Residents in Hay River, Northwest Territories, should be prepared for visits from census workers through the end of July as Statistics Canada conducts the 2026 Census of Population. Census teams, which began collection in the community in February as part of the early northern enumeration, are currently following up with households that have not yet completed their questionnaires online.
The Town of Hay River is encouraging all residents to participate in the count. Local officials emphasize that the data collected is vital because it directly shapes how federal funding is handed out for essential services, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and housing. These figures also play a significant role in guiding local planning decisions for the future of the community.
The census serves as a mandatory requirement under federal law. Participation helps ensure that accurate population figures are reflected, which is especially important for the community following the results of the 2021 Census that recorded 3,169 residents, a 10.2% decrease from the previous count in 2016.
To support the collection process, Statistics Canada has hired approximately 32,000 workers nationwide. These field positions, which run through July 2026, include enumerators earning $25.87 per hour and crew leaders earning $31.32 per hour. Residents can confirm the legitimacy of anyone visiting their home by checking for official identification carried by all authorized census staff.
