The population of Ontario grew by 6.6% between 2001 and 2006, more than the national average of 5.4%. While Essex, Kent and Lambton (EKL) reported population growth, the growth rate is about half that of the province overall and slightly lower than in the previous five year period. The population growth is unevenly dispersed across the region with Essex experiencing the bulk of the growth compared to Lambton and Chatham-Kent.
Individuals and households in all areas of EKL earn less money on average than their Ontario counterparts. The average household income in Chatham-Kent is less than the provincial average. However, the proportion of low-income families in all areas of EKL is well below that of the province. The First Nation communities of Kettle Point 44, Moravian 47 and Walpole Island 46 were the communities where incomes were the lowest in this region.
EKL has a slightly older population compared to the province overall with proportionately more people in each age category over age 55 than the province as a whole. EKL has proportionately more seniors living on their own compared to the rest of Ontario, most notably in Chatham-Kent. EKL’s youth population (13-24 years) is growing, although at a much slower rate than the province overall. The decreased number of youth in Chatham Kent stands in stark contrast to the increases in Essex (3050), and to a lesser extent in Lambton (265).
Between 2001 and 2006 EKL’s Francophone population decreased by 9.1%, a significant decrease in the context of the overall provincial increase of 0.9%. In fact, there were 2,155 fewer Francophones in Essex in 2006 compared to 2001. Despite declining numbers however, this region’s Francophone community is quite substantial - over 21,000 people.
EKL is becoming increasingly diverse as almost 1 in 5 EKL residents are foreign-born. The City of Windsor has the greatest diversity in terms of languages and a higher number of people that are actually speaking them. In Essex, nearly 1 in 4 people reported a mother tongue other than English or French. A large majority (85%) of EKL’s visible minorities live in Essex.
Other regional highlights
- EKL’s Aboriginal community grew by 25% between 2001 and 2006. One in five Aboriginal people in EKL live on reserve;
- Although the number of people employed increased, employment growth as of 2006 was at a slower rate than for the province overall;
- While nearly 31% of Ontarians have a university degree, certificate or diploma in EKL, 1 in 5 people have obtained this level;
- Both Chatham-Kent and Lambton County have reversed the population decline experienced between 1996-2001;
- Chatham-Kent has a higher proportion of seniors (16%) than the province and the rest of EKL; they also have the highest rate in the region of seniors living alone - 30.5% compared to 25.7% for Ontario overall;
- In 2006, 2 in 5 people in EKL lived in Essex County.
Responding to trends in the region
Findings like these help provide valuable insight into the communities within EKL. This information offers communities, volunteers and not-for-profit organizations direction on priority areas where additional funding is needed for programs and services.
Census data has helped OTF respond to the demographic trends in regions like EKL and will continue to help guide decision-making as new trends are identified. One example can be seen with the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County. Supporting a population that is becoming more and more diverse, this group is helping to tackle the issue of racism. With help from OTF, staff and program costs will be provided to research, develop, market, train volunteers and implement a community-wide public awareness campaign and educational service about anti-racism and cultural diversity in Windsor and Essex County. This initiative is particularly important given the large visible minority population in Essex (85%) and linguistic diversity in the City of Windsor.
Addressing the needs of EKL’s older population has become a priority for this region. With many of EKL’s seniors living on their own, an organization like the Active Lifestyle Centre is both responsive and relevant. An OTF grant is helping to enhance the capacity of this important seniors’ organization by offering nutritious meals to elderly people in Chatham-Kent.
Walpole Island Land Trust c/o Walpole Island First Nation Council is working to establish a land trust that provides permanent protection of the natural heritage lands within the traditional territory of Walpole Island First Nation. With OTF’s support, this group is helping to meet the needs of the growing Aboriginal community in EKL.
