Three population and demographic data products support the CRD's regional planning work:
Census population change: The Census, conducted every five years, provides detailed information on the population at a single point in time. Statistics Canada updates population counts through a postcensal coverage study to account for people who are missed or counted more than once on enumeration day. For more information, visit Population and Family Estimation Methods at Statistics Canada.
Population estimates: Statistic Canada produces population estimates annually to show population changes in the years between censuses. Estimates provide us with the best moment-in-time representation of the regional population. For more information, visit Differences between Statistics Canada's census counts and population estimates.
Population projections: Population projections show one possible scenario for population change over time. Scenarios can be developed using different methodologies and inputs. The CRD's population projections, created for our Regional Growth Strategy, are based on BC Stat's PEOPLE (Population Extrapolation for Organizational Planning with Less Error) methodology. For more information, visit BC Stat's Population Projections.