2026 CENSUS

Prepare for the 2026 Census data

The 2026 Census results arrive across 2027, bringing new evidence on population, households, income, housing, poverty, mobility and immigration.

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WHY THIS CENSUS MATTERS

Read the 2021 baseline in context.

The 2021 Census measured affordability using 2020 income, when COVID-19 disrupted employment and temporary supports increased household resources.

Core housing need fell from 12.7% in 2016 to 10.1% in 2021, largely through improved measured affordability. The 2026 results will provide a new post-pandemic view of households, income, housing pressure and poverty.

Their value comes from connecting the releases with local evidence and planning decisions.

2027 RELEASE SCHEDULE

Plan around the seven releases.

Based on Statistics Canada's published schedule.

Dates may change.

POPULATION AND DWELLING COUNTS
Are dwellings keeping pace with growth?
AGE, GENDER, SEX AT BIRTH, AND TYPE OF DWELLING
How are people and housing changing?
FAMILIES, HOUSEHOLDS AND MARITAL STATUS; INCOME
How have households and incomes changed?
HOUSING; LANGUAGE; CANADIAN MILITARY EXPERIENCE
What has changed in tenure, condition and shelter costs?
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES; MOBILITY; POVERTY
Where are housing pressures changing?
IMMIGRATION, ETHNOCULTURAL DIVERSITY, RELIGION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENERAL HEALTH
How is population change shaping need?
LABOUR, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES OF HOMELESSNESS
What does the new homelessness evidence add?

DECEMBER 1, 2027

Add the new homelessness evidence.

The long-form Census adds two questions about homelessness in the previous 12 months: sheltered or unsheltered homelessness, and temporary stays with others because there was nowhere else to live.

Released December 1, 2027, the data will capture experiences difficult to see in shelter records alone.

Use it alongside Point-in-Time Counts, shelter, program, administrative and lived-experience evidence for a stronger local picture.

BEYOND THE CENSUS

Read it with the local system data.

The next full national Point-in-Time Count and Survey on Homelessness is planned for fall 2027. Shelter, program and service data add inflow, exits and system performance.

Municipal teams will need to decide:

See the housing needs assessment included this fall, and the modelling method behind the projections.

What changes the understanding of need?
Which assumptions need updating?
Do the preferred responses still hold?
How do costs and funding change the plan?

A YEAR WITH KARTO

Work the releases as they arrive.

Fall 2026, build the foundation

01

Set up housing need, homelessness, projects and financial assumptions.

Winter and spring, population and housing

02

Review population, dwelling, age and housing releases.

Summer and fall, income and housing pressure

03

Update assumptions with household, income, housing, poverty and immigration evidence.

Late 2027, add homelessness evidence

04

Add the December release, Point-in-Time Count and local system data.

Refine priorities, investments and financial plans.

05 Early 2028, update the plan

INCLUDED HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Subscribe this fall and the assessment is included.

New Karto customers who subscribe between September 1 and October 31, 2026 will receive a housing needs assessment using the new 2026 Census data, delivered in early 2028, at no additional cost.

Eligibility, geography and scope will be confirmed in the agreement.

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Answer the timing questions.

CENSUS QUESTIONS

Seven releases are planned from February 10 to December 1, 2027.
Housing is scheduled for September 8 and 28, with related data arriving earlier.
December 1, 2027.
Use it with Point-in-Time Counts, administrative, program and local evidence.
Karto adds relevant datasets as they are prepared for use, supporting updated models and portfolio plans.