Sunday, March 11, 2007



On March 13/2007 we'll find out just what out migration and a declining birthrate have done to NL population. Population and dwelling counts statistics will be released from the 2006 census.
Will the information released show we have gone below the 500,000 mark? In the small community i live we'll stay just above the 300 plus mark. I'm sure since the 2006 count we have fallen below it. A few days ago on our community forum someone congratulated an expectant birth mother and it was something to be proud of community wise.We rarely see many and by the time they're of school age the family usually leaves. Our first Come Home Year event is scheduled for July and crowds are expected. Somehow i suspect this will be the first and last of its kind here. Declining population in the community causes removal of street lights because no one wants to pay higher fees for services. Services such as fire protection here may someday stop when the volunteers reach retirement age.Today if you want a position on the local council you just show up and tell them your interested. No need to get elected.We just can't see to find enough to have an election. Thankfully we still have a few volunteers here.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

i think i now have more relatives living off the island then on. i guess a comehome year is about the only time my family will see each other either then a funeral.rather gloomy situation.

Charlie said...

It's a sad situation for everyone. It's too bad that families have to move away, but extra lonely for seniors who still live in small communities. The community I grew up in has around 400 souls, perhaps less now. They had a great come home year in 2003, big turn out, and alot of people came back.

EDITORS: Ghost Rider said...

Wayne not only is there a declining birth rate in NL there is one through out Canada and within a few years there will be more foreigners living there than people who were born within the country, seems to be a grim outlook for all of Canada.......

lynne44 said...

Hi, I would like for Wayne to reply to me, Charles Short is my grandfather.
My comment on this article leaves alot to be desired because in reality people have no choice but to leave and look for work. We have travelled west for many years to earn the keep. My son is following in our footsteps and eventualy he will be gone permanently if the economy don't provide work and programs to keep the children home. Small communities will be wiped out and with the current goings on within government spending how will they have a chance to live here and raise a family. Just my opinion.
The government can, turn this around, they just have to stop feeding their own pockets and put some needed cash into work projects that will have lasting power.
L.Y.