Geography Catalogue, Census year 2016 Geography Catalogue, Census year 2016

Release date: February 8, 2017

More information PDF version

Purpose of this document

The Geography Catalogue contains information found in the Statistics Canada Online Catalogue. In addition, it provides highlights of what is new about geographic products, illustrations of several products, a glossary of geographic terms, a geographic hierarchy diagram and a table showing the number of geographic areas by province and territory.

For further information, contact us through the national inquiries line at 1‑800‑263‑1136 or by email at STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca.

General information

To meet its mandate, Statistics Canada is required to “collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic and general activities and conditions of the people” as well as to “take the census of population of Canada and the census of agriculture of Canada as provided in this Act.”

Statistics Canada maintains a spatially referenced geographic database in support of the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture, the Standard Geographical Classification and other Statistics Canada programs. Statistics Canada also develops geographical concepts, delineates geographic areas, publishes maps and other reference materials, produces files and offers a variety of services.

For the 2016 Census, the geography product line includes geography concepts, enhancements to existing products and a greater presence on the website. Geographic products are available in a variety of formats and are available on the Statistics Canada website.

The geographic reference date is a date determined by Statistics Canada to finalize the geographic framework for which 2016 Census statistical data are collected, tabulated and reported. The reference date for the 2016 Census standard geographic areas is January 1, 2016. More specifically, the census reports data according to the geographic areas (e.g., municipalities and equivalents referred to as census subdivisions) that are in effect on January 1, 2016 (see Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016 – Geographic reference data for more details).

The Geography Catalogue, Census year 2016 presents the content of the 2016 Census geography products and services line, and highlights changes within the geography products and services line. The Geography Catalogue is organized into the following categories of products and services:

1. What’s new for 2016
2. Reference documents
3. Attribute information products
4. Spatial information products
5. Maps
6. Custom services

In addition, for more information, see the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016 for the geography definitions and Figure 1.1, Hierarchy of standard geographic areas for dissemination, 2016 Census.

Most products listed in the Geography Catalogue, Census year 2016 are available for free on the Statistics Canada website.

1. What’s new for 2016

Aggregate dissemination area – In preparation for the 2016 Census, Statistics Canada has created a new subprovincial census dissemination geography called 'aggregate dissemination area' (ADA). The intent of the ADA geography is to ensure the availability of census data, where possible, across all regions of Canada.

The following are delineation criteria used to delineate the 2016 aggregate dissemination areas (ADAs):

The ADAs cover the entire country and, where possible, have a population count between 5,000 and 15,000 people. In order to permit stakeholder consultation and meet the operational constraint of releasing population and dwelling counts for ADAs in the winter following the census year, the population counts used to delineate ADAs are taken from the previous census (2011).

ADAs respect provincial, territorial, census division (CD), census metropolitan area (CMA) and census agglomeration (CA) with census tract (CT) boundaries in effect for the 2016 Census.

ADAs are based on one of three existing 2016 Census dissemination geographic areas: census tracts (CTs), census subdivisions (CSDs) or dissemination areas (DAs). Within CMAs and CAs with CTs, adjacent CTs are grouped to meet the ADA population criteria. 

In areas without CTs (areas outside the CMAs and the largest CAs), where CSDs have a population less than 15,000, adjacent CSDs are grouped to meet the ADA population criteria. 

In areas without CTs, where CSDs have a population greater than 15,000, adjacent DAs are grouped within these CSDs to meet the ADA population criteria.

Each Indian reserve 2016 CSD and a small number of other areas where door-to-door canvassing occurred form their own separate ADA.

For more information on all of the 2016 Census dissemination geographic areas, refer to the Dictionary, Census of population, 2016.

Aggregate Dissemination Area Reference Maps (Catalogue no. 92-640-X)

The Aggregate Dissemination Area Reference Maps cover all of Canada. Each map displays the target ADA's boundaries on a white background. Surrounding ADAs are also displayed with their unique identifier (where space permits) on a grey background. Census subdivision boundaries and their official names (where space permits), selected place names and provincial and territorial boundaries are also shown. The maps display selected street network and other selected features, such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The maps vary in scale. The maximum map dimensions are approximately 28 cm by 43 cm (11 inches by 17 inches).

