The population of Ontario grew by 6.6% between 2001 and 2006, more than the national average of 5.4%. Although the population of Quinte, Kingston and Rideau (QKR) grew at less than half the rate of the province overall (3.2%), its growth rate more than doubled from the previous census period (1996 to 2001). While Francophones comprise almost 3% of the total population in this region, the Francophone population in QKR is growing at a faster pace (5.5%) than other regions in the Ontario. In May of 2006 the Province announced the designation of Kingston as a Francophone service area, stating that, "Kingston's designation reflects the growth and vitality of Ontario's Francophone population.”
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The Aboriginal community is also experiencing significant growth and grew from 9,000 to 13,400 between 2001 and 2006. Aboriginal people accounted for 2.7% of this region’s total population, a larger proportion than the province overall (2%). QKR also had a higher concentration of Métis (36%) and lower concentration of First Nation people (55%) compared to the rest of the province (30% and 65% respectively).
The population in QKR is older and aging at a faster rate compared to the province overall. As of 2006, QKR’s proportion of people aged 65 and over was 3% higher than Ontario as a whole. Within QKR, the Prince Edward County area had the largest proportion of residents who were aged 65 and over (21.7%). Every region within QKR had a greater increase in its median age than the 1.8 year increase for Ontario overall ranging from Frontenac with a 2.5 year increase to Prince Edward County with a 3.4 year increase.
At the other end of the age spectrum, the youth (13-24) population is growing slowly compared to the province overall. Frontenac had the highest proportion of children in the region while Prince Edward County had the lowest.
QKR is attracting few newcomers to the region. Less than 1 in 10 residents is born outside of Canada, most having established themselves before 1971. A much higher proportion of residents in QKR report English as their mother tongue compared to the province overall.
Other regional highlights
- In 2006, unemployment rates in QKR (6.1%) were slightly lower than the provincial rate (6.4%), and within the region there was some variation. However, the differences were modest, with Frontenac reporting the highest unemployment rate (6.7%) and Lennox and Addington reporting the lowest (5.1%);
- While the proportion of low-income families in QKR was below the provincial rate, the areas of Frontenac (9.5%) and Hastings (9.9%) had the highest proportion of low-income families;
- Bancroft and Smith Falls recorded the greatest population decreases while Carlow/Mayo and Frontenac Island are the fastest growing municipalities;
- More than 2 in 5 recent QKR immigrants are from Asia and the Middle East;
- The Chinese community is the overall largest visible minority group, followed by the South Asian and Black communities.
Responding to trends in the region
Findings like these help provide valuable insight into the communities within QKR. 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 QKR and will continue to help guide decision-making as new trends are identified. An example of this can be seen with Franco- Phare. This organization provides services and support to the Francophone community through organized cultural activities. Franco-Phare is particularly relevant given QKR’s rapidly growing Francophone community. Recognizing Franco-Phare’s responsiveness to this region’s needs, OTF provided funding to help support Quinte’s Francophone community and increase Franco-Phare’s visibility.
Tsi Kionhnheht ne Onkwawenna Language Circle is a great example of how the Aboriginal community in QKR is being served. With OTF’s help this initiative was able to afford program costs and supplies to provide community language initiatives for all ages. This program will enhance the organization’s capacity to promote the Kanyen’keha (Mohawk) language and culture on the Tyendinaga Territory.
Supporting the seniors’ population in QKR has been a priority for a number of organizations in this region. Bancroft Seniors Club c/o United Seniors Citizens of Ontario is one such example. With OTF funding, this organization serving seniors was able to purchase new furniture, kitchen appliances and a wireless microphone system for the Bancroft Seniors Club’s 580 club house. Upgrades will help improve access and enjoyment of this well-used community facility. The fact that recent census data highlights QKR’s older and rapidly aging population makes a funding opportunity like this a priority need for residents in this region.
