Table 2 Census geography definitions

Warning View the most recent version.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.

Geographic term Definition
Census Subdivision (CSD) Area that is a municipality or an area that is deemed to be equivalent to a municipality for statistical reporting purposes (for example, as an Indian reserve or an unorganized territory). Municipal status is defined by laws in effect in each province and territory in Canada.
Dissemination area (DA) Small area composed of one or more neighbouring blocks, with a population of 400 to 700 persons. All of Canada is divided into dissemination areas.
2001 Census block/2006 Census dissemination block An area equivalent to a city block bounded by intersecting streets. These areas cover all of Canada.