Census

The most recent municipal census was conducted in 2024. 

In 2020, the provincial government introduced a new way of estimating population numbers for municipalities. This method uses data from the province and federal government (like the federal census), instead of municipal census data. The Government of Alberta switched to this system of using provincial population estimates in 2021. 

A municipal census helps Cochrane get the funding we deserve by providing an accurate population count. Many provincial government grants are based on population numbers, so the more precise the count, the more funding the Town can receive.  

Benefits of a municipal census include:  

• provide updated population numbers for years between federal censuses, which take place every four years 
• support better planning for future community services like schools, transit routes and other infrastructure projects  
• meet the needs of specific neighbourhoods based on accurate population data  
• update emergency plans, like the Municipal Emergency Plan, to help understand how many people might be evacuated in an emergency  
• improve accuracy for systems like accounting, 911 services and emergency response teams  

Completing your census helps us get an accurate count of Cochrane’s population. This accurate count is crucial for securing the right amount of funding from the province and for planning community services that meet everyone’s needs. It also plays a key role in emergency planning, ensuring our evacuation plans and emergency services are based on real numbers. Once approved by Alberta Municipal Affairs, the census data becomes the official population figure that guides future projects.