I find numbers fascinating. I enjoy Sudoku — puzzles which use single digits appearing in seemingly random order — until you understand the patterns. Last week, Stats Canada released the latest census numbers for all Canadian communities. At first look, there seemed to be nothing new in the Rainy River District. But looking closer, there are worrying trends.
One of the interesting uncovered results across Canada is that we are growing older. For the first time ever, baby boomers now make up less than a quarter of the population — down from over 40 per cent in the mid-1960s. But baby boomers are continuing to have an enormous impact on Canada. As more pass into retirement age, we are seeing a growth in the age of Canadians. In the District, almost a quarter of residents are over the age of 65, and 12 per cent of those are over the age of 85. Those statistics are likely to grow.
Lake of the Woods Township is the oldest community in the District where the average age is 50.4 years. Rainy River’s is 49, Atikokan’s is 47, and Fort Frances is not far behind with 44.6. The average age in the District is 39 — close to the provincial average. Alberta is the youngest province, and Newfoundland-Labrador the oldest.
Our population is aging. The communities with the youngest average population are First Nations.
Lake of the Woods Township has seen the largest population growth followed by Chapple and Naicatchewenin First Nation.
What does this mean for the District? An aging population will result in more primary health care. It will require provincial agencies to evaluate how to maintain the aging population in their homes. It’s a positive sign that all three main provincial parties are making long-term care a priority in their election campaigns.
The numbers indicate that communities will have to invest in more programs to keep seniors active and healthy.
As more baby boomers move into retirement, it will be crucial to encourage millennials to settle in the District, replacing retirees and creating a younger overall community. It will be important for all communities and governments to develop comprehensive programs to at- tract Canadians and immigrants to the area. What programs will be needed to attract young families to locate here? What assistance will be needed to attract immigrants to choose to live in the Rainy River District?
Every province and territory is experiencing these issues. The District is not alone.
Jim Cumming
Former publisher
Fort Frances Times
