The 2011 Census of Canada indicates manageable growth for the Town of Athabasca, according to Mayor Roger Morrill.
The census, conducted last May, shows that the town has grown in population by 15.9 per cent over the last five years.
Athabasca went from having a population of 2,580 in 2006 to 2,990 in 2011.
But Morrill noted that is only a 3.18-per-cent increase per year.
He mentioned that Beaumont, near Edmonton, grew 48.2 per cent in the last five years, which was an incredible rate of growth.
“We have to be prepared,” he said. “We should learn from rapid growth in the area, since there is the expectation of rapid growth in the near future.”
The census shows that more and more people are choosing to live in urban centres, and this year’s numbers reflect that.
While Athabasca had an increase of 15.9 per cent, Athabasca County only saw an increase of 1.2 per cent, which equals 90 people.
“We are the best kept secret in Alberta,” Morrill said. “But this community needs to take steps to ensure we are ready for rapid growth, and I know council is already taking this into consideration.”
Morrill said he believes that as a gateway to the north, Athabasca will be a community to see rapid growth in the near future.
Wabasca grew in population from 1,156 to 1,302, which equals an increase of 12.6 per cent.
Lac La Biche saw a drop of 7.8 per cent whereas Westlock saw a population drop of 3.7 per cent and St. Paul grew by 5.8 per cent.
Athabasca grew the most compared to neighboring communities, and Morrill sees the growth as picking up instead of slowing down.
Village of Boyle Mayor Don Radmanovich said he wonders about the accuracy of the numbers, because not everyone fills out the census or sends it back in.
“The way they do their census doesn’t really turn me on. I would rather it be done locally,” he said. “We did our a local census in 2007 or 2008 and we were at 918 people.”
The census indicates that Boyle’s population has reportedly gone from 854 people to 916, a jump of 7.3 per cent.
“We have probably gone up more than they are saying,” Radmanovich said. “How much more I have no idea.”
Boyle has been trying to achieve town status for the last few years. Town status requires 1,000 people, and Radmanovich said Boyle would be conducting another local census in the next few years to try and achieve their goal.
Colinton had an increase of 15 per cent in their population in the last five years. The small community went from having 187 residents to 215. Rochester saw a drop of 5.6 per cent, whereas Calling Lake rose in population by 3.8 per cent.
Edmonton had a population growth of 11.3 per cent and Calgary grew 10.9 per cent.
County of Athabasca Reeve David Yurdiga was unavailable for comment.
