Waterloo Region says international students behind big population boost
Waterloo Region’s population has seen significant growth between 2022 to 2023 and regional staff say that’s largely attributed to increases in international student enrollment.
At the end of 2023, Waterloo Region’s population was an estimated 673,910, according to a report from staff. It increased by 28,490 people, or 4.4 per cent, from year-end in 2022.
“2023 saw the strongest population growth in Waterloo Region,” staff said during a planning and works committee meeting on Tuesday. “Growth in 2023 was nearly double the annual growth that has ever occurred in Waterloo Region.”
Staff called in an anomaly year with the student population accounting for 50 per cent of population growth.
Last year, international students represented about 37 per cent of total enrollment. Between 2016 and 2022, international enrollment was only about 20 per cent of the total at local institutions.
“The increase in the number of international students has an effect on Waterloo Region’s population since most require housing within the region, compared to domestic students, many of whom commute from other jurisdictions or already live within the region,” said the report to council.
Earlier this year, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a temporary two year cap on international student admissions.
Regional staff said if international students weren’t included, population numbers for 2023 would be more similar to the numbers in 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are both one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup final.
Beef on and off the ice: Who has the best steak between Alberta and Texas?
As the Edmonton Oilers battle the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Western Conference Finals, there's some beef brewing off the ice as well.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.