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2016 Census for Clearwater County indicates a decreasing population

May 23, 2018 | 6:00 AM

Clearwater County Council reviewed its 2016 Economic Development Census which indicated a decreasing and aging population in the county.

Jerry Pratt, Economic Development Officer for the county presented the findings during the weekly county meeting, sourcing all information through Stats Canada or the Alberta Treasury Board.

Pratt says from 2011 to 2016 Clearwater County’s population dropped 2.7%, despite an 11.6% increase in Alberta’s population. However, other municipalities like Red Deer County also saw a decrease, largely attributed to Alberta’s recent recession.

The fastest growing age groups in the county are 60 to 74 and 75+, while the number of 30 to 44-year-olds has been steadily decreasing since 1996.

Pratt says the aging demographic may present issues in the county due to less spending in real estate, and less investment risk.

The census shows there were 6,600 people in the labour force in 2016, a decrease from more than 7000 in 2011.

“We need to figure out how to retain our youth and attract youth,” says Pratt.

Since 2011, the county has seen a sharp decrease in nearly every industry of employment, specifically in oil, gas and agriculture.

While many companies require specific skills for employees, which often require a college or university education, the census shows Clearwater County has a below average high school graduation rate and an even lower number of university graduates compared to the national average.

If you want to learn more, Clearwater County is hosting an Economic Development Open House on Tuesday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Leslieville Community Centre. County officials say the goal is to gather information from business owners and managers to assist in the creation of an Economic Development Strategy.