Stats Canada has released the 2011 Census figures which show that the city of Nanaimo 5,118 people to the population since 2006. The total for Nanaimo in 2006 was 78,692. This represents an increase of 6.5% over the five year period or 1.3% per year.
It would be interesting to see what relation there is between these numbers and the Stats Canada unemployment data at the end of Dec. 2011 which shows a total labour force of 43,000 compared with a labour force of 54,000 in Dec. 2010. I have not been able to find any real explanation of why there would be a contraction in the number of people int he work force of 11,000 people, unless of course Stats Canada numbers are bogus.
Island Comparison
'Up Island' Growing Faster
The following shows the percentage increase or decrease by community for the period from 2006 to 2011 as reflected on the most recent census data. Stats are tricky things to draw any conclusions from, but these do seem to show a trend of a greater increase of growth in the communities to the north which may or may not be a sign of things to come.
- Duncan -1.1%
- Port Alberni + 1.1%
- Qualicum Beach + 2.2%
- Nanaimo + 6.5%
- Parksville + 9.0%
- Courtenay + 9.4%
- Comox + 10.0%
There is some question if the number for Nanaimo may have actually contracted again from the 2011 figure when you consider a reduction in the work force of 11,000 people.
Your post omits the fact that the population was $86,000+ at one point.
ReplyDeleteA city with this much potential should be increasing...should be...
That is a good point, and it also points out that the city usually refers to our population as being 88,000 I believe.
ReplyDeleteI would not be surprised however, if we have lost numbers, as people simply have to find work to support themselves and family.