Strong population growth and its impact on housing markets and infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the topics on the agenda as the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council prepares for its upcoming annual major projects event in St. John’s in a few weeks’ time.

Patrick Brannon, the Director of Major Projects and chief researcher at APEC, points to construction in the offshore with Bay du Nord and West White Rose. He also says the hydrogen projects on the west coast could result in major economic benefits although final environmental approvals have yet to come.

Brannon says the population of Newfoundland and Labrador has increased by about 9,000, and that immigration is helping to reduce our average age as young people are returning to the province.

He says that’s key to growth as infrastructure, such as housing and health care facilities, has to be in place to accommodate the demand.

The “Building Atlantic Canada” conference takes place in St. John’s on June 13.