Place name (PN)

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Detailed definition

'Place name' refers to selected names of active and retired geographic areas as well as names from the Canadian Geographical Names Data Base. Place names include names of census subdivisions (municipalities), designated places and population centres, as well as the names of some local places.

Censuses

2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961

Remarks

The term 'place name' replaces the term 'locality' for the 2011 Census.

The purpose is to provide users with a means for searching and mapping on 'localized' place names.

Place name data keeps evolving and may not be comparable between censuses.

Refer to the related definitions of census subdivision (CSD); designated place (DPL) and population centre (POPCTR).

Changes prior to the current census

Prior to 2011, the term 'locality' was used to describe historical place names, such as former census subdivisions (municipalities), designated places and urban areas. However, the locality and place name concepts were not identical.

Prior to 2001, localities did not exist.

Prior to 1996, designated places did not exist.