Calgary

City of Calgary census now online but access codes in the mail

For all those keeners out there, you won't be able to take the city's online census until your access code comes in the mail — but they are on the way.

Census also available door-to-door starting in April

The Calgary 2016 census can be done online from March 21 to April 10. (Leslie Kramer/CBC)

The city says its online census is now available, although you may have to wait for your access code in the mail — which are being sent out starting today.

"If anyone has technical difficulties, has lost their access code or has questions about the census online, they can call 403-476-4100 (Option 3), Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for assistance," said the city in a release. 

"Or they can simply visit calgary.ca/census to request a new access code."

Roughly 86,000 people tried out the online system last year, as it was the first year available.

Anyone who can't do the census online can give the information to collectors coming door-to-door starting April 11, or call the Election and Information Services office at 403-476-4100 (Option 3) to provide their information.

Census online until April 10

"The census online is fast and simple to use. Census data is important to the City of Calgary as it helps us make informed decisions to plan city services used every day," said spokesperson Paul Denys in a release.

The city says the information will be used for planning purposes such as "roads, transit, recreation and water services. It is also used by the public and separate school boards for enrolment predictions, decisions on future schools, and by the provincial government for determining per capita grant allocations where available."

The city says the 2016 census results will be available approximately three months after census collection is complete.

The census is available here and will be available until April 10.