Which Canadian Cities Are The Safest To Live In 2024

Understanding the Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Canada

Statistics Canada manages a comprehensive national database that tracks crime incidence and severity across the country, known as the Crime Severity Index (CSI).

The CSI goes beyond traditional crime rates, which only count the number of crimes reported. Instead, it incorporates police data to assess the gravity of each crime, offering a more detailed perspective on crime levels. To simplify interpretation, the CSI scores are standardized to a base value of "100" (similar to the Consumer Price Index), using 2006 as the reference year. More severe crimes are given greater weight, thereby affecting the overall index more significantly, whereas less severe crimes have a smaller impact.

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For newcomers to Canada, the CSI can be a valuable tool in evaluating potential places to live. However, it is crucial to consider the CSI alongside other relevant factors. The CSI should not be used in isolation or as the sole indicator of an area's safety. It should be integrated into a broader evaluation that includes traditional crime statistics, community safety information, demographic data, economic conditions, job opportunities, income levels, housing quality, and more.

Which Areas in Canada Are the Safest Based on the CSI?

Based on data from 2019 to 2023, the cities with the lowest Crime Severity Index (CSI) scores, indicating relatively lower crime severity, are:

• Quebec City, Quebec: CSI Score of 45.73
• Barrie, Ontario: CSI Score of 47.71
• Toronto, Ontario: CSI Score of 51.54
• Ottawa-Gatineau (All Areas): CSI Score of 55.59
• Hamilton, Ontario: CSI Score of 57.74
• St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario: CSI Score of 58.94
• Montréal, Quebec: CSI Score of 59.98
• Halifax, Nova Scotia: CSI Score of 66.92
• Kingston, Ontario: CSI Score of 70.92
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: CSI Score of 72.92
• London, Ontario: CSI Score of 73.71
• Victoria, British Columbia: CSI Score of 75.40
• Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario: CSI Score of 75.94
• Brantford, Ontario: CSI Score of 77.09
• Calgary, Alberta: CSI Score of 79.79
• Vancouver, British Columbia: CSI Score of 90.74
• Edmonton, Alberta: CSI Score of 105.16
• Regina, Saskatchewan: CSI Score of 113.18
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: CSI Score of 114.85
• Kelowna, British Columbia: CSI Score of 120.51
• Winnipeg, Manitoba: CSI Score of 125.82

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For provinces not covered by the CSI at the CMA level, the following scores are available:

• Prince Edward Island: CSI Score of 62.59
• New Brunswick: CSI Score of 84.94
• Yukon: CSI Score of 215.87
• Nunavut: CSI Score of 390.66
• Northwest Territories: CSI Score of 427.88

What Does the CSI Measure?

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) evaluates changes in crime severity across Canada each year. It assigns weights to various crimes based on their seriousness, as reflected in the sentences given by courts nationwide. More serious crimes receive higher weights, thus having a greater impact on the index, while less severe offenses are assigned lower weights.

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The CSI is divided into two primary categories:

• Violent Crime Severity Index: Includes all violent offenses reported in the Incident-based Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR2), such as threats, harassment, and forcible confinement.
• Non-Violent Crime Severity Index: Covers all non-violent Criminal Code violations, including traffic offenses, drug offenses, and breaches of federal statutes.

The CSI mainly focuses on crimes within Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) in Canada. A CMA consists of one or more neighboring municipalities surrounding a central population hub (the core), and must have a population of at least 100,000, with at least 50,000 residing in the core area.

Need help?

For those considering making one of these safe Canadian cities their home, seeking professional guidance can be invaluable. The Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) at Universal Adviser are well-equipped to assist you through every step of your Canadian immigration process. Their expertise can help streamline your application, ensuring that you navigate the complexities of the system with ease and confidence. Whether you're looking to secure permanent residency or simply explore your options, partnering with a knowledgeable RCIC can provide the support and clarity needed to achieve your immigration goals.

For Latest immigration updates on Canada, check out universal Adviser Canada Immigration News!

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