The 2025 Municipal Census in now available online!
The City of Camrose will conduct a Municipal Census in Spring 2025 through an online and door-to-door process. Census data helps determine the City’s total population and gather demographic information, which is essential for planning programs, services, and maximizing grant funding from other levels of government.
Submit Your Census Early for a Chance to WIN!
Complete your Census early for a chance to win a gift card to a local business of your choice:
- $250 – If completed between April 14 – 27
- $150 – If completed between April 28 – May 11
- $50 – If completed between May 12 – May 26
How Will the Census Be Conducted?
Between April 3 - 11, residents will receive a secure access code (SAC) delivered to their doorstep unique to their dwelling, along with a link to the census website. This allows them to complete the census online without an in-person interview.
Starting May 5, Census Enumerators will visit households that have not completed the Census online to collect responses in person.
The last day to complete the Census is July 15th.
Why is a Municipal Census Conducted?
City departments and related agencies need accurate and up-to-date statistical information to make informed and appropriate decisions on the provision of population-based City services, such as:
- Transportation
- Roads
- Fire Protection
- Police Services
- Utilities
- Recreation, etc.
Basing decisions on updated demographics results in the appropriate use of City revenues, particularly in times of change. School Boards, businesses, residents, and other interested parties may also use the statistics to make informed decisions. Also, many of the grants received from the Provincial and Federal Governments are provided on a per capita basis. A census count ensures that maximum grant funds are received.
Municipal Census Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the City conducting a Census? |
Accurate population data helps the City and its partners plan essential services like transportation, emergency response, utilities, and recreation. It also ensures that School Boards, businesses, and residents have the information they need. Additionally, many provincial and federal grants are based on population, so a local Census ensures the City receives its fair share of funding. Participating ensures your household is included, helping improve municipal services. |
When does the Census start? |
The online portion of the Census will be available from April 14 to July 15. Door-to-door collection will begin on May 5. All responses should reflect the household's status as of April 14 to ensure consistency and accuracy in the data collected. |
How long will it take to complete the Census? |
There are only 11 questions to answer on the City’s Census, so it should only take a few minutes! |
What questions are asked on the City’s Census? |
|
How will I know the person at the door is a City Census Worker? |
All Census workers will carry City-issued identification. Residents are encouraged to verify their identification before providing any information. |
What if I am not home when the Census Worker comes to my door? |
If no one is home during the Census worker's first visit, a Call Back Notice will be left at the residence. This notice will include the Census website, a contact phone number, and an email address. Residents may use these options to schedule a return visit, complete the Census online, or provide responses by phone. The Census takes only a few minutes to complete. |
Is my Census information safe and confidential? |
Yes. Census workers are trained to keep all collected information confidential. They are only allowed to share data with authorized members of the Census team, such as the Census Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator. Each worker must sign a confidentiality agreement. In addition, the City is required to comply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information to protect residents' personal information. |
What happens if I misplace my Secure Access Code (SAC)? |
Please contact the Census Coordinator at 780.678.3440 or by email census@camrose.ca. |
What happens if I do not receive a letter from the City of Camrose? |
Secure Access Codes (SAC) and instructions for the online Census will be delivered to households between April 3 and 11. If you don’t receive your letter within a few days after the Census opens on April 14, please contact the Census Coordinator at 780.678.3440 or email census@camrose.ca. |
What do I do if my Secure Access Code does not work? |
Please ensure the Secure Access Code (SAC) is entered exactly as it appears in the letter provided by the City of Camrose. If you continue to experience issues, please contact the Census Coordinator at 780.678.3440 or by emailing census@camrose.ca. |
What if the address linked to my Secure Access Code is incorrect? |
Please contact the Census Coordinator at 780.678.3440 or by email census@camrose.ca. |
Why does the Census ask for the "usual number of residents"? |
The Census determines the City’s population, which affects grant funding. The “usual number of residents” includes everyone who lives and sleeps in the household most of the time. Students are counted at their permanent home, usually their parents' residence, unless they have moved permanently. |
Why does the Census ask for the "age group of each resident"? |
