The 2024 Municipal Census begins April 1 and continues until June 30.
May 14 update: We are half way there! As of May 14 50.07% of households have completed their census bringing our population to 2,005 residents. After the long weekend, staff will begin contacting people who have not completed their census by phone in the evening.
The Town of Penhold uses census data to plan for public services and infrastructure such as schools, roads, recreational facilities, fire and CPO services, and libraries. Basing planning decisions on recently updated demographics results in more appropriate use of revenue and resources. Collecting up-to-date population data is an important and effective way to plan for the needs of a growing and diverse community. Information collected in the Municipal Census is used by various facilities, organizations, and stakeholders to deliver a wide range of municipal services including schools, recreational centres, emergency services, and major infrastructure.
Letters have been mailed out to every household prior to April 1 with a unique Secured Access Code (SAC) for each household. You will need your unique SAC to complete the census.
Click here to complete your census starting April 1
If you have any questions, please email the Census Coordinator at info@townofpenhold.ca or call 403-886-4567.
The Census 2024 questions are:
- Number of residents per household
- Age of each person in the home
- If 65+, interested in staying in Penhold as you age?
- Services accessed
- If new to Penhold (less than 2 years) where did you live previous?
- Do you have any dogs? Would you be interested in becoming part of a Dog Park Committee?
- Preferred method of communication for Town of Penhold news?
Why is there a municipal census?
The main purpose is to collect up-to-date population data. This data is crucial for Town departments, businesses, and non-profit organizations in making short-term and long-term operational and strategic plans.
The data also provides the basis for valuable grants from the provincial and federal governments. The Town will only receive grants for the people identified in the census, so it is important that every resident is counted.
How do I complete the census?
There are three ways to complete the 2024 Census:
1. Complete census on line:
Click here then enter unique Secured Access Code (SAC) or scan the QR Code provided on letter
2. Complete by phone through the Town Office during business hours:
403-886-4567 (Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
3. Complete in person at the Town Office during business hours:
Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Who should fill out the census?
Only one person (over the age of 18) per household needs to complete the municipal census on behalf of all members of the household.
Town staff can only plan and deliver services for the residents who identify themselves in the census, so ensuring you are counted is important to help municipal services reach you and your family.
When can I complete the census?
Census 2024 begins April 1, 2024 and continues until June 30, 2024. Letters are mailed out to every household with a unique identifier, referred to as the Secured Access Code (SAC), assigned to each residence.
Once you receive the letter with your unique SAC, you can complete the census anytime between April 1 and June 30.
If you have any questions, please email the Census Coordinator at info@townofpenhold.ca or call 403-886-4567.
What is the Secure Access Code (SAC) used for?
For Census 2024, a unique Secure Access Code (SAC) was assigned to each residential address within the Town of Penhold. Residents use the SCA code to complete the census for their household.
How does census information impact municipal budgeting?
Census information is used to assess existing growth and service targets as well as long-term requirements for capital development and operational planning. In short, it’s essential for municipal budget cycles.
Census data is used to plan for public services and infrastructure such as roads, recreational facilities, fire and protective services and community programming. Using updated demographic information as the basis for planning decisions helps facilitate appropriate use of revenue and resources.
How is the non-profit sector affected by the census?
Many non-profits are funded on a population basis; these organizations also use the data for operational and long-term planning in addition to securing funding opportunities.
Is my information secure when I complete the census online?
The City of Airdrie is the owner of, or has acquired rights to, the Software and Documentation and will provide access via the internet to the software for the purpose of using the Software in accordance with the terms of the Application Service Provider (ASP) Services Software License and Optional Online Census Services Agreement between The Town and Airdrie. Reports are provided by the City of Airdrie as requested by the town.
The retention of the information is in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Information collected is only good from February 1 to August 31 of each year.
Why don’t we use the federal government’s census information?
The federal census that takes place every five years captures different information than the municipal census. Relying on outdated data to make municipal planning decisions is not an efficient use of taxpayers’ money and five years can make a large difference for a growing town.
Municipal census data is required to access current population data to determine the needs for services and infrastructure in our rapidly growing Town.