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

1. Summary of the results

The current population of Ottawa shows some variation between estimates, ranging from approximately 1,070,889 ^[1] to 1,089,319 ^[2] in 2025. The city has experienced consistent growth over the past decade, with previous census data showing 1,017,449 residents in 2021 and 934,243 in 2016 ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points should be considered:

• Ottawa maintains its position as Canada's fourth largest municipality ^[3]
• The city has demonstrated a steady growth pattern with an annual growth rate of 1.72% ^[1]
• The population has increased by approximately 155,000 people since 2016 (calculated from p1_s2)

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question, while straightforward, could benefit from additional context:

• Population figures can vary depending on:
• Whether they include the greater metropolitan area
• The timing of the estimate within the year
• The methodology used for estimation
• This explains the discrepancy between the two current estimates: 1,089,319 ^[2] and 1,070,889 ^[1]
• Different stakeholders might prefer different figures:
• Municipal governments might favor higher numbers for funding purposes
• Urban planners and service providers need accurate figures for infrastructure planning
• Real estate developers might use growth trends for market analysis