Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg ({{coor dm |49|53|N|97|09|W|type:city(620000)_scale:300000_region:CA-MB}}, CST) is a Canadian city and the provincial capital of the province of Manitoba. Located in Western Canada, Winnipeg plays a prominent role in transportation, finance, manufacturing, agriculture and education. It is known as the Gateway to the West.

Crime

Winnipeggers consider crime, particularly violent crime and auto theft, to be a serious problem in their city. According to Statistics Canada, Winnipeg has one of the highest crime rates of any Canadian metropolitan area. In 2002, the City had the fourth highest overall crime rate in Canada with 10,879 Criminal Code of Canada offences per 100,000 population. Only Regina, Saskatoon, and Vancouver had higher crime rates. The crime rate was 50% higher than that of Calgary and more than double the rate for Toronto. In 2004, Statistics Canada reported that Winnipeg's crime rate had rose to over 12,000 offences per 100,000 population, and Winnipeg had the dubious distinction of having Canada's highest crime rate. The agency notes 2004 crime data from Winnipeg is based on estimates because of a switch-over by Winnipeg police in 2004 to a new records management system. As a result, it says the report may not be an accurate reflection of Winnipeg's crime rate for 2004. Crime rates were highest in the downtown area, the North End, the area immediately to the west of the downtown area, and the Elmwood area in the east end of Winnipeg. These areas are home to displaced populations including First Nations people, runaways, prostitutes, petty criminals and drug addicts and suffer from chronic poverty and urban blight. In fact the North End of Winnipeg is generally considered to be the second poorest area in all of Canada next to the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. The crime rates in the outlying suburbs are much lower. (Source Statistics Canada, Neighbourhood Characteristics and Justice Research Paper Series 2004).

Related Topics:
Crime - Violent crime - Auto theft - Criminal Code of Canada - Regina - Saskatoon - Vancouver - Calgary - Toronto - First Nations - Prostitutes - Drug addicts - Poverty - Urban blight - Downtown Eastside

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