Metro Vancouver has downgraded its population growth estimates for the decades ahead, citing changes to federal immigration policy.

According to a population projection report released on Thursday, the region is now estimated to grow by an annual average of 42,500 net new residents. That would mean a Metro population of 4.1 million people by 2050 — down from last year’s projection of 50,000 new residents annually.

“Metro Vancouver remains a region that is growing steadily, and our regularly updated projections ensure we continue to plan responsibly for housing, infrastructure and services that support our growing and diverse communities,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s board of directors and mayor of Burnaby.

The report estimates that growth will slow between 2025 and 2027

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