LaSalle ranked third safest community in Canada
The town of LaSalle has been named the third safest community in Canada, according to the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics.
“When I am talking to the residents of our community, they often tell me how safe they feel,” said LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy. “We thank the members of the LaSalle Police Service for their commitment and dedication to ensuring our safety.”
The ranking is based on the Crime Severity Index for 2020 which collects crime reported data in 325 police services across the country. The index is designed to measure the change in the overall seriousness of crime from one year to the next, as well as relative differences in the seriousness of crime across the country. It measures both violent and non-violent crimes.
“We are pleased that the Town of LaSalle consistently ranks as having one of the lowest rates of crime in the country especially as we navigate this global pandemic and its effect on our operations, staff and community at large,” said Acting Chief Duncan Davies.
“We just take care of each other! The community looks after each other.”
LaSalle residents Maria Colucci and Giovanna, who didn’t wish to use her last name, say they feel safe in the community, but admit they’ve become more proactive over the last several years.
“We like to go for a walk. We have a nice beautiful park and we feel safe!” Giovanna adds, “We used to keep all our doors always open, but I think lately we close it, it’s a little bit, changed a little. We still feel safe!”
Town councillor and former Windsor police officer Mike Akpata credits the entire community, saying it’s a team effort.
“Locking doors, locking their cars, hardening their infrastructure. We’re very pleased that all of the efforts have resulted in a third place ranking, but for us it’s about what we do for each other.”
Akpata notes the COVID-19 pandemic meant more people were keeping an eye on their neighbourhood, saying community engagement has been more proactive than reactive.
“It is the bus drivers keeping an eye out for people, it is our public works folks that are out in trucks with radios looking out for people, it is our citizens calling in. It is a comprehensive effort that makes LaSalle a wonderful place to live.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.