Chart 1
Forest sector-based communities by size, 2001 and 2016

Changes occur to the number and the boundaries of census subdivisions (CSDs) between censuses. In 2016 there were 5,162 CSDs compared to 5,600 CSDs in 2001. These data have not been adjusted for changes in the boundaries between census periods. Of the 463 forest sector-based CSDs in 2001, the total area remained essentially the same for 64%; grew from 1% to 10% for 20% of CSDs; and by over 20% for 8% of CSDs. A further 8% were amalgamated into other areas. This analysis is based on a definition developed by Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Services, Economic Analysis Division. It defines these communities as CSDs where forest sector employment income represents 20% or more of market income (i.e., total income excluding government transfers). Some data were suppressed for data quality reasons or to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act. Income data were available for 4,009 CSDs in 2001 and 3,675 CSDs in 2016. This analysis may therefore underreport the total number of communities for which the forest sector is a major economic driver. Note that a decline in the percentage of forest sector income may be due to a decrease in forest sector income or an increase in income from other sources. The reference period for income data is the calendar year prior to the census. The forest sector includes North American Industry Classification codes 113 – forestry and logging; 1153 – support activities for forestry and logging; 321 – wood product manufacturing; and 322 – paper product manufacturing.

Statistics Canada, 2018, special tabulation from the 2001 and 2016 Census of Population.