Census 2014

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2014 Census!

The census is now closed. The census enumeration was very successful with almost a 99% response rate. Unofficial results will be released later this summer. Great job Lacombe!

Questions can be directed to Ross Pettibone at (403) 782-1287.

Census Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

1. What is a municipal census?
A municipal census is an official count of the number of people living in Lacombe (population) at a given point in time.
2. Why conduct a census?
Municipal census data is useful to both municipal and provincial governments. Decisions regarding future transportation networks, the location of schools, parks, utilities and fire protection facilities are based to a large extent on statistics on population growth collected in the municipal census. As well, many of the grants received from the Provincial and Federal governments are awarded on a per capita basis and a census count ensures that maximum grants are received.
3. How often does the City of Lacombe conduct a census?
A municipal census is currently conducted bi-annually in Lacombe.
4. Why is “number of household residents” asked?
The primary purpose for conducting the census is to produce an accurate population count. This count provides the basis for calculating per capita grants received by the City of Lacombe. These grants represent a substantial amount of money and improve the quality of life for Lacombians.
5. Why should I answer the questions? Do I have to answer them?
Any resident has the right to refuse to answer the census questions. However, it is in the best interest of Lacombians that every individual be counted. To be missed from the census means that Lacombe misses out on much needed per capita grant funds from federal and provincial governments estimated at $320 per person and used for service delivery.
6. Why is “age” asked?
Knowledge of age distribution is required to plan programs and facilities for schools, recreational centres, senior citizens and housing requirements. Age information is needed to determine overall human resource potential. Other characteristics of the census are much more meaningful when studied in conjunction with age. The school districts also use this information to project student enrollment at a district-wide level as well as at a school by school grade level and their facility requirements.
7. Why is "citizenship status" asked?
Canadian citizenship is a qualification to vote in municipal elections. This question assists in determining the number of eligible voters and in determining the location and number of voting subdivisions.
8. Why is "term of residence in Lacombe" asked?
How long a person has resided in their residence tells the City about residential stability of its population.
9. Why is "marital status" asked?
This information indicates changes in the composition of households, and is required for planning and forecasting purposes.
10. Why is "employment status" asked?
This question measures work-related activities and studies labour resources and labour markets of Lacombe.
11. Why is “education level”asked?
This will provide economic development information to businesses interested in starting up in Lacombe by giving them an idea of labour force composition.
12. Why is “dwelling type” asked?
This information provides important data for studies related to housing policies and programs, providing a snapshot of community housing types to further enable comparisons over time by the City and other agencies and organizations in planning effectively for future housing needs.
13. Why do you ask about “total household income level”?
This information assists with planning and economic development. Businesses interested in starting up in Lacombe will have an idea of income brackets in the community, the community’s ability to support their business economically. The City will also be able to use the data for community program planning.
14. How will I know the person at the door is a City census worker?
All census workers will present City-issued identification. We would encourage you to confirm their identification before you answer questions.
15. What if I am not home when the census worker comes to my door?
The first time a census worker comes to a residence and finds no one home, the census worker will leave a Call Back Notice. The Call Back Notice will provide the census worker's name, and a contact phone number, requesting residents to contact the census worker as soon as possible.

The 2014 Census is being collected under the authority of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act. The collection of personal information is authorized by Section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). Household data collected is deemed confidential and never released at an individual residence level.

For more information please call the Census Office at (403) 782 1287, or the FOIP Coordinator at (403) 782-1236.

Census Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a municipal census?

2. Why conduct a census?

3. How often does the City of Lacombe conduct a census?

4. Why is “number of household residents” asked?

5. Why should I answer the questions? Do I have to answer them?

6. Why is “age” asked?

7. Why is "citizenship status" asked?

8. Why is "term of residence in Lacombe" asked?

9. Why is "marital status" asked?

10. Why is "employment status" asked?

11. Why is “education level”asked?

12. Why is “dwelling type” asked?

13. Why do you ask about “total household income level”?

14. How will I know the person at the door is a City census worker?

15. What if I am not home when the census worker comes to my door?

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