Atlantic Oasis: Planning for Immigrant Settlement in Moncton, New Brunswick

Abstract

More people are immigrating to Canada than ever before, but local settlement trajectories are changing. Increasingly, mid- and small-sized cities in Atlantic Canada are facing unprecedented yet coveted growth in immigrant settlement. This study investigates how small cities are considering and accommodating the needs of recent immigrants within their planning policies and practice. Moncton, New Brunswick is a prime example of an ‘aspiring gateway city’ that is now grappling with a changing population. In 2022, Greater Moncton was identified as Canada’s fastest growing Census Metropolitan Area. Through an analysis of Moncton’s municipal policies and semi-structured interviews with planning practitioners and settlement organizations, this research demonstrated a disconnect between urban planning and immigrant settlement planning. Four recommendations emerged from the study, indicating that small municipalities should (1) diversify housing and transit infrastructure, (2) enhance immigrant engagement, (3) prioritize human connection, and (4) improve inter-departmental collaboration.