One of the most informative and reveling studies performed on any settlement, large or small, is the community census. The federal government (Stats Canada) publishes a statistical analysis of individual populations throughout the country. These studies enable us to gain valuable insight into a community’s history, and are quite useful in forecasting future developments.
A check with the 1921 “nominal census”, that is, a census in which names are listed, shows that at least nine family names were represented at Kippens 67 years ago. These names were Alexander, Bourgeois, Gabriel, Gaudette, Gaulton, Lainey, McLeod, Schumph, and White. Some of these surnames could have been the names of the earliest inhabitants of Kippens, and no doubt, their descendants are residing in the community today.
The following table illustrates the percentage of change in the Kippens population dating back to 1921, and up to and including 1986:
|
KIPPENS ‘ POPULATOIN – (1921 – 1986) |
||||||||||
|
1921 |
1935 |
1945 |
1951 |
1956 |
1961 |
1966 |
1971 |
1976 |
1981 |
1986 |
|
30 |
67 |
493 |
641 |
799 |
1079 |
1086 |
1383 |
1276 |
1219 |
1556 |
|
123% |
635% |
30% |
24.6% |
35% |
.006% |
27.3% |
-8.4% |
-4.4% |
27.6% |
|
Over the past fifty years, Kippens has experienced a relatively steady increase in population with the exception of the 1971-1981 period. This decade of out-migration was probably due to the closure of the Linerboard Mill in Stephenville. Until 1971, increases in the population of Kippens corresponded to the increased population of the Town of Stephenville in relative terms.
From 1945-1966, Kippens experienced an increased growth rate of approximately 30 percent. This population expansion can be attributed to the establishment of the Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville. Many people migrated to Stephenville in search of employment and prosperity. Subsequent urban sprawl led to the rapid development of the neighboring community of Kippens. Within twenty short years (1945-1966) the populations of Kippens had doubled. No longer was Kippens regarded as an extension to the larger Town of Stephenville. Rather, it was seen as a vibrant and thriving community, which it continues to be.
Table two indicates the change in population of Kippens over the past thirty-five years:
|
TOWN OF KIPPENS ‘ POPULATOIN CHANGE – (1951 – 1986) |
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| Year | 1951 | 1956 | 1961 | 1966 | 1971 | 1976 | 1981 | 1986 |
| Population | 641 | 799 | 1079 | 1086 | 1383 | 1276 | 1219 | 1556 |
| Plus / Minus | +158 | +280 | +7 | +297 | -107 | -57 | +337 | |
The average change in the Kippens population over a thirty-five year period is +26.1 persons per year. Based on a thirty-five year average, the population of the town will be 1713 persons in 1992.
Did you know?
Mr. Gabriel Bourgeois, was the first in Kippens to have indoor plumbing installed in his house.
Did you know? Mr. Martin Alexander, of Kippens received his black belt in Tae Kwon Doe when he was in his sixties, making him the oldest man in Canada to receive his black belt in Tae Kwon Doe