Consistency is key as Drumheller grows again following the 2011 Census.
The Town of Drumheller saw modest growth over the period since the last census in 2006.
The population went from 7,932 to 8,029, a modest growth of about 1.2 per cent. While it is not a great increase, Mayor Terry Yemen said it is positive simply because, while there has been a period of economic instability, the trend is in the right direction.
In comparing surrounding communities and like-sized towns, the trend is mixed. Hanna saw a decrease in population of about 6 per cent. Beiseker also dropped about 2.4 per cent, Stettler saw an increase of 5.6 per cent and Camrose increased by 10 per cent.
Yemen says he believes the numbers are accurate. Following the 2006 census, the Town of Drumheller paid to conduct a second census with the assertion that growth had been higher. They found the numbers were lower.
Bill Wulff, acting Director of Corporate services for the Town of Drumheller, said the numbers are important because many grant programs are based on per capita.
“Just about all of them are based on per capita,” said Wulff, adding the population at the Drumheller Institution is included in the count.
He says there are a number of reasons people may perceive growth being higher. While there are a number of new faces in town, he said there is attrition; for example when young people leave the valley to study they do not return.
While there has been an increase of new homes being built that could signify growth, Wulff adds those buying houses could be current residents who are moving from the family home, or starting a new family.
Alberta led the way in Canada with the highest percentage of growth (10.8), bested only by the Yukon Territory with 11.6 per cent growth. Overall Canada grew by 5.9 per cent with no province or territory declining.
More information from the 2011 census will be released throughout the year.