Dissemination block (DB)

• The DB code is changed from two to three digits.
• The full DB unique identifier is increased from 10 to 11 for the 2016 Census.

Positional accuracy strategies – Strategies to increase positional accuracy and currency of road network data, have been implemented over the past several years. A key component of these efforts was the alignment of the existing road network to externally available GPS‑compliant authoritative provincial sources, in a process known as ‘convergence.’ Convergence has been completed in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The results of which will be reflected in 2016 Census spatial products. These efforts also ensure that Statistics Canada’s dissemination geographies will better integrate with other spatial datasets originating outside of Statistics Canada such as the provincial sources and municipal topographic data.

Interim list of changes to municipal boundaries, status and name – The interim list tables are now available in html format, excluding Canada.

GeoSuite – GeoSuite is now available online. The application has most of the functionalities of GeoSuite, downloadable version (MS‑Access).

GeoSearch – Following a redesign, this interactive mapping application makes it easier to find many places in Canada, see them on a map and get basic geographic and demographic data for those places.

Note:

• The Dissemination Area Reference Maps by Census Tracts, for Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-147-X) are discontinued.
• The Dissemination Area Reference Maps by Non-tracted Census Agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-148-X) are discontinued.
• The Dissemination Area Reference Maps by Census Subdivisions for Areas Outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-145-X) are discontinued

2. Reference documents

Reference documents help users gain a better understanding of geographic concepts, products and services appropriate to their census, and other data needs.

Geography Catalogue

This product provides highlights of what is new about geographic products, provides links to the definitions of geographic terms and a link to the hierarchy of standard geographic areas. It also includes a list of common figures and tables.

Illustrated Glossary

The Illustrated Glossary is a tool that helps users take advantage of census statistical data by providing an understanding of the terms related to geographic concepts. Geography is important to the national statistical system as well‑defined geographic areas provide the framework for the collection, presentation and analysis of data. Users can access the Illustrated Glossary which presents geographic concepts, as well as links to online tutorials and detailed definitions.

Geography definitions (Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016)

The Geography Section of the Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016 provides an overview of what is new for the 2016 Census and the definitions for geographic concepts and other terms. The definitions include a detailed description of each term, delineation rules, special notes and data quality information or applications relevant to the term. Some historical information is also provided. The dictionary also includes a comprehensive subject index.

Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status, and Names

The Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status, and Names provides a summary of the changes to municipal boundaries, status and names that occurred within a given time period. Statistics Canada processes the municipal changes based on information received through provincial/territorial gazettes, letters patent and orders‑in‑council. Changes occurring within the given time period that are not identified by Statistics Canada are not included within the Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status, and Names. The 2016 Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status, and Names provides a summary of changes that occurred between January 2, 2011 and January 1, 2016.

Reference guides

Most geography products are accompanied with a reference guide that describes the content, applications, data quality and record layouts.

List of 2016 geography products reference guides

3. Attribute information products

GeoSuite

GeoSuite is a powerful search tool based on 2016 Census standard geographic areas. With GeoSuite, users may retrieve and query data, explore the links between geographic areas, obtain information on those areas and output data in tabular format. The information available includes population counts and dwelling counts from the 2016 Census, representative point coordinates, land area, geographic codes, names and, in some cases, 2011 Census population counts. For 2016, there are two versions of GeoSuite:

• GeoSuite (MS‑Access), downloadable version, includes tables packaged in a Microsoft Access database along with a user interface, which are available in a single zipped file.
• GeoSuite (Web) is an interactive application that has most of the functionalities of GeoSuite (MS‑Access).

To learn more about this product, please consult the GeoSuite, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

Geographic Attribute File

The Geographic Attribute File contains data at the dissemination block level, based on 2016 Census standard geographic areas. The data available include population counts, dwelling counts and land area. In addition, the Geographic Attribute File contains higher‑level standard geographic codes, names and, where applicable, types and classes. Data for higher‑level standard geographic areas can be derived by aggregating dissemination‑block‑level data. The dissemination area representative point coordinates are also included in the Geographic Attribute File.

