NORTH BATTLEFORD - The City of North Battleford issued a statement Friday in response to the population decline reported in the 2021 Census.
The census numbers reported a decline from 14,315 in 2016 to 13,836 in 2021. The city pointed out in their news release Friday that their regional neighbours also experienced population declines.
Among those reporting a population drop was the town of Battleford, which saw population go down from 4,429 to 4,400.
In the statement, the city expressed its commitment to addressing the issue.
“Based on the recent census results, council would like to reconfirm their commitment to fostering and supporting a regionally focused, solution-oriented approach in mitigating the economic and social issues that contribute to the demographic trend of urbanization with populations moving from rural and small to mid-sized urban centres to larger cities.
“Multiple factors impact urbanization, including but not limited to migration, aging populations and the availability of opportunities and amenities in larger urban centres. However, economic development, labour force opportunities, social services, health care, education and regional health and safety also impact demographic decline in rural and smaller urban areas.”
The city added they will continue to address the “multiple factors impacting demographic decline in our region,” pointing to working with their regional partners on initiatives such as the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition, the Recreation Master Plan, a Regional Emergency Response Plan and the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Plan.
“The city is committed to supporting our region as a whole and working with nearby municipalities and First Nations to make our regional community a more attractive and desirable place to live and do business.”
