Although Statistics Canada's 2006 census report does not show as large a population growth for Squamish as many expected, the community's economy is still seeing rapid expansion.
"We are seeing a lot of positive movement in the local economy," said Dave Thompson of the district's community development department.
"Late last year we had two major employers in Home Depot and Wal-Mart come to the community. That is not reflected in what the census is based on as it was done last May. It's likely that our population has or will increase because of those employers as well."
Thompson also noted that in terms of overall development, Squamish is doing well. The lower-than-expected number - according to the census Squamish's population was 14,949 people in May 2006, while some were predicting it to be as high as 17,000 -- has much to do with the collapse of one industry.
"You have to consider that during that time we also lost the mill, our biggest employer," said Thompson. "I'm not surprised by them, no, though I think some people are. Would I be surprised if we don't continue to grow? Absolutely."
Two hundred communities in B.C. lost population since the last census. In most cases a large industrial employer pulled out of those community during the same time period, he pointed out.
