Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the City of St. Albert doing a municipal census?
- Municipal census data makes a big impact on St. Albert’s future. Every response helps us plan, make improvements, identify needs and secure provincial and federal grants. Since the last census, our community has grown and changed. It is important that our census data is updated as it is used for planning new community programs and services and enhancing existing ones.
- Many provincial and federal grants are awarded based on the population count determined by the census. The City can also receive about $1,000 for a family of four in provincial and federal grant money. This is important and used to plan programs, services and projects from parks to policing, libraries to support services and roads to infrastructure.
When was the last municipal census and how often does it take place?
- The last municipal census took place in 2024.
- In 2023, Council amended the Census Policy (C-CAO-01) and changed the frequency of conducting a census from every two years to every five years with timing to occur between the federal censuses.
What types of questions are asked on the census?
- We collect information such as: Home ownership, household income, number of occupants, length of residence, previous residence, gender/ages, employment status, mother tongue and mode of transportation.
Are my responses confidential?
- All census information collected is confidential. Individual and household responses will not be shared. Only total combined results are shared.
Why do I have to verify my address is correct on the survey?
- Addresses are verified to ensure only one response is provided per household. All census data is collected aggregately (combined) into a database and none of the data is tied to individual residences.
How do I know my information will be secure?
- The vendor hired to provide the software for this census is the City of Airdrie. They have completed census projects for over 60 municipalities in the Province of Alberta.
- The online census system is tested regularly by third party consultants to ensure the system is secure and any evolving vulnerabilities are mitigated.
- The online census uses SSL certificates to establish encrypted links between the enumeration device and the online census web servers. SSL ensures that all data passing between the enumeration devices and the web server remains private and the integrity of the data is not compromised.
- Access to the system by residents can only be completed by entering the correct Secure Access Code. Each residence is mailed a unique code to complete the census online.
- Whether you complete the census online or in person:
- All responses are strictly confidential.
- Information is collected only to determine the number of people living in your home; their gender; their age; their student or employment status; their student or employment location; and mother tongue.
- All enumerators have had Police Information Checks, received training and signed Statements of Census Enumeration indicating they will keep information received confidential.
- Access to the system by enumerators can only be completed by having the correct login and password.
How will the census results be shared?
- A comprehensive census report will be posted to the Census Results page in Q4 (the fourth quarter) of 2024.
- Only statistical data that is compiled for each neighbourhood and statistical category is shared with the public or outside organizations. The City of St. Albert does not release the census data of individuals.
Can I get a copy of my responses to the census?
- No, responses are confidential and cannot be reproduced for residents after submission, this maintains the integrity of the data and census confidentiality. Completed census responses are gathered in totals and are not accessible by dwelling or by address.
Related Pages
Last edited: November 13, 2024