Sub-provincial population estimates are out for 2013, and weak growth was the norm for most areas of B.C., with gains largely concentrated in larger metro areas.
B.C.'s four census metropolitan areas (CMAs) contributed to nearly all of B.C.'s 0.9% population gain (38,670 persons) in 2013. Vancouver led the way with a 1.4% expansion marking a gain of about 34,625 persons.
Growth in the other metro markets was more subdued near 0.5%. Vancouver and Abbotsford-Mission relied heavily on international migration as a source of growth, while Victoria and Kelowna leaned on resident inflows from other parts of the province.
Despite growth exceeding most other areas of the province, B.C.'s CMAs underperformed relative to other major markets in Canada. Growth among all CMAs in Canada was 1.5% in 2013, led by gains of more than 3% in Saskatchewan markets and nearly 4% increases in Alberta CMAs. Excluding Vancouver, B.C. CMA population growth fell within the bottom quarter of Canadian metros.
Outside the metro areas, estimated population contracted in most regions. Relative declines were sharpest in Kootenay Boundary and Skeena-Queen Charlotte, which contracted 2%.
Weak intra-provincial migration and net outflows to other provinces (primarily Alberta) remained a drag on many areas, particularly those that depend more on retiree and recreation demand hard hit during the recession.
Interprovincial outflows were particularly strong from the Okanagan as economic weakness pushed some residents to find work elsewhere.
One of the few bright spots in the province was the Peace River district which expanded by 2% in 2013. The region, which is home to the provincial natural gas and coal sectors, has continued to attract residents due to strong economic conditions and job growth.
Interestingly, population levels in Kitimat-Stikine contracted 0.2% in 2013 and are down 5% since 2005, despite a surge in economic activity.
While this seems counterintuitive, economic growth may be driven by a mobile workforce and temporary workers who reside in other areas of the province or country. •
