Richibucto
# Richibucto

Richibucto is a former town in Kent County, New Brunswick, Canada. It held town status prior to 2023 and is now part of the town of Beaurivage.

## Geography

The town is situated on the Richibucto River where it discharges into the Northumberland Strait.

## History

Richibucto had been the location of an annual Mi'kmaq summer coastal community prior to British colonisation. The town takes its name from "Elsipogtog" or "L'sipuktuk" Mi'kmaq terms meaning "river of fire". It is believed the term was mispronounced, or misunderstood from the Mi'kmaq language. See Elsipogtog First Nation.

On 1 January 2023, Richibucto amalgamated with the village of Saint-Louis de Kent and all or part of four local service districts to form the new town of Beaurivage. The community's name remains in official use.

## Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Richibucto had a population of 1,411 living in 649 of its 704 total private dwellings, a change of 11.5% from its 2016 population of 1,266. With a land area of 11.9 $km^2$ (4.6 sq mi), it had a population density of $118.6/km^2$ (307.1/sq mi) in 2021.

| Religion | Population | Pct (%) |
| - | - | - |
| Catholic | 1,285 | 95.90% |
| Protestant | 45 | 3.36% |
| No religious affiliation | 10 | 0.75% |
| Income type | By CAD |
| Per capita income | $16,541 |
| Median Household Income | $34,809 |
| Median Family Income | $39,057 |
| Language | Population | Pct (%) |
| French | 805 | 63.39% |
| English | 375 | 29.53% |
| Non-Official Languages | 45 | 3.54% |
| Multiple responses | 45 | 3.54% |

## Economy

The downtown area, situated on the mouth of the river, has commercial fishing wharves, several restaurants, and local stores. The economy is dominated by lobster and deep sea fishing.

## Attractions

* St. Louis de Gonzague Roman Catholic Church was completed in 1965. Designed by Belanger and Roy of Moncton, it was inspired by the designs of the Spanish architect, Félix Candela.

## Notable people

* Kate McPhelim Cleary (1863–1905), novelist
* Murray MacLaren (1861–1942), doctor, politician
* George McLeod (1836–1905),
* James D. Phinney (November 17, 1844 – ) lawyer, judge, politician
* Henry Powell (1855–1930), politician
* Louis Robichaud (1925–2005), former Premier of New Brunswick
* Peter Veniot (1863–1926), former Premier of New Brunswick
* Charles Wesley Weldon (1830–1896), lawyer, politician
