“Results of the 2007 Census indicate growth is down slightly over previous years. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report on Alberta’s Housing Bloom speculates that accelerating housing prices and a lack of residential vacancies may be contributing factors to the decline from 2006,” said Kelly Kloss, Manager of Legislative & Administrative Services.
“While growth in 2007 is moderately lower than the past few years, which had increases of 4.92 per cent in 2006, 4.2 per cent in 2005 and 4.45 per cent in 2004, Red Deer continues to grow at a healthy rate.”
The strongest growth occurred in the areas of Inglewood with 1,337 new residents, Johnstone Park with 763, Westlake with 292, and Oriole Park West with 284. Slight declines in population were experienced in the other areas, which may indicate:
The census taken this year was fairly basic, asking the number of people living in the household, and the genders and year of birth of each person in the household. Additionally, residents were asked if they are a Canadian Citizen, to assist in determining eligible voters for the 2007 municipal election; the language most often spoken at home, to assist City departments and other agencies know how to better serve our diverse population; and where each person works, which will provide information for The City’s Traffic Study to assist in determining travel patterns in the city.
The 2007 Census Report is expected to be released by the end of June.
“We greatly appreciate the citizens who willingly provided the information we require on an annual basis,“ noted Kloss. “Without participation and cooperation of our residents we would be unable to acquire this important information.”
Backgrounder attached.
-end-
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Kloss
Manager
Legislative & Administrative Services
The City of Red Deer
(403) 342-8132
