Whispers from the Edge of the Rainforest: Census Stats showing little or no population growth - and a massive variation in COV empty home data

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Census Stats showing little or no population growth - and a massive variation in COV empty home data

So the 2016 Census data was released today and created quite the bit of commotion on Twitter this morning.

While most municipalities in the region are showing moderate population growth, certain areas are showing no growth whatsoever. West Vancouver is the fastest shrinking city in the Lower Mainland.

West Van’s population fell 2.1 per cent in 2016. The City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver grew by 0.6 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively, well below the average growth rate in Greater Vancouver, which was 1.6 per cent.

Vancouver's west side is stagnant as is Richmond's.

Now all of this data is curious because the narrative has been that everyone is moving here and that is what is driving our housing prices through the roof. But BC doesn't crack the list of the top 3 provinces for population growth (Alberta 18%, Saskatchewan 6.3%, and Manitobia 5.8%).

More significantly Census data estimate over 25,500 unoccupied homes in Vancouver... a number DOUBLE the City of Vancouver estimate.

Look for the real estate cartel to immediately start it's media spin to defend it's push for higher density and rezoning. We'll see if that's the big theme in the coming days.

Meanwhile, check out this humorous Craigslist post for west side Vancouver accommodation...