Fact check: How many people live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

1. Summary of the results

The current population of Ottawa shows some variation across different sources, but all indicate it is over 1 million residents. The most recent estimates put the population at 1,089,319 ^[1], while another projection suggests it could be around 1,070,831 by the end of 2025 ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points need to be considered:

• The city has shown consistent growth over recent years, rising from 934,243 in 2016 to 1,017,449 in 2021 according to official census data ^[1]
• Ottawa is part of a larger metropolitan area (CMA) with an estimated population of 1.25 million, making it Canada's fourth-largest metropolitan area ^[1]
• The city has maintained an average growth rate of 0.89% over the past 13 years ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The simple question about Ottawa's population requires important clarification:

• Population figures can vary depending on whether one is referring to the city proper or the metropolitan area (CMA)
• Different sources use different methodologies for estimation, leading to variations in reported numbers
• Population is not static but constantly changing - the 2021 Census figure of 1,017,449 ^[1] is already outdated
• Growth projections may vary based on different assumptions about growth rates and migration patterns

When discussing population figures, government agencies like Statistics Canada benefit from accurate reporting for resource allocation and planning purposes, while local governments and businesses rely on these numbers for development planning and service provision.