According to a new BC Stats report, BC’s population is expected to grow considerably in the next 22 years.
By 2046, it is estimated that BC will hit a population of 7.9 million people, which is an increase of 44%.
In 2023, the population was recorded as 5.5 million.
When looking at Canada as a whole, Statistics Canada predicts that the population will increase to 48.8 million by 2050.
Currently, the Canadian population is just above 38 million, according to a 2021 census.
The report found that Canada’s population as a whole is aging and the fertility rate is actually below the levels that would sustain replacement for those who are expected to be passing away in the coming years.
However, it is because of Canada’s immigration intake that the population is expected to grow.
“Canada has experienced population growth at a level above other developed nations over the past several years owing to its high intake of international migrants” reads the report.
“Temporary migrants have been the largest source of growth in the population of Canada for the past two years, and the number of temporary migrants to Canada is anticipated to continue increasing until 2030.”
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In a city like Victoria where there is little room for expansion besides building upwards, this rate of growth brings with it unique challenges that require thoughtful planning.
According to the last census in 2021, there are just over 397,000 people living in Greater Victoria.
If Victoria’s growth rate aligns with what BC Stats is predicting for the province as a whole, then there will be approximately 174,000 more people wanting to live in the area that will require housing, health care and other services.
To successfully house and provide for the anticipated growth, the 13 municipalities that make up Greater Victoria may have to get creative in their policies and zoning requirements.
