Innisfail's population takes a slight dip

INNISFAIL - Bowden and Innisfail are alone along the Highway 2 corridor in Central Alberta to show a five-year drop in population, according to 2016 census data released Feb. 8 by Statistics Canada.

While these communities showed decreases, albeit small, census figures for northern neighbours Penhold and Springbrook spiked upward in spectacular fashion.

Innisfail's population shrank 0.4 per cent from 2011 to 2016, from 7,876 in 2011 to 7,847 in 2016, the latter more than 100 fewer than the 7,953 figure tabulated for the 2015 municipal census. In comparison to Olds, historically the same size as Innisfail, that town grew 11.5 per cent from 8,235 in 2011 to 9,184 in 2016.

Bowden's population in 2016 was 1,240, down just one person from the 2011 census count.

Innisfail mayor Brian Spiller was unavailable for comment, and the town's deputy mayor Mark Kemball was vacationing out of the country. Coun. Doug Bos, however, said the census results were not surprising.

"Not horribly, no. Our own census (2015) showed only a real small growth and now this census comes in at a little decline. Between the two (censuses) there is not a huge gap and that doesn't surprise me," said Bos, adding the 2016 census results do show it's imperative the town develop successful strategies to market its amenities and attractions for future growth.

"I think it (census) tells us clearly we need to focus in taking advantage of the 1.9 million vehicles that drive past our doorstep every month on Highway 2," added Bos. "If we get those people coming off there with good reason then our businesses will prosper, new businesses will pop up and therefore people will be moving into town to run these businesses and see these opportunities," he said. "We've got lots of stuff to market. We have our local business and attractions to market. They are unique. It just needs a good effort put forth in both directions to attract."

As for Bowden, Mayor Robb Stuart said despite the stagnant census growth figures the town will keep "pulling ahead."

"No change is good, I guess, and with growth comes its own problems," said Stuart. "Overall I think it is good to be consistent. It would be nice to get more businesses. We are still a bedroom community. I had some minor hockey people tell me last night they are really happy with our recreational facilities. There is a lot going for the town."

At the other end of the census spectrum, Penhold experienced a 38 per cent hike in population, from 2,375 in 2011 to 3,277 in 2016. Penhold's neighbouring hamlet Springbrook did even better, registering a 39.7 per cent increase, from 1,079 residents in 2011 to 1,507 in 2016.

"I was betting around 31 to 32 (per cent). I was counting homes and multiplying them out so 38 per cent since 2011 is pretty phenomenal and we are pretty happy about it," said Mayor Dennis Cooper, adding the 38 per cent figure will be "powerful" ammunition for the community when applying for grants from senior levels of government, which are based on per capita formulas.

"The accommodation has been moving along quite nicely," added Cooper of his town's preparations to be ready for future growth. "We are in the process of annexation to make sure we won't be stymied by growth. We are also moving forward with the new water treatment plant that is going to be announced. There are a number of things we are going to be working on, infrastructure and support so we can support our community so it is a healthy place to raise families."

As for Red Deer County, there was also growth, although less explosive. The rural municipality's population jumped from 18,316 in 2011 to 19,541 in 2016, an increase of 6.7 per cent.

Jim Wood, mayor of the county, said the 2016 census growth numbers were ones that were expected, noting the continual processing of permits for commercial and residential development.

"We are seeing great growth happening with businesses in our region. We are starting to see some residential happening in Gasoline Alley. We are seeing good growth in Springbrook and some of our hamlets," said Wood optimistically, despite current annexation initiatives from the City of Red Deer and Penhold that will cut into the county's population base. "That (growth) comes from investments we make into our water and sewer systems and the roads. These new people help pay taxes and help make things happen."