From the City of Lacombe:

The City of Lacombe’s official total population is 13,985 according to the 2019 Municipal Census, which conducted between April 2 and June 30.

“I am delighted with the near-total participation from residents in this year’s census; only a single household out of approximately 5400 did not participate,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “This is an excellent return on investment. The updated demographic information will allow the City to better allocate resources and maximize on grant funding that is based on per capita formulas.”

The City receives $210 per capita in grant funding from the provincial and federal governments, an estimated increase of almost $195,000 over previous years.

In addition to grants from other levels of government, municipal decisions regarding future infrastructure needs and facilities are based in part on population growth statistics collected in the municipal census. The data is also used by a variety of outside agencies such as communities, businesses, charities and researchers.

“The census shows that Lacombe continues to experience stable and sustainable growth,” said Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy. “Lacombe is a dynamic and vibrant place to live and work, and the increased private and public sector investments will only serve to improve the quality of life in our city.”

The City of Lacombe conducted its last Municipal Census in 2014, where the population was 12,728. In 2016, the Federal census found the population to be 13,057 people.

The population growth rate for the City of Lacombe is calculated at 7.11 per cent for the three years between 2016 and 2019. On average, the yearly rate growth rate is 2.37 per cent, with an average of 26 people arriving in Lacombe each month, or just over two new households per week.

Residents were able to participate in the 2019 Census in three ways; online, over the phone, or in person at the door. There was a kiosk set up at City Hall for those with limited access to computers, and Lacombe and District Family and Community Support Services offered in-person assistance to those needing help. Residents who were unable to complete the census online received visits from enumerators.

“The 2019 Municipal Census could not have been successful with the help of the enumerators and City staff,” said Director of Corporate Services Diane Piche. “It was a coordinated effort between everyone from IT, GIS, Marketing, Communications, as well as the organization headed up by the Census Coordinator. The enumerators were vigilant and persistent in connecting with nearly every household and business in the community – a big thanks to all.”

The cost of conducting the 2019 Municipal Census was approximately $31,000, around $4000 under budget.

Following Council’s acceptance, the Chief Administrative Officer will submit the census results to the Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs for adoption, and posted online at www.lacombe.ca in the coming weeks