Population growth slows in region

Waterloo Region's population grew by 3,100 people last year, but that was well short of projections by planners.
They estimated it would rise by 6,100.
The sluggish economy was blamed for the smallest increase since 1996.
However, Thursday's Record reports, regional officials are confident the figure for this year will be more in line with projections and regional Planning Commissioner
Rob Horne believes the local population will still hit 729,000 by 2031 as those living outside the region are still attracted to our area.
The latest stats peg Waterloo Region's population in 2009 at a shade under 535,000.