When a municipality experiences the growth that our city has over the past several years it becomes imperative that a census be completed on a yearly basis. Chestermere conducts a census every year because compiling up to date demographic information ensures the community receives maximum grant funding and assists City staff in planning projects and services.
On May 1st the annual census began with all residents receiving census letters which were delivered directly to homes. The letter contained a unique PIN that will enable residents to complete the census online.
We each had 3 weeks to complete the census ourselves online before the enumerators began home visits to either leave a reminder notice or if we are home they can simply complete the census with us at the doorstep. Using iPads, the enumerators are easily and quickly able to complete the census with us by asking a few simple questions. This process generally takes only a minute and has to be completed by June 15th.
Pat Russel has been employed as a census taker in Chestermere for many years and says that overall, citizens are happy to answer the questions for the census. “I enjoy this job because I get to meet people, learn about my community and its great exercise,” said Russel, “Most people are thankful and appreciative of what we do so it makes the job enjoyable.”
Russel remembers the first census she was a part of in Chestermere in 1994 when the population was only 1,600 people. This year, she covers two routes which includes over 1,200 homes. It is a lot of work for the enumerators so they appreciate when residents complete the census as soon as they can.
“Over 50% of residents participated online last year,” said Shad Thevenaz, Chestermere’s Census Coordinator. “While we still follow up with those who prefer to complete it in person, the online option makes completing the census quick and easy.”
To complete the census online visit www.chestermere.ca/census2015. Use your unique PIN to complete your census. This PIN has been assigned to your household to ensure that your information is kept secure.
As a quality assurance measure, you will be asked to provide a phone number after completing the census. If you provide a number, the City may contact you to ensure your information was recorded correctly. Conducting quality assurance solidifies the accuracy of the census and ensures the census meets the Government of Alberta standards.
