Centre Wellington and Erin have had the largest population increases in Wellington County since 2011, according to new census data.
On Feb. 8 Statistics Canada released the first portion of the 2016 census data, including population and dwelling counts.
Centre Wellington tops the list for largest population increase, adding about 1,500 people over the last five years, bringing its total population to over 28,000.
Erin had the highest percentage increase in the county at 6.2%. The provincial average is 4.6%.
At 3.8%, Wellington North and Guelph-Eramosa had the smallest population increase in the county since 2011.
Provincially, census data reveals almost 13.5 million people live in Ontario, with the largest increase in Shelburne (39% over 2011) and Milton (30%).
Canada’s population jumped to 35.2 million people, with Nunavut and Alberta seeing the most gains and New Brunswick experiencing a population loss.
Population numbers
– Wellington County: population 90,932 (an increase of 4,260 or 4.9% over 2011);
– Centre Wellington: population 28,191 (up 1,498 or 5.6%);
– Erin: population 11,439 (an increase of 669 or 6.2%);
– Guelph-Eramosa: population 12,854 (an increase of 474 or 3.8%);
– Mapleton: population 10,527 (up 538 or 5.4%);
– Minto: population 8,671 (an increase of 337 or 4%);
– Puslinch: population 7,336 (an increase of 307 or 4.4%); and
– Wellington North: population 11,914 (up 437 or 3.8%).
Six more census data releases are expected over the next year.
Note: The Wellington County data in this article was calculated by subtracting Guelph figures, which were included in the regional census total.
