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Population squeaks by RCMP payment
2011 census results show Didsbury population just under 5,000
Statistics Canada has released initial population census figures for 2011, and the results have the Town of Didsbury breathing a sigh of relief.
The updated Didsbury population came in at 4,957, just under the 5,000 mark that would have resulted in the town being required to pay for its RCMP officers.
“We’re glad that it stayed under [5,000], that was the key trigger for the RCMP payment,” said Mayor Brian Wittal. “It’s a sigh of relief, there’s some breathing room for how we are going to manage that.”
The next census will be in another five years, and while Wittal predicts that the population will, very likely, be over 5,000 in that time, the half a decade span will allow the town to build reserves to fund future expenses and be prepared, should the province change the way the payment is to be done.
“They may come up with a new funding formula, that could change, possibly to a per capita basis for all of the area,” said Wittal. “Right now it’s based on rurals paying no extra fee, and urban paying a certain percentage. We just want it to be in balance.”
As for the growth of Didsbury, the population has increased by 15.1 per cent, up from 4,275.
Alberta is currently leading the nation in population growth at 10 per cent, above the national average of five per cent.
“As things continue to progress outside the Calgary area, things are going to pick up around here, both in commercial and residential,” said Wittal. “We’re expecting by this summer to be back into a busy time.”
The upped population is also good news for Didsbury’s residential statistics, with the town’s updated development statistics showing an increase in that area to reflect the new population.
“They’re all optimistic signs, there’s some decent growth within the town itself, like with the upcoming Bethany centre and Shantz Crossing,” said Wittal. “It’s positive growth.”
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