Derby is a geographic parish in Northumberland County, New Brunswick, Canada. For governance, it is entirely part of the incorporated rural community of Miramichi River Valley, which is a member of the Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission. Prior to the 2023 governance reform, the parish was divided between local service districts of Renous-Quarryville and the parish of Derby.

Origin of name

The parish was named in honour of the Earl of Derby, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the time of its erection. William F. Ganong notes that local legend states the parish took its name from horse races held in the area.

History

Derby was erected in 1859 from all of Nelson Parish north of the Southwest Miramichi River plus Beaubears Island.

Boundaries

Derby Parish is bounded:

Evolution of boundaries

The original northern boundary of Derby was a straight line running south 68º west This put parts of modern Southesk in Derby and parts of Derby in Southesk. In 1920 the boundary with Southesk Parish was changed to run along lot lines; these lines were sometimes grant lines and sometimes property lines. Clarifications to the boundary of Southesk in 1953 and 1954 affected Derby, producing the modern boundary.

Communities

Communities at least partly within the parish. italics indicate a name no longer in official use

Bodies of water

Bodies of water at least partly within the parish.

Islands

Islands at least partly within the parish.

Conservation areas

Parks, historic sites, and other noteworthy places at least partly within the parish.

Demographics

Population

Population trend

Language

Mother tongue (2016)

Access routes

Highways and numbered routes that run through the parish, including external routes that start or finish at the parish limits: