Kamsack’s population decreased by 19 persons over the past year, according to SaskHealth statistics.
The current population of Kamsack is 2,340, says the SaskHealth report which is based on the number of Saskatchewan Health Cards issued, based on a cut-off date of June 30.
In 2015, the population of Kamsack was said to have been 2,359, while in 2014 the population was 2,342.
The numbers from the health cards are traditionally higher than are the numbers derived from the Canadian census, Mayor Rod Gardner said after hearing about the SaskHealth statistics. “Actually, I’m surprised the population is as high as that.
“But, it’s nice to see that we’re holding our own at a time when many small communities across the prairies are not,” he said. “It’s a positive sign.”
Norquay’s population was said to be 828, up 10 from 818 last year. Its population was 815 in 2014.
According to the statistics, Canora, with a population of 3,262, increased from 2,742 in 2015, and in 2014, the population was 2,834.
Other district communities with population increases are: (the first number is current population; the second is the population in 2015, and the third, the population in 2014) Theodore, 522 (503) (534); Invermay, 403 (377) (411); Calder, 212 (209) (213); Rhein, 280 (272) (275); and Ebenezer, 234 (225) (217).
In addition to Kamsack, other towns and villages showing decreases are: Preeceville, 1,470 (1,509) (1,504); Togo, 167 (176) (175); Sturgis, 817 (837) (862); Pelly, 406 (431) (443); Rama, 151 (166) (168); Endeavour, 238 (249) (283); Arran, 101 (118) (121); Hyas, 251 (255) (261); Buchanan, 314 (322) (336); Wroxton, 121 (133) (138); Springside, 680 (711) (720); and Stenen, 179 (194) (194).
The Village of Sheho was the only community to show no change: 216 (216) (234).
Rural municipalities showing an increase were: RM of Cote, 185 (180) (165); RM of Clayton, 328 (320) (293); RM of Preeceville, 496 (477) (420); and the RM of Calder, 135 (122) (120).
RMs showing a decrease were: RM of Buchanan, 101 (162) (147); RM of Insinger, 136 (143) (135); RM of Keys, 88 (141) (126); RM of Livingston, 229 (234) (230); RM of Sliding Hills, 349 (547) (524); RM of Good Lake, 205 (466) (424); RM of Hazel Dell, 604 (652) (536); RM of St. Philips, 93 (95) (89); and RM of Invermay, 108 (117) (100).
Among the First Nations communities, Cote First Nation showed an increase, 900 (883) (920), while decreases were recorded for The Key First Nation, 149 (162) (167); and for Keeseekoose First Nation, 579 (613) (622).
The total covered population for the Sunrise Health Region decreased to 58,923 (59,551) (59,007) and the province increased to 1,148,443 (1,147,733) (1,122,537).
Saskatchewan cities which showed a decrease were: Estevan, 13,205 (13,513) (13,115); Moose Jaw, 36,118 (36,409) (36,003); Yorkton, 19,042 (19,194) (19,038); Swift Current, 17,826 (17,990) (17,681); and North Battleford, 16,599 (16,747) (16,621).
Saskatchewan cities that showed an increase were: Saskatoon, 256,357 (253,882) (246,321); Regina, 224,006 (221,996) (215,004); Prince Albert, 45,182 (44,988) (44,437); Weyburn, 12,068 (11,916) (11,725); Humboldt, 6,905 (6,850) (6,804); Melville, 5,186 (5,168) (5,128); Melfort, 6,590 (6,470) (6,438); and Lloydminster (Saskatchewan), 13,964 (13,929) (13,060).
These reports are used more to identify trends but it is the Statistics Canada census numbers which carry more weight because any per-capita funding is based on those population numbers.
