Toronto ranks safer than many Canadians think, survey finds
Toronto safety gap widens as crime drops and fear rises in the city See why perception lags behind the data—and what it means for voters
A new survey of 15 Canadian cities suggests Toronto has the biggest mismatch between official crime data and public perceptions of safety. The poll, conducted by Liaison Strategies, found that many respondents view Toronto as unsafe even though crime indicators have improved since 2017.
The research firm said 57% of respondents described Toronto as somewhat or very unsafe, up from 52% in 2017. At the same time, Toronto Police Service data shows declines in serious crimes such as homicide, assault, and shootings, with last year’s homicide total at its lowest level since 1986.
The survey also found that Toronto’s safety image is being shaped by news coverage, personal experience, word of mouth, and the city’s broader reputation, not just crime statistics. The issue has become part of Toronto’s mayoral race, with Mayor Olivia Chow and rival Brad Bradford both responding to concerns about public safety and mental health support.