Population projections for the City of Sarnia have one city councillor concerned.
Census data from 2016 showed a slight decrease in population, a trend that's expected to continue in the years 2021 to 2036.
Mike Kelch says a decrease of 700 people or 1% of the overall population in 2016, was accurately predicted in a 2011 projection.
"Our projected population 20 years from now will be almost exactly what it is today in the best case scenario," says Kelch. "In the worst case, it will decline to 63,000."
Sarnia had about 71,600 residents in 2016, down from 72,355 in 2011.
Kelch says an aging population coupled with a low birth-rate could put the city in a bad situation.
"The pool of taxpayers is predicted to remain basically the same over 20 years while all of the city's costs will absolutely continue to rise," he says.
The information will be shared with the Sarnia Homebuilders Association and taken into consideration for the next land needs and land supply report.
