Whether it's understanding what programs are needed to accommodate Wetaskiwin's residents or leveraging funding from other levels of government, understanding who calls Wetaskiwin home, matters.
With that in mind, the City of Wetaskiwin's 2025 municipal census will determine the total population and collect vital demographic information that will help staff plan and enhance programs and services, assess the city's growth and optimize grant funding.
Why does the information matter? Municipal departments and related agencies require accurate statistical data to make informed decisions about various population-based services – everything from transportation, utilities and road maintenance to fire protection, police services and recreation.
Up-to-date demographic information helps the City manage revenues efficiently, while also providing needed insight to school boards, businesses and others who use the data to guide decision-making. Additionally, many provincial and federal government grants are allocated on a per capita basis, and a comprehensive census count ensures the City receives the maximum available funding.
How do I participate in the Wetaskiwin census?
The census will include questions about your dwelling type and the number of people who reside in your household as of Thursday, May 1, 2025. Information will be requested for each resident, including their gender, birth month and year, and employment type.
Once completed, your personal information is encrypted and stored securely under the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The easiest way to complete the census is online, using the secure access code you received in the mail before May 1. The online portal will be open to June 30 – here's what to expect.
As an added incentive, complete your online census online between May 1 and 7 to be entered into a draw for one of four $75 gift cards! Complete your census online between May 8 and 14 and be entered into a draw for one of three $50 gift cards.
For those needing help navigating the online portal, City employees will host two drop-in census events:
- Wetaskiwin Public Library, Wednesday, May 7
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 86, Wednesday, May 14.
Both drop-ins will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – bring your secure access code.
For residences that have not completed the census online by Thursday, May 15, enumerators will collect census information door to door – look for their Wetaskiwin 2025 Census-branded badges, tablets and business cards from the City's census team.
For those who prefer to complete their census by phone, call the City census team at 780-361-4400 ext. 8833 – provide your secure access code and a staff member will help you complete your census.