To learn more about this product, please consult the Geographic Attribute File, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

Correspondence Files

Three different 2016 Census correspondence files provide users with tabular data that describe the correspondence between 2016 Census and 2011 Census standard geographic areas.

The dissemination area correspondence file portrays the relationship between 2016 Census dissemination areas and 2011 Census dissemination areas. The dissemination area and land area correspondence file portrays the percentage of the 2016 Census dissemination area's land area within the boundaries of 2011 Census dissemination areas. The dissemination block correspondence file portrays the relationship between 2016 Census dissemination blocks and 2011 Census dissemination blocks.

Each file contains a unique identifier for the 2016 Census geographic area and the corresponding unique identifier for the 2011 Census geographic area. In addition, a relationship flag is included which indicates the degree of correspondence between the geographic areas, facilitating a comparison between census years.

To learn more about this product, please consult the Correspondence Files, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

4. Spatial information products

Spatial information products provide the shape and location of geographic features. Geographic boundaries and road networks are available for mapping and geographic information system applications.

Boundary Files

There are two types of boundary files: cartographic and digital. The cartographic boundary file portrays the geographic areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. The digital boundary file portrays the full extent of the geographic areas, including the coastal water area. Figure 1.4 illustrates an example of cartographic and digital boundary files.

Separate hydrographic reference files for inland rivers (line), inland lakes and rivers (polygon) and coastal waters are also available. These files can be used for additional reference purposes when mapping or displaying the boundaries using either the cartographic or digital boundary files.

Cartographic and digital boundary files are available for the following 2016 Census standard geographic areas:

• Province and territory
• Census division
• Census consolidated subdivision
• Census subdivision
• Economic region
• Census metropolitan area and census agglomeration
• Federal electoral district
• Census tract
• Designated place
• Population centre
• Aggregate dissemination area
• Dissemination area
• Dissemination block
• Forward sortation area
• Census agricultural region

Cartographic and digital boundary files are portrayed in Lambert projection. The boundary files using latitude and longitude coordinates (North American Datum of 1983 [NAD83]) could be made available upon request.

To learn more about these products, please consult the Boundary Files, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

Province and territory boundary file

The province and territory boundary file portrays the boundaries of the 10 provinces and 3 territories for which census data are disseminated. Provinces and territories are the major political (legislated) areas of Canada. The file contains the boundaries of all provinces and territories, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Census division boundary file

The census division boundary file portrays the census division boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A census division is an area of regional government (such as a county or regional district) or an area treated as equivalent for statistical purposes. A census division is usually made up of a number of adjacent census subdivisions (municipalities). The file contains the boundaries of all census divisions, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Census consolidated subdivision boundary file

The census consolidated subdivision boundary file portrays the census consolidated subdivision boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A census consolidated subdivision is a grouping of adjacent census subdivisions (municipalities) used primarily for disseminating Census of Agriculture data. The file contains the boundaries of all census consolidated subdivisions, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Census subdivision boundary file

The census subdivision boundary file portrays the census subdivision boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A census subdivision is a municipality or an area treated as equivalent to a municipality for statistical purposes (for example, Indian reserves and unorganized territories). Municipal status is defined by laws in effect in each province and territory in Canada. The file contains the boundaries of all census subdivisions, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Economic region boundary file

The economic region boundary file portrays the economic region boundaries for which census data are disseminated. An economic region is a grouping of complete census divisions (with an exception in Ontario) created as a standard geographic area for analysis of regional economic activity. The file contains the boundaries of all economic regions, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Census metropolitan area and census agglomeration boundary file

The census metropolitan area and census agglomeration boundary file portrays the boundaries of the census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations for which census data are disseminated. Census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations consist of one or more adjacent municipalities (census subdivisions) around a core. To form a census metropolitan area, the core must have a population of at least 50,000 and the entire census metropolitan area must have a total population of at least 100,000. To form a census agglomeration, the core must have a population of at least 10,000. The file contains the boundaries of all census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations defined for the census. Census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations crossing provincial boundaries appear in the boundary file in provincial parts.

