Demographics for Gjoa Haven

The 2016 Census reported the total population of Gjoa Haven to be 1,324 of which approximately 46.3% were female and 53.7% male.

Gjoa Haven’s population grew 9% between 1996 and 2001, and 11% between 2001 and 2006, and grew by 16.8% between 2006 and 2011. This rate of growth was slightly higher than the territorial average of 9.8% in the same time period. Based on these rates of growth the estimated population of Gjoa Haven in 2020 is 1,290.

Gjoa Haven’s population is relatively young, with nearly 34.8% of the population under the age of 15. In Nunavut 31% of the population is under the age of 15 compared with the 18% of the Canadian population in this age cohort. The average age of residents is 19.9 years, slightly lower than the average age of all Nunavut residents at 23 years, and significantly lower than the general Canadian population which averages 39 years of age.

The economy in Gjoa Haven can be characterized as mixed, with traditional subsistence activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering, coinciding with wage based economic activities. Residents participate in a variety of occupations, but are predominantly employed in: trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations; social science, education, government service and religion occupations; and sales and service occupations. However the wildlife economy continues to play an important role in Gjoa Haven and contributes to the foundation of Inuit culture and economy.

Gjoa Haven experiences lower participation rates and higher unemployment rates than for the Territory as a whole. In the 2011 Census it was reported Gjoa Haven had a participation rate of 59.1% and an unemployment rate of 14.4%. This compares to the territorial participation rate of 63.4% and an unemployment rate of 17.9% in 2011.

With respect to educational achievement the 2011 Census reported that, among the population age 15 and over, 56% had no certificate, diploma or degree (including high school), while 6% reported the highest level of educational achievement to be high school certificate or equivalent.

15% of the population reported a trades or apprenticeship-related certification or diploma as their highest level of educational achievement. With respect to other post-secondary education outcomes, 17% of residents reported a non-university diploma or certificate and 7% reported a university certificate, diploma or degree at a bachelors or higher level.

Consultations in Gjoa Haven identified the following community concerns that could be considered impediments to sustainability if not addressed during planning and community growth in the future:

Community self sufficiency can only be achieved if infrastructure planning considers is “holistic” – meaning when one piece of infrastructure is developed, the plan considers its impact on other infrastructure systems such as water usage, power usage, waste creation, and the staff housing requirements.

With respect to infrastructure, economic growth for the community is dependent on improvements to infrastructure, particularly in the following areas:

o Transportation (access roads, marine harbour)
o Power, energy and fuel
o Housing
o Education
o Health
o Water, Solid Waste and Sewage

Statistic information obtained from:
http://www.stats.gov.nu.ca/en/Census%202011NHS.aspx