Population timeline
* Population data gather from
Pictou Island, Nova Scotia: It's History and People (2009). Kenneth MacCallum.
1800'S - EARLY 1900'S
Settlement
1861 - 1911
1921
Three Irish families were sent by SIr Alexander Thomas Chocrane in 1814 on a mission to settle Pictou Island. These settlers were driven off of the Island in 1819 by Scottish settlers who had come from the Mainland. Roughly 59 settlers resided on the Island by 1828.
Between 1861 - 1911, the Island population plateaued at 161. This was during one of the most successful economic periods in Island history. The agricultural climate, fisheries industry, canneries and quarries were all experiencing growth in product and employment. After 1911, the population increased to 197.
The Island population reached an all-time high in 1921 at a count of 225. At this point in time, the Island had a well established economy, schoolhouse, and transportation system. Also, many Islanders began marrying outside of the Island community and returning once wed, which contributed significantly to the population growth on the Island.
Mid to late 1900's
1950 - 1970
1970
Post 1970
The Island's population lowered to 151 and plateaued once again between 1950-1970. This drop was the consequence of an impending school closure on the Island, as well as a downturn in economy after the closure of the canneries and decrease in Island-based fisheries. This era in time marked the beginning of Mainland migration for many Islanders.
After the closure of the Island's school, the population lowered drastically to 21 people. Many families were forced to move off of the Island or send their children to boarding houses on the Mainland to attend school, consequentially driving the Island's population down significantly.
in 1974, a small group of young people moved to the Island and worked in fisheries off of Pictou Island. Their presence and desire to work in the community was influential to the continued presence.
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Today, the Island is home to 9 permanent, full-time residents but is also a popular location for seasonal recreational homes and cottages.