Statistics Canada’s latest release of the 2016 Federal Census information suggests Red Deer’s population is aging along with the rest of the nation, but at a slower rate.

Census figures state Red Deer’s senior proportion (65 and older) of the total population is increasing.

From 2011 to 2016, the City’s population grew 10.9%, but the proportion of the population who are seniors grew 27.4%, constituting 12% of Red Deer’s total population.

Overall, Red Deer still has a very healthy proportion of people of working age (15 to 64 years of age) which account for 69.4% of Red Deer’s total population in 2016 with an increase of 8% between 2011 and 2016; 18.6% of Red Deer’s total population were children (14 years and younger) in 2016, showing an increase of 12.8% from 2011.

However, it has remained stable as proportion of the total population from 18.3% in 2011.

Aging populations across Canadian municipalities are prompting more focus on seniors’ and accessibility needs in infrastructure, housing, transit, and social and recreational planning.

“The federal census information always provides us with valuable insights into the demographics of our citizenry,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “This latest data allows us to best respond to the needs of our senior population and proactively plan for the requirements of our community in a sustainable way.”

Comparing the dwelling types between 2011 and 2016 and between Red Deer and Canada, single family homes are still the most popular category of housing in Red Deer, but following the national trend, there has been growth in the proportion of multi-family housing:

The proportion of single family homes in Red Deer decreased very slightly from 54.4% to 52.7%, while the proportion of duplexes increased from 2.9% to 3.8%. The proportion of townhouses/row houses increased from 9.7% to 10.1% and the proportion of apartments under five storeys increased slightly from 20.2% to 21%.

This information comes from Statistic Canada’s second release of information from the 2016 Federal Census. For more go to http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/170503/dq170503a-eng.htm?HPA=1

– Fawcett