Nestled in the southwestern corner of York County, McAdam, New Brunswick, Canada, is a quaint village with a rich history and a vibrant community spirit. Covering an area of 14.28 square kilometers, McAdam has seen its population grow from 1,151 in 2016 to 1,225 in 2018, marking the first time the community's population has increased since 1956.
The area that is now McAdam was first settled in the mid-to-late 19th century as a group of small lumber camps. Its strategic location as a railway junction between the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway and branch lines to St. Stephen, St. Andrews, and Woodstock led to its development. The village was an important stop for passenger, freight, and military trains during the World Wars, with a large railway station built to accommodate travelers.
However, the conversion of locomotives from steam power to diesel in the 1950s, coupled with highway improvements and increased trucking in the 1960s and 1970s, led to a decline in McAdam's importance for rail transport. This resulted in significant economic challenges for the community in the latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century.
McAdam is situated in the New Brunswick Highlands. As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the village had a population of 1,173 living in 534 of its 600 total private dwellings. This marked a 1.9% increase from its 2016 population of 1,151.
The village's population growth since 2018 has been attributed to initiatives such as selling lots for $1 and expanding the local campground. More recently, families have been attracted to McAdam for its small-town rural charm and city-like amenities, including schools, municipal water and sewer, and essential shopping needs.
McAdam has a rich entertainment history. In 1965, the most-watched movie in the village was The Sound of Music, screened at the Vogue Movie Theatre. In 1994, Eatons filmed a television commercial at the train station, and in 2016, Jonny Harris made his celebrity debut at McAdam High School on CBC’s Still Standing.
The village offers a wide variety of recreational facilities for all ages. These include the Youth Centre - Warriors Den, an outdoor skating rink, a tennis court, a basketball court, a walking trail, two gymnasiums, a weight room, two baseball fields, two parks, a seniors club, and a beach.
Despite the challenges faced in the past, McAdam has shown resilience and adaptability. Recent fundraising efforts have led to renovations and restoration efforts for the railway station, which now serves as a museum and tourist attraction. The village also hosted the 2009 New Brunswick Day to generate awareness of its rich history.
With its unique blend of history, community spirit, and rural charm, McAdam, New Brunswick, is a village with a bright future. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for a peaceful place to call home, McAdam has something to offer everyone.
