Top 10 safest cities in Canada

When it comes to livability criteria, crime levels typically sit at the top of most people's list. Whether you’re a student, professional or parent, everyone wants to live in the safest area possible. Every year, Statistics Canada releases a report on police reported crimes over the past year. The 2013 Canadian crime statistics are out and the safest cities in Canada have been revealed. This top list looks at what Statistics Canada calls Crime Severity Index (CSI), which measures the volume as well as the seriousness of each crime in comparison to other crimes. Not a single metropolitan area across Canada had an increase in CSI year-over-year. However, some of these cities just didn't make the cut.

Here are the top 10 safest cities in Canada

1. Barrie (CSI: 42.8)
2. Guelph (CSI: 43.0)
3. Quebec (CSI: 46.5)
4. Toronto (CSI: 47.1)
5. Ottawa (CSI: 52.1)
6. Peterborough (CSI: 54.4)
7. Kingston (CSI: 54.6)
8. Hamilton (CSI: 55.1)
9. Kitchener-Cambridge- Waterloo (CSI: 56.8)
10. Gatineau (CSI: 56.9)

Some other interesting Facts:

• Canada had a 9 per cent decrease in CSI since 2012.
• In terms of crime rate by province, Ontario takes the cake with a crime rate of 3,678 in 2013. Ontario is followed closely by Quebec with a crime rate of 3,861 in 2013.
• Overall, Canadian police services reported just over 1.8 million criminial incidences, which is 132,000 less than 2012
• Reports of some offences did increase in 2013, including extortion and identity fraud

View the full report