Toronto, Canada's Safest City

Greater Toronto is the safest large metropolitan area in the country, according to a report released yesterday by Statistics Canada.

Among urban areas with a population of 500,000 or more, Toronto residents reported fewer crimes per capita than residents of Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa. Winnipeg had the highest crime rate, followed by Edmonton.

It is the first time that Toronto has scored last place when it comes to crime in the country's biggest cities. That spot is usually reserved for Quebec City, which reported the lowest crime rate of any large metropolitan area every year from 1991 to 2006. In 2007, however, Quebec City reported 4,524 crimes per 100,000 people, compared to Toronto's figure of 4,461.

The annual national crime report is compiled by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, based on police-reported crime statistics.

It contradicts what seems to be a growing public perception that Toronto is rife with random violence – like the death of John O'Keefe, killed by a stray bullet on Yonge St. in January; or Hou Chang Mao, killed in gunfight crossfire a few days later in East Chinatown; or Dylan Ellis and Oliver Martin, shot dead in their SUV in front of Trinity Bellwoods Park in June.

"Unfortunately, people's perceptions are often created around a single incident or a series of incidents over a short period of time," Police Chief Bill Blair said yesterday. "That can create an impression that this is not a safe city."

He credits more and better policing for the decrease – 450 uniformed police officers have been added to the streets in the past three years – but that's not the whole story. He points to the work of community groups.

It contradicts what seems to be a growing public perception that Toronto is rife with random violence – like the death of John O'Keefe, killed by a stray bullet on Yonge St. in January; or Hou Chang Mao, killed in gunfight crossfire a few days later in East Chinatown; or Dylan Ellis and Oliver Martin, shot dead in their SUV in front of Trinity Bellwoods Park in June.

"Unfortunately, people's perceptions are often created around a single incident or a series of incidents over a short period of time," Police Chief Bill Blair said yesterday. "That can create an impression that this is not a safe city."

He credits more and better policing for the decrease – 450 uniformed police officers have been added to the streets in the past three years – but that's not the whole story. He points to the work of community groups.


She cited a recent meeting for residents of the Tobermory-Yellowstone neighbourhood that drew 100 people to talk about their vision for the community. "I think it's a sign of real commitment ... People want to be part of making Jane and Finch a great place to live."

The Statistics Canada figures show all Criminal Code offences in Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were down 11 per cent in 2007.

Blair said sophisticated anti-theft devices for cars that prevent engines from being started without the proper key have helped reduce vehicle theft, which kills 40 people in Canada each year, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

The StatsCan report said property crimes may be down because rising insurance premiums are discouraging people from reporting them.


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