valley, creating the city of Miramichi. In 1998, the federal government opened a central processing site for the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) in Chatham. The office is dedicated to implementing the Firearms Act, and will maintain the records of all registered firearms in the country. The office employs several hundred civil servants and has helped to offset employment losses from the base closure. CFP celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of Central Processing Site in Miramichi, New Brunswick in 2008. Today, Chatham is known for its annual Irish Festival. It also has become something of a retirement community, offering good quality, affordable housing. The married quarters of the former military base have been converted to a retirement village, called RMI, or "Retirement Miramichi" they offer low rental rates, and have 276 units. Maintenance is provided as well as lawn care Notable people Richard Bedford Bennett, (1870-1947) Prime Minister of Canada Martin Cranney, (1795-1870) Irish immigrant who was elected as representative of Northumberland County in the 14th New Brunswick Legislative Assembly. Joseph Cunard, (1799-1865) of Halifax, a prosperous businessman who was the brother of Samuel, founder of the famous steamship line. Raymond Fraser, (1941-2018) novelist, story writer, poet, biographer. James M. Hill, (1899-1962) born and raised in Chatham, became Bishop of Victoria, British Columbia. John Mercer Johnson, (1819-1868) elected to the House of Assembly of New Brunswick. Also served in several appointed positions and was a Member of Parliament. Allan Legere, (1948- ) serial killer also known as the Monster of the Miramichi W. S. Loggie, (1850-1944) was a Member of Parliament and a preeminent Chatham merchant of his era (1880–1925). Frank McKenna, (1948- ) former premier of New Brunswick and later Canadian Ambassador in Washington, was the member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick for Chatham. John Ralston, (1964-) plays George Venturi on the Canadian Family Channel comedy Life with Derek. Jabez Bunting Snowball, (1837-1907) prominent entrepreneur and Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick. Patrick William Riordan, (1841-1914) Archbishop of San Francisco. Lemuel John Tweedie, (1849-1917) 8th Premier of the Province of New Brunswick (1900-1907), Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick (1908-1912). Kevin Vickers, (1956- ) Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons of Canada (2006-2015), Canadian Ambassador to Ireland (2015-2019). References External links Neighbourhoods in Miramichi, New Brunswick Populated places disestablished in 1995 Former towns in New Brunswick