Understanding the population’s age distribution is essential for planning programs and facilities related to education, recreation, senior services, and housing. School divisions also rely on age-related information to project student enrolment and inform long-term planning for educational facilities and resource allocation. |
Why does the Census ask about school residency? |
School divisions rely on this information to assess and plan for the needs within their education systems. In Camrose, the Census also confirms residency for the Battle River School Division and the Elk Island Catholic Schools Division. |
Why does the Census ask about employment status? |
This question helps to assess the local job market and supports planning for economic development and community support services. It also provides insights into labor trends and workforce availability. |
Why does the Census ask about the main location of employment? |
Understanding where people work helps with transportation planning, including roads, public transit, and commuting patterns. By analyzing employment location data, planners can better anticipate future infrastructure needs, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance accessibility. It also aids in long-term public transit, road maintenance, and land use planning. |
Why does the Census ask how long someone has lived in Camrose? |
This question helps the City understand population stability, growth, and migration trends. It also informs decisions about infrastructure, services, and community planning by identifying emerging neighbourhoods, areas with long-term residents, and shifts in demographic patterns. |
Why does the Census ask about primary transportation methods? |
This question helps the City of Camrose understand how residents typically get to work or school—whether by car, public transit, biking, walking, or other means. Knowing how people travel helps the City identify commuting patterns, assess transportation infrastructure, and plan for future mobility needs. The data guides decisions on road networks, bike paths, sidewalks, and public transit services to ensure they meet residents' needs. It also supports efforts to improve safety, accessibility, and sustainability in the City’s transportation system. |
Why does the Census ask if a household spends 30% or more of its income on housing? |
A common measure of affordability is spending 30% or more of before-tax income on housing, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and property taxes. When costs exceed this level, it can indicate financial strain and difficulty covering other basic needs. By gathering this data, the City can identify local housing challenges and prioritize support for those most in need, such as low-income families, seniors, and individuals on fixed incomes. It also helps shape housing policies, funding applications, and strategies to improve access to affordable homes. In addition, non-profits, developers, and other organizations use this information to address housing gaps in the community. Ultimately, this question supports efforts to ensure all residents have access to safe, suitable, and affordable housing. |
Why does the Census ask about public safety issues? |
This question helps the City of Camrose understand residents' concerns and experiences with public safety in their neighborhoods and the community. By identifying specific issues—such as vandalism, theft, or traffic safety—the City can pinpoint areas where people feel unsafe or believe improvements are needed. The data supports evidence-based decision-making, helping City departments and Camrose Police Services prioritize resources, enhance enforcement, and implement safety measures like better lighting, traffic calming, or neighborhood patrols. It also helps guide broader community well-being strategies, secure funding through grants, and strengthen partnerships with other organizations. Ultimately, this question gives residents a voice in shaping a safer, more inclusive, and responsive community. |
Why does the Census ask if residents are signed up for Voyent Alert? |
This question helps the City assess how effectively it reaches residents through Voyent Alert, an emergency and public notification system. Voyent Alert quickly shares important updates about service interruptions, road closures, emergency situations, and other City information. The Census helps assess its reach and improve communication strategies for emergency updates and service alerts. |
Why does the Census ask for an “optional voluntary phone number”? |
Provincial regulations require quality assurance checks on a sample of households. As part of this process, a random sample of households will be contacted by phone to verify that an enumerator visited the residence and to confirm the accuracy of one Census response. If you indicate "yes" to being contacted for quality assurance, the process will take less than a minute of your time. Your participation helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of the Census - please consider saying "yes" to being contacted. |
Additional Information
The most recent census was conducted in 2016 and showed Camrose with a total population of 18,742. View the demographic information from the 2016 Municipal Census here. A Municipal Census was considered in 2020; however, it was deferred due to challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Municipal Census is scheduled to take place in 2025. The Census zone map can be found here.
Contact Us