It is estimated that approximately 75,600 to 77,600 permanent residents are living in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo with 72,000 to 74,000 residents in the urban service area of Fort McMurray.
To determine the numbers the RMWB analyzed the regions water and power consumption data.
Using a best practice model developed by Nichols Applied Management, the projections were updated by the Oil Sands Community Alliance in collaboration with the Wood Buffalo Steering Group (WBSG), comprised of representatives from Council, industry and municipal administration.
“The economic downturn, the slowdown of capital-intensive growth in the oil sands and population changes due to the impact of the wildfire necessitated the development of new projections,” said Jamie Doyle, Director of Planning and Development. “This update will be used to inform and support long-term planning in the region, including any recommendations and planning developed by the WBSG.”
Doyle notes that these numbers do not include the shadow population of the region, or all of the workers living in the oil sands camps.
Although there are many discrepancies regarding population forecasting, Doyle notes that these numbers are the most current as the regions last census was greatly impacted by the wildfire.
“The population projections show a different future for our community than envisioned a few years ago. However, this information is essential if we are to properly plan and provide the programs, infrastructure and other services to maintain the quality of life for residents in the RMWB,” said Karim Zariffa, Executive Director, OSCA.
These updated population projections for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo were accepted by Council at its public meeting on Tuesday, May 9 2017.
