Indeed, it seems we do. Feeling safe is frequently mentioned as the reason many choose to live here.  Perceptions of safety may have shifted recently due to an unusual spate of serious, high-profile crimes however the evidence says our communities have become safer over time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Since 2008, perceptions of safety may have shifted due to an unusual spate of serious, high-profile crimes. However, the collected evidence says that Headwaters communities have become safer over time.
• The rate of violent crime and rates of property crime – including theft, motor vehicle theft and fraud – have been consistently declining in both Dufferin and Caledon since the 1990s.
• Community safety also includes other factors, such as injury prevention and emergency preparedness – both of which require active citizen participation.
• How we design our communities, encourage participation through public events and festivals, and take care of those who are vulnerable helps to preserve – and enhance –actual and perceived community safety.
• How can we foster a culture of “looking out for each other” so that our community can become even safer?

Community safety impacts all aspects of daily life – where we live, socialize, learn, work and participate. How safe we feel gives us a framework for the choices we make and for how we make decisions – at the individual, family, community and societal level. Safety, along with shelter and food, is considered the basic pre-condition for health.

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