Census 2016 data released, Kelowna amongst top growing cities in Canada

The data from the 2016 census has been released and it confirms Kelowna’s place as one of the top growing cities in Canada.

According to the census, Kelowna’s population sat at 194,882 on census day, which was May 10th, 2016.

Population and dwelling counts are now out. Thanks #Canada for making the #2016Census our best one yet! https://t.co/KOdSvZX4BX pic.twitter.com/wBl2ApGh0H

— Statistics Canada (@StatCan_eng) February 8, 2017

That number equates to an 8.4% growth in population since the last census information was released in 2011.

While it’s not as big a jump as the 10.8% growth shown between 2006 and 2011, it still puts Kelowna sixth on the list of Canada’s fastest growing cities.

The top five cities are Calgary, Alta. (14.6%), Edmonton, Alta. (13.9%), Saskatoon, Sask. (12.5%), Regina, Sask. (11.8%) and Lethbridge, Alta. (10.8%).

Kelowna comes in as the top growing city in British Columbia, two spots ahead of Victoria (6.7%) and five spots ahead of Vancouver (6.5%).

The only two cities in the top 11 that aren’t in Western Canada are Guelph, Ontario (7.7%) and Oshawa, Ontario (6.6%), which highlights the significant growth in the prairie provinces and B.C. compared to the rest of the country.

Alberta led Canada by a large margin in growth rate at 11.6%, more than double the national average.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba also showed major growth at 6.3% and 5.8% respectively, both above the national average.

Meanwhile, B.C.’s growth came in above the national average as well at 5.6%.

Population growth in #Canada between 2011 and 2016 is 5%. How does that compare to your province or territory? https://t.co/8Q7tNAXx4k pic.twitter.com/jXwwl33d8B

— Statistics Canada (@StatCan_eng) February 8, 2017

In total, almost one-third (31.6%) of Canada’s population resides in Western Canada with B.C. accounting for 13.6% of that population.

To see the rest of the census data, visit the Statistics Canada website.