Federal Electoral District Boundary File

The Federal Electoral District Boundary File portrays the federal electoral district boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A federal electoral district is an area represented by a member of Parliament in the House of Commons. The federal electoral district boundaries used for the 2016 Census are based on the 2013 Representation Order. The file contains the boundaries of all federal electoral districts, which combined, cover all of Canada. The Federal Electoral District Boundary File portrays the federal electoral districts in effect on January 1, 2016.

Census Tract Boundary File

The Census Tract Boundary File portrays the census tract boundaries for which census data are disseminated. Census tracts are small, relatively stable geographic areas that usually have a population between 2,500 and 8,000. They are located in census metropolitan areas and in census agglomerations with a core population of 50,000 or more in the previous census. The file contains the boundaries of all census tracts located within the census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations for which census tracts are delineated.

Designated Place Boundary File

The Designated Place Boundary File portrays the designated place boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A designated place is normally a small community or settlement that does not meet the criteria established by Statistics Canada to be a census subdivision (municipality) or a population centre. Designated places are created by provinces and territories, in cooperation with Statistics Canada, to provide data for submunicipal areas. The file contains the boundaries of all designated places defined for the census.

Population Centre Boundary File

The Population Centre Boundary File portrays the population centre boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A population centre has a minimum population of 1,000 persons and a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometre, based on the current census population count. The file contains the boundaries of all population centres defined for the census. Population centres crossing provincial boundaries appear in the boundary file in provincial parts.

Aggregate Dissemination Area Boundary File

The Aggregate Dissemination Area Boundary File portrays the aggregate dissemination area boundaries for which census data are disseminated. The aggregate dissemination area covers the entire country and, where possible, has a population between 5,000 and 15,000 based on the previous census population counts.

Dissemination Area Boundary File

The Dissemination Area Boundary File portrays the dissemination area boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A dissemination area is a small area composed of one or more neighboring blocks. The file contains the boundaries of all dissemination areas, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Dissemination Block Boundary File

The Dissemination Block Boundary File portrays the dissemination block boundaries for which census data are disseminated. A dissemination block is an area bounded on all sides by roads and/or boundaries of standard geographic areas. The file contains the boundaries of all dissemination blocks, which combined, cover all of Canada.

Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File

The Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File portrays the census forward sortation area boundaries for which census data are disseminated. It depicts forward sortation area boundaries used for census dissemination, which are derived from postal codes obtained from census questionnaires. The census‑based forward sortation area boundaries are not necessarily equivalent to forward sortation area boundaries in use by Canada Post Corporation; they are representations created by aggregating dissemination blocks.

Census Agricultural Region Boundary File

The Census Agricultural Region Boundary File portrays the census agricultural region boundaries for which Census of Agriculture data are disseminated. A census agricultural region is formed with one or several adjacent census division(s), with the exception of Saskatchewan, where it is a grouping of adjacent census consolidated subdivisions. Census agricultural regions are used primarily for disseminating Census of Agriculture data. The file contains the boundaries of all census agricultural regions which, when combined, cover all provinces and territories of Canada.

To learn more about this product, please consult the Census Agricultural Region Boundary File, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File

The Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File contains a generalised population ecumene based on census population density data with at least one ecumene polygon appearing within every census division. This file can be used to produce small‑scale thematic maps of statistical data.

To learn more about this product, please consult the Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

Agricultural Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File

The Agricultural Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File contains a generalised agricultural ecumene displaying areas of significant agricultural activity, with polygons split by census division. This file can be used to produce small‑scale thematic maps of agricultural statistical data.

To learn more about this product, please consult the Agricultural Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

Road Network File

The 2016 Road Network File is a digital representation of Canada's national road network. It contains information such as street names, types, directions and address ranges.

Streets are ranked according to five levels of detail, suitable for mapping at small to medium scales. User applications of this file may include mapping, geocoding, geographic searching, area delineation and database maintenance as a source for street names and locations. Since statistical activities do not require absolute positional accuracy, relative positional accuracy takes precedence in the Road Network File. As a result, this file is not suitable for engineering applications, emergency dispatching services, surveying or legal applications.

