New census data shows there are more seniors than kids living in Canada for the first time ever.
Statistics Canada says Windsor-Essex follows that trend with seniors making up 17.2% of the population compared to 16.7% of residents under the age of 14.
Census results from the London area are similar, with 17.1% seniors compared to 16.4% children.
National averages show 16.9% seniors to 16.6% kids.
StatsCan is calling it a generational shift because Baby Boomers are just starting to hit the age of 65.
It predicts Canada's seniors population will jump to 23% by 2031, while the portion of residents under 14 should stay relatively the same.
Despite the aging population, Canada had a lower portion of seniors last year than any other G7 country except the United States.
Statistics Canada expects the need for nursing homes or senior residences to grow over the next decade or so, as only 1.2% of Canadians already live in those type of facilities.
Canadian census charts, May 3, 2017. (Photo courtesy Statistics Canada)
Percentage of the population aged 0-14 in 2016 according to the Canadian census. ( Provided by Statistics Canada)