Hanwell, New Brunswick, is a captivating rural community nestled within Kingsclear Parish in York County, Canada. Conveniently located on Route 640, just southwest of Fredericton, Hanwell is a testament to the region's rich history and vibrant community life.
Hanwell's history is deeply rooted in its namesake, Hanwell, West London, England. The community was named by Thomas Baillie, an Englishman born in Hanwell, who brought Irish immigrants to settle in the area in 1825. Initially a local service district (LSD) and a farming community, Hanwell underwent significant development in the 1970s with the construction of two residential subdivisions.
The LSD was officially incorporated as the Rural Community of Hanwell on May 23, 2014, marking a significant milestone in its history. The rural community's first election was held shortly before the official incorporation, on May 12, 2014, with the first council's oath of office and meeting following on May 27, 2014.
On January 1, 2023, Hanwell expanded its boundaries by annexing the northern part of the local service district of the parish of Kingsclear. This annexation included the communities of French Village, Island View, and Mazerolle Settlement, whose names remain in official use.
Hanwell, New Brunswick, is home to a variety of communities, each with its unique charm. These include Birchwood Estates, Brookdale Gardens, Brookdale Subdivision, Cobblestone Estates, Deerwood Acres, Eagle Ridge, Eaglewood Subdivision, Greer Subdivision, Somerset Park, and Starlite Village.
The community also encompasses the picturesque Yoho Lake, which boasts lakefront homes and a Scouts Canada lodge, adding to the area's appeal.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Hanwell had a population of 4,743, living in 1,799 of its 1,887 total private dwellings. This represented a slight increase of 0.9% from its 2016 population of 4,700. With a land area of 152.06 km2 (58.71 sq mi), Hanwell had a population density of 31.2/km2 (80.8/sq mi) in 2021.
Hanwell is home to Kingswood Park, a large entertainment centre and golf course that attracts visitors from far and wide. The Hanwell Recreation Park is another popular attraction, offering a variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful rural retreat, Hanwell, New Brunswick, has something for everyone.
