Town of Coaldale sign. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Town of Coaldale grows to 8,691 residents

Jul 8, 2019 | 11:30 AM

Coaldale, AB – The official results of the 2019 census in Coaldale have come out.

As of April 1st, 2019, there are now 8,691 people living in the community, which marks an increase of 5.79% from last year’s result of 8,215.

The 2011 federal census reported 7,239 residents, meaning that in just eight years, the town has grown by 20%.

Mayor Kim Craig says he is really pleased to see this year’s census and to continue to see the municipality grow.

“I think that’s really nice and steady growth. It’s not explosive and therefore it’s quite manageable.”

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Part of this year’s spike comes from the annexation of approximately 1,500 acres of land, primarily on the northern and western ends of the community, last spring. Craig believes this would have added a couple hundred people to Coaldale.

He says the new section of town will help to see it grow well into the future.

“That gives us a lot more ability to add to the town with new subdivisions and that would include employment opportunities for commercial and highway commercial opportunities as well.”

Another reason Craig is confident going forward is the work to expand the fire hall and to build a new RCMP station.

Phase one of the fire hall should be done in November, while renovations on the existing section should start next spring or summer. Shovels are expected to hit the ground on the new RCMP station sometime next week.

He believes both facilities will allow the Town of Coaldale to stay safe as it continues to grow.