It’s clear that it’s Canada’s major cities generally continuing to see the most population growth, with a trend toward fewer people living in rural areas.
So it goes in the 2011 census from Statistics-Canada.
Norfolk’s population was up 1 per cent in the census, compared to the last one in 2006, but it trailed a 5.7 per cent increase Ontario-wide and 5.9 per cent nationally.
Just the same, McMaster economics professor Mike Veall says this shouldn’t be a concern, with Norfolk’s population growth more or less in line with other rural communities across the country.
In fact, Veall says the key is that Norfolk’s numbers are growing, while many rural areas have seen population decreases…
Haldimand County’s population decreased 0.7 per cent between 2005 and last year.
boy i wish we were up to the national average,so i could learn how to speak a new language !
Houston, we have a problem. Haldimand’s growth centered around Caledonia for many years and recently their very minimal growth is for obvious and unfortunate reasons. Our’s on the other hand being only .3% ahead of them with our “jem” as many locals and outsiders rightfully see it, Port Dover still growing strong should be a wakeup call to Norfolk County Councilors. Average household size is down and yes growth in the rural areas because of severance restrictions is slowing, but this is a magnificent area with short drives to resort like shorelines, pristine open woodlots and trails, affordable boating and fishing and resonable commutes to many larger centers for work. Councilors should look in the mirror and try to give residents more voice and value for their taxes paid and encourage them to stay here rather than spending hundreds of thousands if not millions over the last 5 or 6 years outside our County on non-taxpaying tourists and potential businesses.
Attention Norfolk Council and County bureaucrats…this does not mean we need more county workers! I can almost hear them already….