Housing starts may be down but Cochrane's population continues to grow at a hearty rate.

Today, the town released the 2019 census results and we are now 29,277 strong. That's an increase of 4.7 per cent, down from the 5.9 per cent growth recorded last year but higher than the 4.5 per cent witnessed in 2017.

With this latest census, Cochrane may have surpassed Okotoks as the largest town in Alberta. In their 2018 census, Okotoks reported a population of 29,002, up only 121 people from the 2016 federal census. 

Participation in the Cochrane census grew to 99 per cent, up from 97 per cent in 2018. More people are also completing the census online. The town says 57 per cent of residents now chose this method of being included in the count.

As an added incentive to do it online, the town introduced a cash prize this year. It was Stephen and Audrey Zub who won the random draw for 500 Cochrane Dollars and were presented their prize at council last night.

In the last eight years, Cochrane's population has grown by 11,697 people and remains one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.

There were 900 people here in 1969 and it took 10 years to reach a population of 2,308 in 1979.

Cochrane has held an annual census since 2013 and holds it between Apr. 1 and 30. Accurate numbers help the municipality secure its full entitlement of provincial and federal government grants.

The results have been submitted to Alberta Municipal Affairs. The new population figure should be declared official by the province in September.