The Town of Penhold's population count is in and unofficially stands at 2,842.
“Results of our 2014 census have been reported, and pending an audit, it is approximately 15 per cent higher than our 2012 count of 2,476,” said Rick Binnendyk, the town's chief administrative officer. “We knew we had growth. We aren't surprised at the numbers.”
An audit is expected to be completed this month to finalize the numbers. Government grants are based on population, with $292 per person coming from federal and provincial sources for roads, social programs, policing and other local services.
“We have had 180 people moving into Penhold per year for two years,” said Dennis Cooper, the town's mayor. “What people are telling me is that we (Penhold) are their first choice for relocation with all of the services we are now able to offer. I have been told that this is a great place to raise a family and that means what we are doing is working.”
He went on to say their efforts to work with the school board on Penhold Crossing Secondary School, and their consultation with Laebon and Melcor developers, are producing fruit.
“We are trying to stay ahead of development with good planning,” said Binnendyk. “As we are growing rapidly, we will be looking at longer term planning and doing more in-depth analysis of our growth. As late as last (month), we had nine new building permits from Laebon, and work has begun on 51 small lots across from the multiplex.”
Binnendyk added that a secondary water reservoir will be built on the Melcor (Oxford Landing) quarter to enhance water service for the new development.
“We have to stay ahead of the curve as much as we can,” said Binnendyk. “If someone wants to build, we are ready for them.”
Cooper added Penhold is becoming more than a bedroom community, and more of a place for young families. He also said there is a concentrated effort to work on the old area of town to upgrade the sidewalks.
“We cannot just work on the new areas and ignore the core of our town for so many years,” said Cooper, who is looking forward to the future of Penhold. “As we grow, we have to ask the question, what does Penhold need now? I guess the future will tell.”
