Despite Drop In Census Numbers Mayor Sees Silver Lining

By Robert Thomas

Despite a slight drop in population numbers in the 2021 Census versus the 2016 Census the Mayor said Moose Jaw is poised to grow.

The 2021 Census, released February 9, 2022, showed Moose Jaw’s population at 33,665, a decline of 245 residents (0.7%) from the 2016 Census (33,910).

Despite the drop of 245 residents, Mayor Clive Tolley said there are a lot of positives in the numbers despite the drop.

First off the rate of population decline has slowed when compared to the period between the 2011 and 2016 Census.

The 2011 Census had Moose Jaw with 34,421 residents versus 33,910 residents in the 2016 Census. The loss at that time was 511 residents or 1.5 percent of Moose Jaw's population.

Moose Jaw's all time high population, according to Census figures, was 33,941 in 1981.

Since that time the population has fluctuated from a low of 32,321 in 2001 to a high of 34,421 in 2011.

The second reason for optimism is in the increased economic activity both now and over the last few years, he said.

“Based on the activity I’ve witnessed over the last few years, from new homes to new business and industrial development, I’m a little surprised at the Census numbers,” Mayor Tolley, said in a statement adding “but I'm confident we’re on an upward trend. As current vacant job openings across all sectors in Moose Jaw are filled, our population will grow substantially.”

The Mayor said the foundations of future growth has been poured by Council and City which should help Moose Jaw grow.

“In the last few years our City Council and Administration have created an atmosphere of growth,” Tolley continued “Several major developments are underway including the Great Plains Power Station, North 49 Foods (at the former XL Beef plant), new Canadian Tire store, a new hotel and others. There are hundreds of new jobs associated with these projects and that will also result in new residents.”

The Mayor re-iterated his previously made statements about how immigration is important to the City and how jobs will help the City to grow.

The Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP) will help drive that growth.

RINP has 33 approved Moose Jaw candidates/families in 2021 and approved for 100 candidates/families in 2022.

At the present time the program is actively seeking employers to sign on.

It is something agreed to by the Conference Board of Canada (CBOC) hich recently stated 65 percent of the population growth is from immigration due to Canada's low birth rate. The CBOC predicts by 2035 that almost 100 percent of Canada's population growth will be through immigration.

Other areas the Mayor sees helping drive growth are the Agriculture and Food Production program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus and the new joint-use elementary school slated for the Westheath subdivision.

“We have an exciting economic strategy and we’ve made a commitment to invest in our community,” he said in the statement, adding “and we will aggressively market the benefits that will come to you, your family and your business when you make a ‘Notorious Move’ to Moose Jaw.”