By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Blackfalds population reaches 10,000

Jul 24, 2018 | 3:42 PM

One of Canada’s fastest growing communities has reached a population milestone as the town of Blackfalds is now home to more than 10,000 residents.

According to the latest Municipal Census, the 2018 population count for Blackfalds is 10,125.

This is an increase of 209 people (2.1 per cent) over the 2017 count of 9,916. Blackfalds population growth has slowed over the last two years but is still over twice as high as the provincial average of 0.9 per cent.

The population in Blackfalds has more than doubled since 2007’s head count of 4,843 residents (109% increase).

A municipality in Alberta can choose whether to declare to become a city once the 10,000 threshold is reached. Lacombe became a city in 2010 once it reached the milestone while Sylvan Lake, with a population of 14,816, has so far chosen to remain a town.

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The Town of Blackfalds conducted the Municipal Census between May 1 to June 30 utilizing a combination of online collection and door to door enumeration. It’s the eighth year in a row that Blackfalds has conducted a census with only nine of 4,357 addresses not responding this time around.

The information collected from the census is used to assist in Town programs and service delivery and development opportunities. Town officials say municipal census has been instrumental in identifying the need for educational requirements within the community as well as increases in population-based grants.

Half of Blackfalds residents are between the ages of 21 and 55, followed by the 6-20 age group (18%).

Single detached dwellings continue to be the largest dwelling category with 2,486 (82%) with owner occupied being the largest group at 2,539 (80%).

One-third of Blackfalds households report earning between $45,282 and $90,583 while another third report earning between $90,563 and $140,388.

Two additional questions were asked during the census about interest in French immersion if it was offered in Blackfalds and about what type of high school curriculum would be preferred, a core academic or one including additional programming such as technology, trades, sports and/or arts.

Out of 1,701 responses, 70% (1,187) were not interested in French immersion, while there was an overwhelming response (6,926) to have an expanded program at the high school with 99% (6,845) expressing an interest in additional programs beyond the core subjects. This information and will be passed on to Wolf Creek Public Schools.

The census results are being presented to town council this week and must be submitted to the province by Sept. 1.