Statistics Canada released the results of its 2006 census on Tuesday, with the results of last year's head count surprising many members of the community.
According to the national survey conducted last May, Squamish's population is 14,949 people, with the greater Squamish area having a population of 15,256.
"I think most people expected the number to be larger than that," said Coun. Corinne Lonsdale.
According to Stats Can, the District of Squamish grew by just 702 people since 2001.
However, that number may not be an accurate depiction of the community's economic growth.
"You have to consider that during that time we also lost the mill, our biggest employer," said Dave Thompson, of the district's community development department.
"I'm not surprised by them, no, though I think some people are," said Thompson. 'Would I be surprised if we don't continue to grow? Absolutely."
The fact that our population in the national census is less than expected - some estimates put it as high as 17,000 - has serious implications on this year's district budget.
"There is a police services contract in place between the municipality and the provincial and federal governments," said RCMP Insp. Norm McPhail. "When a community hits 5,000 people they go to a 70-30 split of paying for the police contract, with the municipality paying the 70 per cent. That continues until the municipality reaches 15,000 people when it changes to a 90-10 split."
This year's municipal draft budget has operated under the assumption that Squamish's population is greater than 15,000, with council expecting to have to contribute an additional $497,000 towards community policing under the changes.
However, although Stats can has pegged Squamish as being under the threshold, it is possible that Squamish could still have to pay the additional 20 per cent under the district's contract with the government.
"These numbers are the raw data," said Chris Loat, Stats Can spokesperson. "The B.C., government usually uses B.C. Stats to make estimates based off the raw data and use that estimate for funding purposes. Their numbers will likely be adjusted. Usually when numbers are adjusted they are adjusted up."
If the B.C. government's estimate is greater by even 51 people, then the District of Squamish will likely be required to pay nearly half a million dollars this year for police services.
"We believe the number is under 15,000," said Mayor Ian Sutherland. "This has a huge impact on our 2007 budget."
Sutherland said that the district has already sent a letter to Statistics Canada for clarification on the number. However, according to Loat, it could take some time Squamish to here back from the government.
"We have municipalities from across the country enquiring about the numbers or challenging them," said Loat. "Municipalities are always concerned about the numbers because it effects their funding."
Loat also noted that it takes some time for other governmental organizations, including the B.C. government, to use the raw data to make their own estimates.
"It takes a little bit of time. It may not be done until 2008," said Loat.
In the mean time the district plans to contact the provincial and federal governments to see how the census results will impact their funding.
