CHRIS LOWREY
MRC DES COLLINES
Dec. 6, 2018
Maclean’s Magazine has ranked the MRC des Collines as the safest place in Quebec.
The magazine ranked 237 urban centres throughout Canada by comparing the most recent crime severity index (CSI) released by Statistics Canada to the numbers released five years ago.
Statistics Canada set the CSI at a baseline of 100 in 2006. If the CSI is under 100, that means less crimes were committed in that region than in 2006. A number higher than 100 means there were more severe crimes than in 2006.
The MRC des Collines came in with a CSI of 27.7, which makes it the 15th safest place in Canada.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Municipality of Pontiac Mayor Joanne Labadie. “We’re a nice little quiet bedroom community.”
The MRC des Collines also includes Val des Monts and Chelsea.
For comparison’s sake, the most dangerous place in Canada – North Battleford, Sask. – was 371.58.
“I think it will automatically attract people into our municipality,” Labadie said of the article’s marketing potential. “Our crime rates are relatively low compared to other small municipalities in the area.”
Labadie said the numbers could especially have an impact on young families looking to relocate to the MRC.
“Our municipality has three schools in proximity to the city,” she said. “You add low crime rates and I think you’ve got an ideal community to raise a young family.”
A publication as prominent as Maclean’s highlighting the MRC des Collines as the safest place in Quebec could boost the region’s profile.
“It puts us in the national discussion,” Labadie said.
Labadie was especially thrilled to hear the news in light of the tough couple of years the municipality has experienced as a result of flooding and the tornado, among other issues.
The municipality has not had as much growth after the floods as it did before, and Labadie said she is hopeful this news can change that.