Blissfield is a geographic parish in Northumberland County, New Brunswick, Canada.
For governance purposes it is divided mainly between the village of Doaktown and the Greater Miramichi rural district, with small areas along the eastern and western borders belonging to the incorporated rural communities of Miramichi River Valley and Upper Miramichi, respectively. All are members of the Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission.
Prior to the 2023 governance reform, the parish was divided between a much smaller village of Doaktown and the local service district of the parish of Blissfield.
Origin of name Blissfield was named in honour of John Murray Bliss, who was Administrator of the province prior to Lieutenant-Governor Howard Douglas's arrival. Neighbouring Blackville Parish was named in honour of William Black, Administrator of the province due to Douglas's absence at the time both parishes were erected.
History Blissfield was erected in 1830 by the three-way split of Ludlow Parish, Blissfield in the middle and Blackville to the east.
Boundaries Blissfield Parish is bounded: Remainder of parish on maps 68, 76, 77, 85, 86, 96, and 97 at same site. Remainder of parish on mapbooks 216, 217, 230–232, 246–248, 262–264, 279–281, and 295–297 at same site.
on the north by a line beginning at a point on the York County line near McConnell Brook, then running north 72º east by an astronomic bearing to the northeastern corner of Blackville Parish, a point 537 chains (10.8 kilometres) from the Canadian National Railway line through Quarryville on a line running north 22º west from the mouth of the Renous River; on the east by a line running north and south from the mouth of Donnelly Brook, which is on the southern bank of the Southwest Miramichi River west of Upper Blackville Bridge; on the south by the Kent and Sunbury County lines; on the west by a line running north and south from the mouth of Big Hole Brook, which is on the western edge of Doaktown
Evolution of boundaries When Blissfield was erected the eastern line extended to the Westmorland County line, putting part of modern Harcourt Parish in Blissfield.
In 1845 the Kent County line was changed to run southwesterly instead of southeasterly, now meeting the line between Queens and Sunbury Counties. A triangle of wilderness at the southeastern corner was transferred to Kent County.
Communities Communities at least partly within the parish. bold indicates an incorporated municipality; italics indicate a name no longer in official use
Amostown Blissfield Gilks Grand Lake Road Hazelton McGraw Brook Renous Forks Storeytown Weaver Siding Doaktown Russelltown South Road Settlement
Bodies of water Bodies of waterNot including brooks, ponds or coves. at least partly within the parish.
Bartholomew River Cains River Dungarvon River Gaspereau River Renous River Southwest Miramichi River Devils Back Lake Little Lake Shakey Lake
Islands Islands at least partly within the parish. Mercury Island Pine Island Weaver Island Brown Bar Wasson Bar
Other notable places Parks, historic sites, and other noteworthy places at least partly within the parish. Big Rocky Brook Protected Natural Area Doak House Provincial Park Doaktown Airport Dungarvon Whooper Spring Woodlot Protected Natural Area McGraw Brook Picnic Site Plaster Rock-Renous Wildlife Management Area
Demographics Parish population total does not include former incorporated village of Doaktown. Revised census figures based on the 2023 local governance reforms have not been released.
Population Population trendStatistics Canada: 1996, 2001, 2006 censusStatistics Canada Population and dwelling counts, for Canada and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses - 100% data Census Population Change (%) 2016 451 10.0% 2011 501 10.5% 2006 560 11.9% 2001 636 5.6% 1996 674 4.2% 1991 647 N/A
Language Mother tongue (2016) Language Population Pct (%) English only 445 97.8% French only 5 1.1% Other languages 5 1.1% Both English and French 0 0%
See also List of parishes in New Brunswick
Notes
References 2006 Statistics Canada Community Profile: Blissfield Parish, New Brunswick 2011 Statistics Canada Census Profile: Blissfield Parish, New Brunswick