Baby boomers driving Fort St. John population growth

In February, it was revealed that the population of Fort St. John had grown 6.9 per cent since 2006. From 2006 to 2011, the population between 55 and 64 grew 26.3 per cent, compared to growth of just 5.1 per cent for those under 55.

The median age of the Energetic City also rose from 29.8 years old to 30.6 year old.

Most notably residents aged 60 to 64 grew 33.7 per cent, while those aged 65 to 69 grew 31 per cent. In total, those over the age of 65 rose 11.5 per cent. This is in line with statistics across the country, which show for the first time ever, the number of people about to hit retirement age and ready to leave the workforce is larger than the group getting ready to enter.

The only age demographic that lost a significant amount was those aged 20 to 24, which decreased by 9.5 per cent. However, 25 to 29 year olds increased by 20.7 per cent, which is similar to the growth of 30 to 34 year olds as well as 75 to 79 year olds.

Canada-wide, the rise of toddlers was startling, with Canadians four and under growing by 11 per cent, but with Fort St. John's high birth rate, we had that beat by far at 17.7 per cent growth.