Stats Canada released population information from the 2011 Census on February 8, and the numbers show a decline in population for Prince Rupert and the North Coast.
According to the census, the population in the City of Prince Rupert fell from 12,815 in 2006 to 12,508 in 2011, a drop of 307 people equal to 2.4 per cent.
The Prince Rupert agglomeration count, which includes the surrounding area, fell by 2.5 per cent from 13,392 to 13,052. That decline was the fifth highest in the country and the highest drop in all of BC.
Port Edward also saw a population decline, falling 5.7 per cent from 577 people in 2006 to 544 people in 2011. Masset's population fell six per cent from 940 to 884, Queen Charlotte was down four people to 944, and Skidegate saw a decline of 9.2 per cent, from 781 people in 2006 to 709 people in 2011.
Overall the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District as a whole fell by 4.5 per cent, from 19,664 to 18,784.
Kitimat saw a 7.3 per cent decline in its population, falling from 8,987 in 2006 to 8,335 in 2011, while Terrace's population grew by 1.5 per cent from 11,320 to 11,486.
Look for more on the census numbers, including local reaction, this Wednesday in the Prince Rupert Northern View and here at www.thenorthernview.com