INNISFAIL – The newly released 2021 population census data from Statistics Canada has leaders from Innisfail and neighbouring Red Deer County feeling happy and secure as both municipalities show enough growth to be realistically optimistic for the future.
On Feb. 9, Statistics Canada released its first batch of 2021 census figures, which included those for population and dwellings.
Innisfail failed to reach the 8,000-citizen population mark for the second federal census in a row. However, the town did show an encouraging 1.8 per cent population increase, from 7,847 in 2016 to 7,947 in 2021.
Innisfail also had more private dwellings since 2016. In 2021, the town recorded 3,670 total private dwellings, compared to 3,509 in 2016.
The town’s new growth performance was also better than its southern municipal rival Olds, which only had a miniscule 0.3 per cent increase, from 9,184 in 2016 to 9,209 in 2021. It's believed to be the lowest census population report since at least 1936. It was also a dramatic drop from the 2016 census that had an 11.5 per cent increase from 2011.
Innisfail’s growth rate in the 2021 census was outpaced by Bowden in the south and Penhold in the north. Bowden’s population increased 3.2 per cent from 1,240 in 2016 to 1,280 in 2021. Penhold had an impressive six per cent population increase from 3,287 in 2016 to 3,484 in 2021.
As for neighbouring Red Deer County, it recorded a 2.1 per cent census increase, from 19,531 in 2016 to 19,933 in 2021. That was decidedly better than neighbouring Mountain View County, which had negative growth of minus 0.7 per cent – from 13,074 residents in 2016 to 12,981 in 2021.
Town of Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay was pleased with the latest growth figures from the first batch of 2021 Statistics Canada census statistics.
She noted new subdivisions are well underway, such as Bella Vista, as well as new housing builds in Hazelwood and in Napoleon Meadows.
“The previous council and administration had a focus on housing,” said Barclay, noting there has also been admirable efforts by administration to market the community outside of Innisfail. “I think we are starting to see the benefits of that and certainly going forward I would say so far into this term housing is certainly a top priority for this council and administration, and we know we need to get some housing supply moving into this community and we are going to find ways to do that.
“We know Innisfail is a great place to live,” she added. “We have so many amenities here, and we just need to show others what we have here and people will come. But we also need the housing supply for people to move here. I would say in that respect we have been somewhat short.”
Jim Wood, mayor of Red Deer County, said his rural municipality has seen continuous growth at both the hamlets and rural communities for several years, and the latest census figures do not come as a surprise.
“We are seeing a lot of new homes on the farms as well, so it is good news to hear,” said Wood, who noted the county has maintained low taxes and only lost 10 citizens due to annexation since the 2016 census. “There is a lot of people who may not have just moved here but they have put a new house up. We are seeing people who are not only coming to the community but you see their intent is to stay in the community.
He is also encouraged to hear citizens talk favourably about the county’s commitment to rural internet, which includes a recent $5 million investment. He added if the county can get new internet systems up to faster speeds it will entice more people to move into the rural municipality.
