Statistics Canada released information gathered during its 2006 Census Tuesday that reveals Milton's population jumped by a staggering 71.4 per cent over the last five years, putting it at the top of Canada's list when it comes to growth.

In fact, no other community with a population of 10,000 or more even came close to that kind of increase, with the next in line -- Okotoks, Alberta -- sitting at 46.7 per cent.

But for Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, the Census information on the town's growth confirmed what the municipality already knew.

"This news comes as no surprise to us," he said. "Plans for growth in our community have been in place for more than 15 years, and we've been consistently tracking the growth since the last Census was completed in 2001."

Town CAO Mario Belvedere emphasized that staff and council have been working hard to manage the growth and ensure it's balanced.

"Balanced growth means that industrial development needs to keep pace with residential growth, and so far we've been successful in making this happen," he said.

While the Town has estimated Milton's population to be around 60,000, the Census says it's actually only at 53,939.

Town Economic Development Officer Robbie Grewal explained the discrepancy results from the fact the Census was completed 10 months ago and that the Town calculates its population estimates based on the number of dwelling units in Milton, meaning it's not an exact head count.

For example, it would multiply the number of single or semi-detached homes in a subdivision by 3.28 to come up with the approximate number of residents living there, while for townhouses it would use 2.75 and apartments, 1.2.

Each year in Milton, between 1,500 and 1,800 homes are built.

The Census also showed that Oakville grew by 14.4 per cent between 2001 and 2006, Halton Hills by 14.7 per cent and Burlington by nine per cent, resulting in a Halton-wide population increase of 17.1 per cent.

For Regional Chairman Gary Carr, the statistics and the fact Milton topped the country's growth list reinforce the importance of the Fairness for Halton campaign -- the Halton-wide effort that aims to tell the Province the region can't accommodate the thousands of residents called for in the Places to Grow plan without some hefty funding.

"They (the Census numbers) justify our concerns that the Province must deliver the financial tools and funding commitments to accommodate this explosive growth," said Carr.

"We already have infrastructure deficits in the areas of schools, highways and hospitals from the growth that has occurred over the last five years."

As an example, he pointed to Milton's dire need to either expand its hospital or build a new one.

"But this issue isn't even on the radar screen at the Ministry of Health, so Milton won't be receiving any money soon for a new hospital that residents need," he said. "Is this fair?"

Carr said the Census numbers didn't come as a surprise to the Region, noting that one only has to drive down the road to see the massive growth taking place in Halton.

In addition, the Region's planning department prepared a forecast some years ago that estimated Halton would grow by 17 per cent between 2001 and 2006. Region staff had also projected Burlington would grow by nine per cent, Halton Hills by 14 per cent, Oakville by 12 per cent and Milton by 87 per cent, which is 16 per cent more than the town actually grew.

So why push the Fairness for Halton campaign now?

According to Carr, part of the reason is that a provincial election is on the horizon.

"An election campaign is a good opportunity to talk about the issues," he said.

He also said that during the recent municipal election, he and other members of regional council heard loud and clear concerns from the community about growth, in turn bringing about the Fairness for Halton message now being delivered by the new council.

Krantz said since Milton is a key growth centre in Halton, a clear commitment needs to be made by all levels of government to provide timely funding for schools, hospitals, roads, recreational facilities and transit to meet residents' needs.

Carr urged residents to visit Halton's website, www.halton.ca, to find out more about the Fairness for Halton campaign and to forward an on-line postcard to local MPs and MPPs in support of the fairness initiative.

MILTON AND HALTON'S GROWTH AT A GLANCE

The 2006 Census information released Tuesday presents the following information about Halton:

Halton Region

2006 population: 439,256

2001 population: 375,229

Population change: 17.1 per cent

Total private dwellings: 162,346

Population density per square kilometre: 454.2

Land area: 967.17 sq. km

Town of Milton

2006 population: 53,939

2001 population: 31,471

Population change: 71.4 per cent

Total private dwellings: 18,913

Population density per square kilometre: 147.1

Land area: 366.61 sq. km

TOP 10 CANADIAN COMMUNITIES (POPULATION 10,000 OR MORE) WITH THE HIGHEST GROWTH RATES BETWEEN 2001-06

Milton -- 71.4%

Okotoks, Alta. -- 46.7%

Airdrie, Alta. -- 41.8%

Brampton, Ont. -- 33.3%

Saint-Lazare, Que. -- 32%

Vaughan, Ont. -- 31.2%

Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que. -- 29.5%

Blainville, Que. -- 29%

Grande Prarie, Alta. -- 27.3%

Whitby, Ont. -- 27.3%

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Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.