By Andrew de Souza

Residents counting themselves in

Jul 27, 2011 | 6:27 AM

Just a few weeks ago, more than 4,000 homes had not yet completed their 2011 census form, but that number has greatly improved.

As of Monday, that number had dwindled down to just about 600 homes remaining— close to almost 98 per cent of the homes in the city filled out the census.

Mayor Jim Scarrow said that it was important for residents in the city to be counted, so the city embarked on a campaign that included advertising and appearances at public events.

“These are vital not only for funding for the city but for planning our needs, not the least of which is education, healthcare and all of those vital services,” he said.

According to the city, each person officially counted in the census means the city is entitled to about $1,100 from different grants and funding formulae each year.

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When the city first started its campaign with more than 4,000 homes left out, that was equal to at least $4 million in lost revenue for the city.

“It was a danger of loss as opposed to additional money,” said Scarrow. “We always felt there was a ghost population of several thousand.

“What was important was to make sure that we had a fair and proper census.”

There is still a few homes that have yet to complete the census, but there’s still time to do so.

Statistics Canada will continue to make house calls. Residents can also complete the census online at the Census website or by calling 764-5213

adesouza@panow.com