Hartland is a charming town nestled in Carleton County, New Brunswick, Canada. Known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, Hartland has much to offer both residents and visitors alike. On 1 January 2023, Hartland expanded its boundaries by annexing all or parts of seven local service districts, significantly increasing its area and population. The names of the annexed communities continue to be used officially, and revised census figures are yet to be released.
Hartland is beautifully situated on the Saint John River in the central-western part of New Brunswick. The town lies in the agricultural heartland of Carleton County, offering stunning views and a serene environment.
The history of Hartland dates back to 1797 when the first settler, William Orser, arrived in the area. The town was officially named Hartland in 1874 in honor of James R. Hartley, a surveyor and MLA. Hartland is the birthplace of two of New Brunswick's 20th-century premiers, Hugh John Flemming and Richard Hatfield, as well as U.S. Congressmen Isaac & Samuel Stephenson and Prince Edward Island's Lieutenant-Governor Barbara Oliver Hagerman. The renowned Canadian poet Alden Nowlan also spent several formative years in Hartland while working for the Hartland Observer newspaper.
Hartland is globally recognized for being home to the Hartland Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the world. The bridge, which is a national historic site, was opened on July 4, 1901, and covered as part of major repairs in 1921. A pedestrian walkway was added in 1945. Hartland was also famous for its salmon pools, located slightly upstream of the Hartland Bridge, before the construction of the Mactaquac Dam.
Hartland serves as the headquarters of the North American trucking company Day & Ross, a subsidiary of McCain Foods. The town is also home to the New Brunswick Bible Institute.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Hartland had a population of 933 living in 374 of its 390 total private dwellings. This represented a -2.5% change from its 2016 population of 957. With a land area of 9.5 km2 (3.7 sq mi), Hartland had a population density of 98.2/km2 (254.4/sq mi) in 2021.
Hartland has experienced several fires throughout its history. On July 15, 1907, an arsonist started a fire that consumed a large part of the town, which was later rebuilt. On October 24, 1946, the town's dehydration plant used for dehydrating potatoes was destroyed by fire, along with the adjacent glucose and starch plants. On August 25, 1980, a fire destroyed many businesses on Main Street.
Being built close to the Saint John River, Hartland is often affected by the annual spring freshet. Ice jams pose a threat to the Hartland Bridge, as it serves as a choke point for loose ice.
