North Rustico

North Rustico
Town

Downtown North Rustico
North Rustico

Location within Prince Edward Island

Coordinates: 46°27′30″N 63°18′45″W / 46.4583°N 63.3125°W / 46.4583; -63.3125Coordinates: 46°27′30″N 63°18′45″W / 46.4583°N 63.3125°W / 46.4583; -63.3125
Country Canada
Province Prince Edward Island
County Queens
Parish Charlotte
Lot Lot 24
Incorporated 1954
Town November 16, 2013[1]
Government
 • Type Town Council
 • Mayor Anne Kirk
 • Deputy Mayor Heather McKenna
 • Councillors Janine Doucette
Nancy MacAdam
Patricia Doucette
Jennifer Purvis
Kevin Keizer
 • CAO Patsy Gamauf
Area
 • Total 2.46 km2 (0.95 sq mi)
Population (2011)
 • Total 583
Time zone AST
 • Summer (DST) ADT (UTC)
Canadian postal code C0A 1X0
Area code(s) 902 (963 exchange)
NTS Map 011L06
GNBC Code BABYB
Website www.northrustico.com

North Rustico is a town located in the northern part of Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

It became an incorporated municipality in 1954. North Rustico became a town on November 16, 2013.[1] The town is known to locals, as well as many others as "The Crick". Part of the Cavendish beaches and the Duneshores Tourism Association, the town encompasses a large part of the Island's north shore resort area.

North Rustico is well known for its Canada Day celebration every year on July 1. The event usually attracts in excess of 10,000 people, which packs the town quite full. It includes festivities in the park, a parade down main street, as well as a boat parade on Rustico Harbour. The celebration is popular among families, teenagers and adults. The day is completed around 10:00 p.m. by a fireworks display over the bay.

History

The village of North Rustico was founded circa 1790, around a small natural harbour along the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast. The region was home to a remnant Acadian population who fled British capture and deportation during the Seven Years' War (see Great Upheaval), although English, Scottish and Irish settlers moved into the area during the remainder of the 18th century and throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The name Rustico comes from Rassicot, who was one of the first settlers from France.

The Farmers' Bank of Rustico in nearby South Rustico was founded and managed under the leadership of Father Georges-Antoine Belcourt, and received Royal Assent for its act of incorporation at the Court of Windsor on April 7, 1864. It is often considered to have been the first community-based bank in Canada. The bank building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1959.[2]

Economy

North Rustico Harbour

North Rustico's primary industries are fishing, tourism and agriculture. Located 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Charlottetown, the town is increasingly becoming an exurb with residents commuting to work in the city.

Since the 1996 census, the town has witnessed a population decline of 2% in year-round residents. During the short summer tourist season on Prince Edward Island in July and August, the village's proximity to the Prince Edward Island National Park results in a temporary population expansion, with many visitors staying in nearby accommodations.

The town has 255 dwellings. The median household income is $126,855, compared with the provincial average of $60,512. Many seasonal homes or cottages are owned by non-residents and are occupied for only several weeks during the summer months.

The fishing industry remains the village's most important economic activity, with approximately 40 vessels home-ported in a small craft harbour. Lobster fishing is the main focus for much of the fleet and during May and June fresh north shore P.E.I lobster can be bought in a fish market on the harbour wharves or directly off of the boats. "Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Suppers[3]", the "Blue Mussel Cafe[4]" and "The Yellow House Take-Out" are popular places to enjoy the fresh seafood of Prince Edward Island.

In the summer, this town is one of the Island's most popular destinations. On a warm summer evening, dozens of people can be found strolling the town's waterfront boardwalk, which overlooks the bay and fishing docks.

Tourism

Boardwalk in Rustico. Tourism is an important part of the local economy.

North Rustico offers sea kayaking, cycling, walking, deep sea fishing, skating, boating, and hiking.

Sports

North Star arena is home to a number of different hockey organizations, allowing players of all ages to exercise and enjoy the game of hockey.[5]

Climate

Similar to other Maritime Provinces Rustico weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Winter temperatures run from -3 to -11, Autumn temperatures run from 8-22, Summer temperatures run around 20, and Spring temperatures run from 8 to 22 degrees.[6]

Education

Nestled atop of Hilltop Avenue in Rustico lies Gulf Shore Consolidated school.[7] The picturesque view is enjoy by grades 1 through 9 as well as kindergarten.[8] French students who do not wish to attend Gulf Shore may attend Ecole Saint-Augustin a mere five minutes away.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 "EC2013-782" (PDF) (PDF). Prince Edward Island Executive Council. November 5, 2013. p. 3. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  2. ↑ Farmers' Bank of Rustico. Canadian Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  3. ↑ "Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Supper, Restaurant & Gift Shop". Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Supper, Restaurant & Gift Shop. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  4. ↑ "Blue Mussel Cafe". bluemusselcafe.com. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  5. ↑ "North Star Arena". northstararena.com. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  6. ↑ Canada, Province of Prince Edward Island,. "Government of PEI: What's the weather like?". www.gov.pe.ca. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  7. ↑ "Gulf Shore Consolidated School". Gulf Shore Consolidated School.
  8. ↑ "Gulf Shore Consolidated School". Gulf Shore Consolidated School. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  9. ↑ "École Saint-Augustin". www.edu.pe.ca. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to North Rustico.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/2/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.