Toronto Ranked Canada’s 26th Most Dangerous City

MacLean’s recently released an exclusive on Canada’s National Crime Rankings. Based on 2006 per capita crime rates (the most recent data available from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics), the article lists the most dangerous as well as the safest cities (with a population of 50,000 or more) in Canada. Upon learning of this report, the first thought that came to mind was that it would be perfect to address the concept of places of fear. However, after reading the article I feel it fits well with the representation of place(s). Interestingly, Toronto, which many believed would top the charts, ranked a “sleepy 26th” on the list of most dangerous cities. Similarly, another large city of Canada, Montreal ranked 19th. The article addresses the fact that there is a correlation between the poorest postal codes and high crime rates. When it comes to Toronto, it is said that there are “small pockets” of crime, but that the community as a whole is generally safe.

Taking the title for the most dangerous city in Canada is Regina, Saskatchewan. Perhaps surprising to many, the break and enter rates in Chilliwack (B.C.), Victoria and Regina, according to the report, rank within the top 10 per cent of all American cities. Your car is also more likely to be stolen in Winnipeg or Joliette (QC) than anywhere in the U.S. You may be wondering… where all the safe places are. Close to many of our homes, Caledon placed 1st on the list of safest cities in Canada. Peel Region’s overall crime rate was 52.9% below the average, while York Region and Halton Region were both below (the average) by over 70%. It should be noted, however, that statistics don’t always tell the full story… For more information on how the major cities of Canada ranked, see the full article by clicking on the link below.

http://www.macleans.ca/canada/national/article.jsp?content=20080312_110944_110944