Earlier this week the Federal Government released some details from the 2016 Census, which showcased the population growth/decline across the country. The Rural Municipality (RM) of Stanley saw a growth of 8.2% from the 2011 Census.

"I think that is just great news. We are continuing to grow. That's more than some other municipalities can say," said Reeve Morris Olafson. "We are probably in the top five in the growing municipalities in Manitoba. so, for that, we have to consider ourselves lucky. We are in a great area and we have good things to come. We only have one way to go and that's more population and we see that every week when we get our new subdivision requests, new housing requests, MSTW reports, and new building starts."

Olafson attributed the growth to the people and amenities in the area.

"The area has grown to a point where we have almost all of the amenities that we need. We have a hospital, we have recreation, we have a quiet area. We have a relatively good area for crime, which we don't have much of. If you look at the numbers and stats. There's lots of little incidents, but nothing huge. I think we are in a good spot. We've got transportation and a lot of things for us."

According to Olafson one of the challenges with being a growing municipality is it's going to cost them money. He noted as you go along you need to add sewer systems for the villages and for the corridor, water systems, and a number of other things. Olafson added the RM is trying to work a number of years ahead and spend the money to make it happen now.

In 2011 the Census reported the RM had 8,356 people living within its boundaries. Now in 2016, the population has increased to 9,038 people, which is an increase of 682.

Olafson explained he thought there would be more of an increase, but is still happy with the growth the Municipality has shown since 2011. He stated the larger the jump in population the harder it's on the system and harder to keep up.