The 2016 Census Road Network File is portrayed in Lambert projection. The Road Network File using latitude and longitude coordinates (North American Datum of 1983 [NAD83]) could be made available upon request.

The 2016 Census Road Network File contains additional attributes that are not found in the intercensal road network files.

To learn more about this product, please consult the Road Network File, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

5. Maps

Reference maps

Reference maps illustrate the location of 2016 Census standard geographic areas for which 2016 Census statistical data are tabulated and disseminated. The maps display the boundaries, names and unique identifiers of standard geographic areas, as well as major cultural and physical features, such as streets, railroads, coastlines, rivers and lakes.

Thousands of reference maps are available for the 2016 Census. Given the diversity in size of geographic areas, different map scales and map coverages are required to show the appropriate level of detail. Descriptions of each series are provided below.

To learn more about reference maps and thematic maps, please consult the Reference Maps and Thematic Maps, Reference Guide, available on the Statistics Canada website.

National reference maps

For the 2016 Census, four national maps are available showing the location of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, census divisions, economic regions and census divisions, and Statistical Area Classification.

Census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations

This map shows the general location of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations within each province and territory, with larger dots designating census metropolitan areas and smaller dots designating census agglomerations. The map also lists, both alphabetically and by order of unique identifier, the names of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, by province and territory.

Census divisions

This map displays census division boundaries and unique identifiers within each province and territory, on a background of major lakes and rivers. The map also lists the census division names by order of census division unique identifier, by province and territory.

Economic regions and census divisions

This map displays economic region and census division boundaries and unique identifiers within each province and territory. The map also lists, by province and territory, the economic region names by order of economic region unique identifier, within which their component census division unique identifiers and names are numerically listed.

Census metropolitan influenced zones (MIZs), census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and census agglomerations (CAs), Statistical Area Classification

This map displays census subdivisions classified by colour according to the category of the Statistical Area Classification to which they are assigned. The categories include: component of a census metropolitan area or census agglomeration, component of a census metropolitan area and census agglomeration influenced zone (strong, moderate, weak or not influenced), or component of the territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut).

Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps

The set of Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps covers all of Canada, by province and territory. The maps display boundaries, names and unique identifiers of census divisions (e.g., counties and regional districts) and census subdivisions (e.g., cities, towns, villages, other local municipal entities, townships and Indian reserves). The maps also display boundaries of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations.

ADA map

The Aggregate Dissemination Area Reference Maps cover all of Canada. Each map displays the target ADAs boundaries. Surrounding ADAs are also displayed with their unique identifier (where space permits).

Thematic maps

A thematic map focuses on the spatial variability of a specific distribution or theme (such as population density or average annual income) for standard geographic areas, whereas a reference map focuses on the location and names of geographic features. Thematic maps normally include some location or reference information to help users familiarize themselves with the geographic area covered on the map.

Thematic maps are available to provide a visual overview of 2016 Census statistical data presented in an analytical paper.

Thematic maps, as PDF files, are available to accompany the following 2016 Census releases:

GeoSearch

This interactive mapping application makes it easy to find many places in Canada, see them on a map and get basic geographic and demographic data for those places. To find a specific place of interest, users can click and zoom in on a map of Canada or they can search by place name and postal code. GeoSearch displays the appropriate map showing boundaries and other features. GeoSearch automatically shows, for the selected place, the type of geographic area and its relationship to other geographic areas.

6. Custom services

A variety of services are available, including custom area creation, product creation, mapping and print‑on‑demand.

Custom Area Creation

The geography Custom Area Creation service allows users to define their own geographic areas for census data tabulations. Custom geographic areas are produced from the aggregation of standard geographic areas or blockfaces, where available. Confidentiality constraints apply.

Custom Product Creation

The Custom Product Creation service is available to produce non‑standard geographic products that satisfy clients’ individual requirements. Clients may require various custom geographic files, special data retrievals, manipulations of geographic data or combinations of data from a variety of sources.

Custom Map Creation

The Custom Map Creation service provides users with custom thematic maps, reference maps and other user‑defined maps, designed and produced specifically to meet their data and/or analytical requirements.

Print‑on‑demand

A Print‑on‑demand service for maps is available.