A municipal census will now be held every two years starting in 2018. It was originally set for 2017 with the biennial census that was first conducted in 2015.
Mayor Bill Given explains that it is better to not have the next one line up with the municipal election and happen so closely after the federal census.
“The census and the municipal election are conducted by the same department in the city. Each operation takes a significant amount of work and each gets going at about the same period in the year.”
He adds that although it is redundant to have a census held in consecutive years, it is a benefit to the city to have it every two years.
“While Grande Prairie is growing, it is to our benefit to ensure that we have accurate and up to date population numbers. Additionally, census gives us other information about our community that allows us to ensure that we are making informed decisions on the types of services that our residents need.”
Given says it is possible to have the 2018 information taken in an online format to save money for the city but also make it easier for residents to complete.
The last federal census was done this year with results coming available in 2017.
The most recent numbers for the city of Grande Prairie sit at just over 68,000 people but this excludes the newly annexed areas of the city.