Chatham-Kent listed 11th on growth list

Chatham-Kent has been listed in the 11th spot out of Canadian cities for migration growth, according to a major North American moving company.

The 2017 U-Haul Canadian Growth Cities bases its data compiled from more that 1.7 million one-way truck rentals.

Growth Cities are calculated by the net gain of arriving one-way U-Haul trucks over departing one-way trucks for a calendar year, according to a release.

Chatham-Kent’s ranking is up two spots from 13th the previous year. Twenty-one of the 25 leading cities are from Ontario, with Ottawa, Belleville and Trenton taking the top three positions.

There are more than 21,000 U-Haul locations across Canada and the U.S.

Although migration trends aren’t a direct reflection of population growth, Chatham-Kent municipal officials stated they’re a good indicator of how effective cities are at attracting and retaining residents.

“Based on house price data, record levels of houses changing hands, and new building permits issued for 2017, it is clear that our community is on the map,” said Audrey Ansell, manager of community attraction and promotion, in the release.

Victoria Bodnar, resident attraction and retention co-ordinator, said the news bodes well for the community in general.

“Chatham-Kent’s inclusion in the top 25 Growth Cities list for the second consecutive year is a positive sign that the community is an attractive place in which to live,” she said.

U-Haul stated that Ontario has much to offer, including its variety and climate.

“The cities range from peaceful to bustling, and the province is known for its diversity,” Ryan Pearson, U-Haul Company of Central Canada president. “Plus, Ontario has some of the milder weather in Canada, so people tend to flock here.”