Penniac, New Brunswick

Penniac is a community in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, located about 10 kilometres northeast of Fredericton. Penniac has a proud rural heritage. Many families have been living in the area for several generations.

Penniac literally means "fork in the river." The aetiology of the name Penniac is uncertain.

Penniac is a small rural community. There is one church and a recreation centre. There are several farms in the area. Penniac has one main road, "The Penniac Road," and one main stream, "The Penniac Stream."

Both the church and recreation centre are active and important parts of the community. The history of the church dates back over one hundred and thirty years.

There is new development in one area of Penniac. This new development was erected on what was once a pristine area of wilderness that was home for hundreds of deer and other animals, as well as a location for a long-standing skating pond. Unfortunately, due to the development, there was a significant number of animals killed. These animals, particularly deer, had their habitat destroyed and then became vulnerable to hunting.

In the spring of 2011, citizens of the Penniac area became aware that government had given permission for Southwest Energy, an American Natural Gas Company, to explore surrounding land. Citizens have rapidly mobilized in opposition to this development after becoming informed on the issue. Main concerns of citizens are the effects on water, industrialization of their community, and the effect on other environmental factors. The concerns of the residents in Penniac are shared by many other New Brunswick citizens who live in the one million hectare area of land that is leased to Southwest Energy.

There are several poems and stories written about Penniac, some of which are featured in a best-selling book entitled "Woods, Faces, Bears and Places."

Penniac United Church

The Penniac United Church is over 130 years old. There are several stories on how it came to be in the location it presently stands. One recollection, is that Alexander Boss Gibson had a desire for there to be a church in Penniac and had the church constructed. Another story says that the church was originally located along the Nashwaak River, but then was re-located to the present location. Regardless of how the church came to be, it plays an important role in the community.

The church congregation is between twenty and thirty members on most Sundays. There is an active Sunday School.