Manitoba's population grows faster than Canadian average

Manitoba's populationis growing at a faster rate than the national average, the latest numbers from Statistics Canada say.

It's the first time that's happened in 80 years.

• Census 2016: Canada's population surpasses 35 million

The number of people in the provinceincreased more than 70,000since 2011 going from1,208,268 to1,278,365. That's a growth rate of5.8 per cent, compared to the national average of five per cent.

Most of the gain was due to international migration, Statistics Canada says in a report released Wednesday morning that gives Canadians their first glimpse into the 2016 census data.

• Population size and growth rate Canada, provinces, territories

Manitoba was one of only two provinces toregistera growth rate larger than the one in the previous census. From 2006-11, Manitoba's population grew 5.2 per cent.

Alberta was the other province with stronger growth11.6 per cent growth from 2011-16, compared to 10.8 per cent from 2006-11. Because the census was taken in May, it does not fully take into account the recent economic slump in Alberta.

• Population growth rate among census metropolitan areas

Among the notable increases in population in Manitoba cities,Winklerwent from10,670 in 2011 to 12,591 in 2016, an 18 per cent change.Steinbach'spopulation went from 13,524 in 2011 to15,829 in 2016, an increase of17 per cent.

• Brandon grew 6.1 per cent 48,859 in 2016, up from 46,061 in 2011.
• Winnipeg grew 6.3per cent 705,244 in 2016, up from663,617 in 2011.

Steinbach's double-digit population growth doesn't entirely surprise Mayor Chris Goertzen, who cites the city's urban amenities and welcoming small-town atmosphere.

"We've known that we've had so many people coming to our community. In fact about 10 people every week are moving to Steinbach and we've noticed it," he told CBC's Radio Noon program.

"Steinbach has a lot of city amenities that are available, and yet we still have a small-town feel, and that balance is really important for people. People want to raise a family, they want to work in an environment that is friendly, and we're a welcoming community."

Many smaller communities also saw big jumps, including:

• Ste. Anne:30 per cent increase, from1,626 to 2,114.
• Neepawa:26.6per cent increase, from 3,111 to3,939.
• Niverville:26.6per cent increase, from 3,224 to4,083.
• le des Chnes:25.1per centincrease, from 1,221 to1,528.
• St. Adolphe:21.9per centincrease, from 1,117 to1,362.
• Blumenort:19.3per centincrease, from 1,404 to1,675.

But there weren't increases everywhere. The biggest drop was in Gillam, which fell from 1,248 to 1,036 (17 per cent).

Other declines were in:

• FlinFlon: 6.9 per cent,from4,990 to4,648.
• Roblin: 5.3 per cent,from 1,705 to1,614.
• Minnedosa:2.7 per cent,from2,239 to 2,178.
• St. Theresa Point: 1.8 per cent,from 1,057 to 1,038.
• Landmark: 0.8per cent,from 1,247 to 1,237.

On a national level, Canada's population is now 35.2 million. That's an increase of 1.7 million from 2011and is the strongest growth of all G7 countries.

The population and dwelling counts are the first data from the 2016 census to be released by Statistics Canada.

Further releases, including those related to gender, language, immigration and labour, will follow throughout 2017.

Manitoba's population grows faster than Canadian average

8 years ago

Duration 0:41

Manitoba's population is growing at a faster rate than the national average, the latest numbers from Statistics Canada say. It's the first time that's happened in 80 years.