Calgary is no stranger to boom times that bring hordes of newcomers to the city. Still, the recent upswing is truly historic.
Calgary’s population grew by 6 per cent over the 12 months through July 1, 2024, or roughly 100,000 people, according to Statistics Canada figures published on Thursday. Not only did Calgary lead the country’s census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in growth last year, but it was the fastest 12-month growth rate that Statscan has ever recorded for a CMA in numbers that date back to 2001.
Calgary is growing rapidly for many reasons. The area gained nearly 21,000 people on a net basis from other provinces in the most recent year. It also pulled in more than 31,000 immigrants and a net gain of roughly 44,000 temporary residents. Births were also substantially higher than deaths.
Many people have been drawn to Alberta in recent years for its relatively affordable homes, although this new demand is putting upward pressure on prices. The Edmonton area grew by 4.7 per cent – or around 73,000 people – over the 12 months through July 1, while Red Deer expanded by 3.5 per cent.
Broadly speaking, Canada’s population growth is set to moderate over the coming years. The federal government has cut its immigration targets and clamped down on visa issuance for temporary residents after widespread criticism of its immigration strategy. Polls have shown that Canadians are increasingly opposed to the pace of population growth, tying it to a lack of affordable housing.
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