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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

double from 2006

Penhold sees population increase with latest census

Aug 15, 2024 | 11:59 AM

According to the results of a recent municipal census, the town of Penhold continues to grow.

Conducted earlier this year, the census found the town has 3,854 residents, an increase from 3,485 in the 2021 federal census.

In 2016, there were 3,277 people recorded; in 2011, the number was 2,375; and in 2006, the town had just 1,971 people — about half the current population.

Mayor Michael Yargeau says that although the latest census reached 100 per cent of households, and that it’s good the overall number is up, he thinks the local population could be even higher.

“There’s a lot of hesitancy from people to give information out nowadays, so while we did reach 100 per cent of households, did we get 100 per cent accurate information? I would say probably not, as it was very hard to reach the last 15-20 per cent. A lot of folks have a general distrust for government,” Yargeau surmises.

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“There’s a lack of trust in our representatives, which is unfortunate, but in some ways, representatives have brought it on ourselves because we don’t always do a great job.”

According to the census, Penhold’s age breakdown is as follows (compared to 2021 federal census — if available):

0-6: 360
7-14: 526
15-24: 424 (+69)
25-55: 1,815
56-64: 358
65: 349 (+59)

The over 65 population was 8.3 per cent of the population in 2021, and is now an estimated 9.1 per cent.

Yargeau says he’d like to see more seniors in Penhold, but the space simply doesn’t exist.

“The number of those who are 65+ isn’t surprising. It’s not because those folks dont want to live in Penhold, it’s because we don’t have options for them, and it’s something we need to work on, to get more seniors housing,” he says, noting Penhold Royal Manor and its eight rooms.

“If you’re a senior who requires any level of help, you really can’t live here. I know a lot of grandparents would love to live close to their kids and grandkids, so it’d be nice if we could offer that.”

Yargeau says overall numbers are otherwise not surprising.

The mayor also notes that the increase will cause minor changes to the Town’s allocation of funds from the provincial Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF).

The census also asked residents if they’d be interested in sitting on a committee that would oversee planning for a potential future dog park. Fifty people expressed interest, so now the Town will be contacting those folks to move the committee forward.

Yargeau clarifies that funding nor a specific location have been determined for a dog park.

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