population increase
Between July 1st 2005 and June 30th 2006 British Columbia’s population grew by 1.24 per cent. This resulted in an increase of 52,619 individuals from the 2005 population of 4,257,833 to an end of period population level of 4,310,452 persons. This growth rate was above the Canada figure of 1.0 per cent. Over the same period Alberta had the highest growth rate of 2.99 per cent, followed by Nunavut at 2.47 per cent. BC’s growth rate was higher than that of Ontario (1.02%) for this 2005 -2006 period. The majority of the population growth for British Columbia was a result of strong international immigration. Between July 1 st 2005 and July 1st 2006 BC received 37,942 individuals through net international migration. BC gained a further 10,898 persons through natural increases in population (40,926 births minus 30,028 deaths). Finally, net interprovincial migration accounted for an increase of 3,779 individuals.
Twenty-four of British Columbia ’s regional districts showed positive population growth between 2005 and 2006. Central Okanagan had the highest growth rate over this period at 3.04 per cent, gaining a total of 5,109 individuals. Greater Vancouver had the highest gains in absolute terms as 22,308 more individuals called this Regional District home over this period. Fourteen regional districts had higher population growth than BC, including three of the top five most populated areas. The East Kootenays showed the 5 th highest percent change in population over 2005 with 2.13%.
Of British Columbia ’s 157 municipalities for which population was estimated, 118 had positive population growth between 2005 and 2006. 38 municipalities had negative population growth and one showed no change. The City of Surrey had the largest absolute gain in population at 6,486 individuals. The City of Vancouver had the second largest gain of 4,700 people. The City of Kimberley had a positive population growth of 1.40% as did Cranbrook with 1.67% and Fernie with 0.82%.
Information provided by BC Stats www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca
