The results of Turner Valley’s municipal census reveal a drastic growth in the community compared to previous years.
A head count that took place from May 15 to June 29 reveals a population of 2,511 residents, an increase of 344 from the 2011 federal census. This year’s total has yet to be officially endorsed by Municipal Affairs.
The previous municipal census in 2008 showed a population of 2,022, up 14 from the 2006 federal census, while the number of new homes built was 11 in 2011, 21 in 2012, 30 in 2013 and 59 last year.
Heather Thomson, Turner Valley manager of legislative services, said the Town chose to conduct its own census with hopes of becoming eligible for additional government funding sooner, rather than waiting for next year’s federal election.
Thomson said this year is the first residents could take the census online.
“We were projecting a 30 per cent online participation and we got 50 per cent so that was remarkable,” she said. “This approach is more accurate and more efficient and there may be some savings too.”
The online census was available to the public two weeks before the Town’s enumerators began going door to door. Thomson said the enumerators went to residences as much as four times to reach people.
“Once the numerators completed every household, including the four door knocks, we could ask neighbours to at least give us the number of homes we didn’t get in touch with if someone was away on holidays,” she said.
The census collected information on age, dwelling type, previous residence, employment type and location, mode of transportation and opinions on public transportation.
Barry Williamson, Turner Valley chief administrative officer, said the results of the census and survey will be presented to Turner Valley town council, as well as development growth comparisons to previous years, at an upcoming council meeting in September.
