The City of Calgary census numbers are out, and the population has grown substantially.
The census shows an increase of nearly 30,000 residents from April 2011 to April of this year. Calgary's population now stands at 1.12 million.
That’s an increase of 2.86 percent, a similar level seen in 2007 where population growth was 2.84 percent.
There were 8,400 new dwelling units constructed in the city, that’s a 23 percent increase.
The numbers also show many more multi family units are being built than ever before.
However, a question that may be on the minds of several Calgarians is whether the city can handle this growth.
According to Mayor Naheed Nenshi the answer is yes, but that it will require a lot of attention to infrastructure.
That is one of the reasons why the city does this assessment every year, to ensure that it has the most up to date numbers. Federal and provincial grant money is based on the city's population figures.
“Current and accurate data is a critical part of making good, informed decisions about the future of Calgary,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “The 2012 Civic Census includes important information for City Council and Administration.”
The census costs about $700,000 each year but city officials insist the information gained is invaluable for the city.
Of Calgary’s communities, Panorama Hills continues to lead the way in growth with an increase of 2.396 residents.
Other communities that experienced growth of more than one thousand residents are Auburn Bay, Skyview Ranch and Cranston.
