Demographics
Membership
According to June 2013 population information2, we have 818 members, 344 of whom live on one of the Band’s two occupied reserves, 55 of whom live on the reserves of other First Nations, and 419 of whom live off-reserve, primarily in towns and cities like Merritt, Kamloops, Kelowna and Vancouver.
We have a young population, with 478 (59%) of our members under 40 years old, compared to 45% in Merritt and the surrounding Thompson-Nicola Regional District. However, we are ageing, with over 12% of our population over the age of 60. This is up from 11% in 2010. This means 100 members are over 60 years old, up from 74 in 2010.
Percent Population Under 40 Years Old
Our membership is also growing. Our historical growth has been approximately 3%-5% per year. Since 2010, our population grew by about 3%. Assuming this rate continues, we project there will be 1,102 Coldwater members in 10 years, and 1,483 in 20 years. At a 5% growth rate, our population would number 1332 in 10 years, and 2,170 after 20 years.
This anticipated population growth has a number of implications for community life – including both opportunities and challenges. A strong, young population means a strong, young workforce ready to create and accept opportunities to build the local socio-economic fabric. However, a growing population will also put pressure on already stretched resources.
A closer look at our population broken down by age can help us consider the types of facilities and services that we may need in the coming years. The changing size of different age groups and families will impact the provision of community services and facilities, housing, education, and health.
Our membership is also growing. Our historical growth has been approximately 3%-5% per year. Since 2010, our population grew by about 3%. Assuming this rate continues, we project there will be 1,102 Coldwater members in 10 years, and 1,483 in 20 years. At a 5% growth rate, our population would number 1332 in 10 years, and 2,170 after 20 years.
This anticipated population growth has a number of implications for community life – including both opportunities and challenges. A strong, young population means a strong, young workforce ready to create and accept opportunities to build the local socio-economic fabric. However, a growing population will also put pressure on already stretched resources.
A closer look at our population broken down by age can help us consider the types of facilities and services that we may need in the coming years. The changing size of different age groups and families will impact the provision of community services and facilities, housing, education, and health.
