The number of people calling the Town of Drumheller home has grown by 2.67 per cent over a five-year period, and the Town is preparing for expected continued growth.
According to the Alberta government website, the population of Drumheller grew from 8,171 in 2019 to 8,430 in 2023--a growth of 2.67 per cent, and a year-over-year growth of 2.28 per cent from a population of 8,242 in 2022.
“Population growth is a good thing, because it enables local businesses to find the people they need to expand,” said Town of Drumheller communications officer Erica Crocker in an email. “It also helps with investment attraction, as new business coming to Drumheller and surrounding area need talent. Additionally, new residence also support the commercial businesses in town, which helps with having more services locally.”
In March 2023, the Town completed its Housing Strategy, and this growth is in line with this document, which projects the Town could see between 8,528 and 8,614 residents by 2026, and upwards of 9,032 residents by 2031.
As the population continues to grow, additional pressures will be placed on the Town’s existing infrastructure, such as water and wastewater services. This pressure is expected to be further compounded by increasing tourism to the Drumheller Valley.
“The Town has great land inventory with serviced lots for both residential, and commercial expansion. There are also private options for people and companies considering a move to town,” shares Ms. Crocker.
She adds there have been “several housing builders” who have been active locally this year. The Town’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) have both undergone changes within the last three years which has allowed some flexibility for different developments within Drumheller. This includes the addition of secondary suites, mix-use and high density properties.
Master plan documents for the Town’s water and wastewater services have also been developed in preparation for a growing population. This includes planning for underground services such as sanitary services over the course of a 25 year period.
Population numbers do include some inmates at the Drumheller Institution according to the Alberta government; however, not all inmates currently serving at the Institution are included in these numbers, and a breakdown of how many inmates were included in this count was not available.
