We're Number 1, 1, 1, well ok then. we’re really number 111!

Canadian Business magazine has conducted a review of the best communities in which to live in Canada and Prince Rupert pulled in the number 111 spot on a list of 123 cities and towns.

It’s the second year for the national rankings which take into account such things as population, unemployment rate, weather conditions, expected salaries, housing costs crime rates, signs of prosperity and a range of other factors that determine where Canadians will best be happy.

The methodology of the selections is based on a points system, with such things as weather worth 20 points (we suspect that we might have had trouble here, eh) Unemployment worth ten (another troublesome spot no doubt) through to Attractions worth four points and if you have a casino or sports team worth one.

Once all the tabulating was complete, Canadian Business produced the list of 123 spots in Canada where we might wish to call home.

The most desirous place in Canada at number one is, while pulling up the rear in the yearly study is the Nations capital of Ottawa-Gatineau, this despite the fact that there are so many politicians there.

22 communities in British Columbia made the list, eight of which finished below Prince Rupert. Victoria is BC’s top location from the study pulling in at number 9, Vancouver was 15th, while Kelowna a traditional destination in the province surprisingly checked in at 103

As for communities in our region, from our perch of 111, we are six spots below Terrace, five behind Prince George and ahead of Kitimat and Smithers, though that’s a hollow victory, as they didn’t qualify due to their populations which did not make the necessary 10,000 mark for inclusion on the list.

However all is not lost, as we are not quite at the bottom of the list, which is a place that is reserved for Port Alberni.

I'm not really sure what to make of studies like this, those locations that finished at or near the top will use the results as proof that they are on the right path. Those that pull up the rear will most likely say that the dry statistical analysis of the numbers used, doesn’t always tell the tale about a place.

And then there are the inconsistencies in these types of surveys, for instance Chilliwack and Abbotsford both placed very low, almost at the end of the list in fact, yet they are among the fastest growing regions in the country.

Which we only assume means that the folks that have moved there are now miserable and looking for a new home, maybe next year Prince Rupert can offer those refugees a home and a hopeful increase in the rankings.