Banff, AB – Banff’s 2014 municipal census was a success, with a 99.9 percent completion rate by identified households and a total population count of 9,386 permanent and temporary residents, a more accurate reflection of the community, says Town of Banff officials.
The count is comprised of 8,421 permanent residents and 965 temporary (shadow) residents. The shadow population is defined as persons who have a permanent residence elsewhere, but are living and employed in Banff on a temporary basis for more than 30 days in 2014. The total population count increased by 13.5 per cent over the 2011 total of 8,244. It’s a 7 per cent increase from the 2007 total of 8,770.
The inclusion of more dwelling units, residents’ cooperation and an easy, online census form were three factors contributing to the improved accuracy, says Randall McKay, manager of planning and development.
“We don’t believe Banff’s population has changed significantly over the past three years,” said McKay. “We believe this count captured more residents than the previous census or the federal census because of our diligent mapping exercise.”
The Town’s comprehensive mapping of addresses resulted in a 20 per cent increase of dwellings counted in 2014; 3,346 dwellings were enumerated in 2014 over 2,783 enumerated in 2011.
Alberta municipalities with a shadow population are required to conduct a census every three years by the provincial government to determine official population count. The information is used by the province to determine funding and grant levels to that community. The Town also uses the demographic data to plan programs and services.
Though the regulations require municipalities to conduct their census between April 1 and June 30, the provincial government granted Banff a 30-day extension so that a more accurate count could be gathered. The census closed on July 31. The Town will submit the results of the census to the provincial government by September 1, 2014. Full details of the census will be reported in third quarter.