2026 Census Underway

The City of Prince Albert is encouraging residents to complete their 2026 Census as census packages begin arriving in mailboxes across the community.

Residents will receive a letter from Statistics Canada containing a secure 16-digit access code to complete the census online at www.census.gc.ca. The online questionnaire only takes a few minutes to complete.

While filling out the census may feel routine, the information collected helps shape important decisions that directly impact communities like Prince Albert for years to come.

Census data helps governments and organizations plan for:

• Schools, childcare spaces, and community programming for growing populations
• Health care services and future hospital capacity
• Municipal infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, transit systems, and broadband expansion
• Housing strategies, including affordable housing investments
• Emergency planning and community response services
• Funding allocations to municipalities, provinces, and Indigenous communities
• Social services, newcomer supports, and community-based programs

“Completing the census helps ensure our community is accurately represented when important funding and planning decisions are made,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky. “Strong participation means governments and organizations have better information to support the services residents rely on every day.”

Census information influences decisions that extend well beyond a single election cycle. When residents do not participate, communities may appear smaller or have fewer needs than they actually do, potentially impacting future investments and services.

Residents are encouraged to watch their mail for their census access letter and complete their questionnaire as soon as possible.

For more information about the 2026 Census, visit www.census.gc.ca