Population Increase Expected for Vernon
Vernon currently has a net negative natural increase in its population~ more people die here than are born here each year. Ok.. that makes the marketer in me scream things like.. "We're dying for you to get here!" What it really means is that we have an older population . Our median age is 44 which is 3rd oldest in the province, and one year higher than Kelowna.
This is the result of two factors. Firstly the Baby Boomers~the biggest generation in our history (born between 1946 and 1964) are aging. Secondly ~ It (the Okanagan in general) is an attractive place to retire. Our lifestyle, natural beautly and climate bring people here.
That said, how can we be expecting a population INCREASE?
Migration! People like you are moving here! Allmost all of our growth is from people choosing to relocate to Vernon from elsewhere in BC and Canada. A small number are moving here from other countries.
The City of Vernon expects to increase by 15,000 people in the next 25 years, at about 1.36% per year. Kim Flick our Long Range Planner did not say how many of us will die in order for us to hit the targets identified and as I am still reeling from being above the median age... I must say I find some comfort in NOT knowing!
Thankfully, our long range planners are on top of this growth and are able to calculate the number of dwelling units (does anyone but planners use THAT term I wonder?) so that we will have a place for you when you get here. It is projected that 7000 new units will be required in the next 25 years.
