Safest Cities in Canada

According to the Global Peace Index, Canada ranks sixth among the safest countries in the world with about one-third of the crime rate as found in the neighboring United States. Like all countries, however, there are some cities that are safer than others, and security and safety remain large considerations for places to both live and visit. Ranging from large city centers to smaller towns, here are the top 10 safest cities in Canada according to Statistics Canada based on the Crime Severity Index (CSI).

safest cities in Canada
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10 Safest Cities in Canada

LaSalle, Ontario:

With a population of just over 30,000, LaSalle boasts a CSI of 14.65 (compared to an average of 75 on the national index), which is a decrease of 4.7% over the last 7 years. It also has a property crime rate of less than a quarter of the national average.

One of the oldest French Settlement areas in Southern Ontario, this town is home to a vibrant community with a lot of trails and parklands and a new state-of-the-art civic center. Every year, the community celebrates a Strawberry Festival (in June) as well as a Craft Beer Festival. This relatively high-income, low unemployment rate, residential bedroom community feels secure due to a quality police force that lives and works among their neighbors.

Petawawa, Ontario:

Home to around 18,000 people and a military base, Petawawa is located in Southern Ontario on the west bank of the Ottawa River at the confluence of the Petawawa River. When it comes to safety, Petawawa comes in second with a CSI of only 17.43. This area is a popular stop for folks who love the outdoors, including anglers, hikers, and canoers.

Rothesay and Quispamsis, New Brunswick:

Another safe Canadian city of just over 12,000, this community shares the same crime index as Petawawa. Located along the Kennebecasis River valley, the town began as a shipbuilding center and has several historical landmarks, including the Rothesay Common and the Rothesay Yacht Club.

Selwyn, Ontario:

Another smaller, mostly rural community, Selwyn is home to just over 17,000 people and has a CSI of 20.2. Farms are interspersed between rolling hills and lakes, providing a picturesque and peaceful landscape.

Hamilton Township, Ontario:

A nice safe hamlet (i.e., rural township) with just 11,262 people, it ranks in the top ten safest cities with a CSI of 21.91. However, it is worth noting that property crime is not unknown in this community, though it’s around half the national average.

Essex, Ontario:

Bordering Lake Erie, Essex has a CSI of 24.35 for its population of 21,216, making it one of the safest places in Canada. This area is known for its numerous murals depicting its history, highlighting how art friendly this community is.

The Nation, Ontario:

Located in Eastern Ontario, The Nation (or La Nation in French) has a CSI of 26.4 with a population of 13,565 and growing. The town has one of the larger concentrations of French speakers in the province with nearly 65% of the population having French as their first language. It’s home to a significant wetland and a large water park, which provide fun recreational options.

Collines-de-l-Outaouais, Quebec:

Known for its picturesque communities like Chelsea and Wakefield, as well as Gatineau Park, this cottage country area is home to 50,512 and has a low crime rate of 26.85 CSI.

Oak Bay, British Columbia:

With a relatively low population of 18,702 and CSI of 27.11, Oak Bay provides safety and security for the community, contributing to their high quality of life. It also has a well-equipped recreation center to build connections and community.

Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ontario:

Located on the Western shore of Lake Simcoe, this historically rural area is now a growing residential area with a population of 80,917 yet a low CSI of 27.14. It also boasts a rich and diverse history.

What’s more, all of these cities saw a decrease in crimes over the past five years, and for the year 2017, the number of homicides was zero. In fact, around 140 communities around Canada avoided any murders, which is one reason Canada is listed as one of the safest countries.

The above is only a shortlist of safe communities in Canada. For example, Ontario is home to 29 out of the top 50 safest cities in Canada, followed by 8 in Quebec and 7 in British Columbia. In short, there are a lot of great safe cities to choose from in this great country to both reside in and visit. As expected, the list of safest cities shifts yearly. Others that have been listed as Canada’s Safest Cities include:

  • Quebec City, Quebec
  • Montreal, Quebec
  • Lévis, Quebec
  • Blainville, Quebec
  • Terrebonne, Quebec
  • Saguenay, Quebec
  • Markhamin, Southern Ontario
  • Oakville, Southern Ontario
  • Ottawa, Southern Ontario
  • Waterloo, Ontario
  • Burlington, Ontario
  • Kingston, Ontario
  • Guelph, Ontario
  • Halton Region, Ontario
  • Lakeshore, Ontario
  • Elgin County, Ontario
  • Caledon, Ontario
  • Wellington County, Ontario
  • Aurora, Ontario
  • Barrie, Ontario
  • Coquitlam, British Columbia
  • North Saanich, British Columbia
  • Central Saanich, British Columbia
  • Port Moody, British Columbia
  • Warman, Saskatchewan

Canada is an impressively culturally diverse, massive country (second in landmass only to Russia) with a wide range of climates and communities, so whether you’re visiting or finding a place to call home, there are numerous great and safe choices to fit your lifestyle.

Regardless of how safe your community is, it’s important to continue to monitor your home and protect your family. Monitoring doesn’t only safeguard homes from crime. There are also plans to monitor fire, flood, and carbon monoxide levels, which are growing concerns. Medical emergency monitoring plans also exist, to help cover every contingency. More Canadians choose ADT (now Telus) home security over most other home security companies in Canada. Call today to find out how ADT (now Telus) offers peace of mind in just four easy steps, no matter how safe your community is.

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