The population in Alberta has been rapidly increasing, but a significant number of residents in Calgary and Edmonton are dissatisfied with the rate of growth and its impact on their daily lives. Recent estimates from Statistics Canada indicate that Alberta’s population has exceeded five million as of July 1 and is projected to grow by approximately two million over the next 25 years.
A survey conducted by Janet Brown Opinion Research for CBC News polled 1,000 residents in both cities on their perceptions of the current pace of population growth. The majority of respondents expressed concerns about the fast-paced growth in their cities.
In Calgary, 64% of those surveyed believed that the population growth was too rapid, while in Edmonton, 62% shared the same sentiment. When asked about the personal impact of recent population growth, a significant portion of residents in both cities reported negative effects.
Janet Brown noted that individuals in the 25 to 45 age group, particularly those with lower education levels and financial difficulties, were more likely to be apprehensive about the consequences of rapid growth.
Challenges of Urban Expansion
Residents like Pearl Parchem and Marrisa Atkinson in Calgary have highlighted various challenges brought about by the expanding population, such as increased wait times for health services and difficulties in accessing recreational facilities.
The issues of infrastructure, affordability, and public safety have become central themes in municipal campaigns, reflecting the concerns arising from the rapid growth experienced in both cities.
Colin Cambell, Alberta division president for Mattamy Homes, emphasized the importance of maintaining housing affordability amidst the booming construction industry in the province.
Political Implications
The issue of growth has become a focal point in the mayoral campaigns, with candidates addressing the challenges of managing the increasing population. The political stance on growth seems to influence voter preferences, with right-leaning individuals more likely to express concerns about growth and support candidates aligned with their views.
While the impact of growth on the election outcomes remains uncertain, Brown’s polls suggest a significant portion of voters in Calgary and Edmonton are undecided, indicating that candidates’ approaches to addressing growth-related issues could sway voter decisions.
CBC News conducted surveys of 1,000 residents in Edmonton and Calgary through the Trend Research Online Panel from Oct. 1 to 8. Quotas were set for age, gender, and city quadrant, with minimal weighting applied to match Statistics Canada data. The surveys were non-probability online polls, with a comparable margin of error estimated at +/-3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
