the British expulsion of the Acadians, the area was known as Upper Village and was settled by the Surette, Maillet, and Thibodeau families. By 1900, the area around the intersection of the new road and the old road (Acadie Avenue) became known as Léger's Corner. The community continued to grow, and in 1946, it was incorporated as a municipal village and renamed Dieppe. The city continued to expand, annexing several villages and local service districts. By 2001, Dieppe's population had grown to nearly 15,000, and on January 1, 2003, it was incorporated as a city.
Dieppe's geographic area is a union of Acadian parishes and villages. The downtown area, Léger's Corner, is home to businesses, professionals, banking institutions, office buildings, restaurants, a public square, a cultural centre, and a farmers market. Other neighbourhoods include Chartersville, the Dieppe Boulevard sector, Fox Creek/Dover, Lakeburn, Painsec North, and Saint-Anselme.
Dieppe boasts thirty-five parks and green spaces, including one city park, fourteen green spaces, twenty neighbourhood parks, green islands, and a growing number of trails and bicycle paths.
Dieppe hosts several festivals, including the Dieppe Kite International and the Dieppe Friendship Carnival. The Dieppe Kite International attracts kite flyers from several countries, while the Dieppe Friendship Carnival is a winter celebration featuring sleigh rides, skating on the pond, fiddle music, community breakfasts, and more.
Dieppe is home to several attractions, including the Honoré Melanson Village, the Odyssée monument, and the Veterans Cenotaph. The city also has several prominent buildings, such as the Saint Anselme Church, the Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus Church, and the Joseph-Doiron House.
Dieppe offers a variety of shopping options, including Champlain Place, the largest single-building shopping centre in Atlantic Canada, and the Bass Pro Complex, which includes a Cineplex Theatre, Chapters Bookstore, and a Bass Pro Shop.
Dieppe is served by the Greater Moncton International Airport, which was officially opened in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II. The city's public transit system, Codiac Transpo, provides services seven days a week. Dieppe is also connected by several roads and bridges, including the Fox Creek Bridge and the Hall's Creek Bridge.
Dieppe has two sister cities: Dieppe, Normandy, France, and Carencro, Louisiana, United States. These relationships foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the cities.
In conclusion, Dieppe, New Brunswick, is a city that beautifully blends history and modernity. Whether you're interested in exploring its rich Acadian history, enjoying its parks and festivals, or shopping at its bustling centres, Dieppe has something for everyone.
