The Sun Peaks Mountain Resort is British Columbia’s fastest growing incorporated municipality, according to recently released Canada Census information.
The Canadian Census, released by Statistics Canada on February 6, revealed that from May 2011 to May 2016, the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort witnessed a 66% population increase - the largest growth of all incorporated municipalities and cities in B.C.
According to Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine, the information revealed by the census was better than expected.
"We knew that we had grown well beyond our 2011 census figure of 371 and we have been estimating our population at 550 persons, but it [is] great to see the 2016 official number is 616 year-round residents," said Raine.
However, while growth is generally welcomed and positive, the Chief Administrative office of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort, Rob Bremmer, highlights that increased expenditure is necessary to address increasing demands for health services, housing and infrastructure expansion.
"We also need to expand our water and wastewater system which will require major new community investments," said Bremner. "Additional housing for seasonal and permanent staff working in the resort is another priority to support community growth. Growth must be managed and there are costs related to expanding services and infrastructure so financial planning is critical."
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