Study shows continued growth in Rocky View

CHESTERMERE – According to the official 2011 Statistics Canada census population results, Rocky View County’s population continues to be on the rise.
The current population sits at around 36,461, up from 33,173, which was recorded during the 2006 census. This shows an increase of almost 3,300 residents, as well as a 10 per cent increase in the number of dwellings in the County, which is now up to 12,810.
The census results also found the County surrounds some of the fastest growing population centres in Canada, including Chestermere and Airdrie, which saw population increases of 49.4 per cent and 47.1 per cent respectively.
Chestermere’s population jumped from 9,923, recorded in 2006, up to 14,824 in 2011. Calgary saw a 10.9 per cent increase, going from 998,812 to 1,096,833.
“Rocky View County will continue to have a strong presence in future development, supporting these growing and thriving communities we surround,” said David Kalinchuk, Rocky View’s Economic Development Manager. “As a region, we are also finding great success with collaborative projects. In business and industrial development, the Calgary Region has never worked so well together.”
In 2011, Rocky View County’s construction values increased to $274-million up from the 2010 numbers of $237-million, further establishing itself as a leader for business and industrial growth in Alberta.
Commercial and industrial construction values totaled $133-million, up from $49-million the previous year.
“Strong population growth in the urban centres of Cochrane, Chestermere, Airdrie and Calgary support the growing labour force needs in Rocky View County,” Kalinchuk said. “A dynamic and growing population in the Calgary Region also bodes well for retail growth and development.
“Rocky View is ideally positioned with competitive tax rates, a dynamic developer community and outstanding real estate options.”
Rocky View County Reeve Rolly Ashdown said, “These results show Rocky View County’s unwavering strength in attracting both residents and businesses.
“Taking into account we have gone through three annexation agreements since 2006, with our land mass decreasing each time, our modest growth shows the County remains steady during the ups and downs of the economy.”
The population of Canada increased 5.9 per cent between the 2006 and 2011 censuses, compared with a 5.4 per cent increase during the previous five-year period.
The full results of the census are available online at www.statcan.gc.ca.