The Town’s 2021 Comparative Analysis shows that from 2016-2020, Coaldale saw the second highest population growth among its regional neighbours.
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On June 23, the Town of Coaldale officially released its 2021 Comparative Analysis which compares Coaldale’s operational and financial performance to the operational and financial performances of eight other similarly sized and/or neighbouring municipalities (Blackfalds, Taber, Innisfail, Edson, Drumheller, Ponoka, Lethbridge, and Lethbridge County).
Part of this analysis focuses on tracking each municipality’s population growth – a performance metric that can be revealing of the relative health and desirability of a community, especially when looked at from a regional perspective. According to the analysis, while Coaldale saw the third highest population growth from 2016-2020 among both its peer and neighbouring municipalities, it saw the second highest population growth from 2016-2020 among its regional neighbours (Lethbridge, Lethbridge County, and Taber).
As the chart above shows, from 2016-2020 population growth in the region averaged 4.6%. During that same period, however, Coaldale’s population grew from 8, 460 to 8, 903, which amounts to 5.24% (0.72% less than neighbouring Lethbridge but 0.64% above the regional average). Meanwhile, Taber’s population grew by 2.4% while Lethbridge County’s population grew by 4.78%. What this suggests is that regionally, Coaldale has positioned itself as an attractive community to relocate to and live in.
“It’s important to keep in mind that like assessment growth, population growth is not just the product of a given municipality’s approach to taxation but of provincial, national, and even global economic forces, as well,” said Cameron Mills, Director of Growth and Investment for the Town of Coaldale. “The fact is that a number of variables – some of which are completely outside of the control of a municipalities – impact population growth. That’s why this kind of comparison requires a regional focus. All of Coaldale’s neighbours are subject to the same external economic pressures which in a sense levels the playing field. We know that if someone chooses to move to Coaldale over Lethbridge, it’s a reflection of what Coaldale in particular offers that Lethbridge doesn’t and vice versa. Fortunately, we have been able to maintain above average population growth in the region which suggests that organizational policies focused on promoting and sustaining economic growth continue to serve Coaldale well.”
The Town’s 2021 Comparative Analysis is part of the Town’s ongoing commitment to transparent government. To read the Town’s entire 2021 Comparative Analysis, please visit: