OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 29, 2009 · 4 Stats Can crime figures show Halton to be a safe community By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Halton is once again one of the safest communities in all of Canada. This comforting news was made public last week as Statistics Canada unveiled 2008's crime statistics using the new Crime Severity Index (CSI) and Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI). Halton has a considerably lower crime rating than its major comparator communities in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe, receiving a 42.1 on the CSI and a 32.2 on the VCSI. York Region received a CSI rating of 45 and VCSI rating of 42.2 while Peel Region received a CSI of 59.3 and a VCSI rating of 78.9. On the other end of the scale, Toronto received a CSI rating of 81.5 and a VCSI rating of 139.1 while Hamilton got a CSI of 88.7 and a VCSI rating of 107.2. "Crime rates can be influenced by a number of factors outside police control, but this is still a strong testament to the outstanding calibre of work being done by our officers, civilian employ- ees and volunteers in close co-operation with our many community partners," said Halton Police Chief Gary Crowell. Statistics Canada used to compile Gary Carr crime rates based on volume with all crimes given the same weight. The new indexes give crimes weight based on court sentence. "This is extremely important to people. People are very proud of that." Halton's low rating made Halton Region Chair Gary Carr smile. "This is extremely important to people. People are very proud of that." The highest crime severity ratings came from Regina followed by Abbotsford-Mission, Saskatoon, Kelowna, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver. The Toronto area had the most homicides in 2008 -- 103 -- but, based on population, its homicide rate was only 1.9 per 100,000. Abbotsford-Mission B.C. had the highest homicide rate in Canada for 2008 at 4.7 per 100,000. Hotels picked up rain delay Continued from page 1 John Sawyer, president of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, said he heard from one of the chamber's hotel members Monday morning that rain had boosted business. "He (the hotel manager) said having the Open pushed over a day got business he had not expected on the Sunday night," Sawyer said. "Over last year, there was a significant increase in business," said Darlene Dunn, Quality Hotel and Executive Suites sales director. "We did have some cancellations due to the rain, but the numbers were still higher compared to last year. We also noticed an increase in Sunday occupancy." The Canadian Open was held at Glen Abbey Golf Club from 1977 to 2000, with the exception of 1980 and 1997, when it was at Royal Montreal Golf Club. It now moves across the country, returning occasionally to Glen Abbey. The tournament was played here in town last year, but its 100th anniversary meant that it was played here again this year. The back-to-back tournaments are also why business was John Sawyer booming, according to Dunn. "With Oakville having backto-back Canadian Opens, it raised awareness of accommodations in Oakville," said Dunn. "Last year, quite a few people were unaware there was lodging in our market. People were staying in hotels in downtown Toronto and taking shuttles to the golf course." While the Quality Hotel and Executive Suites relied on spectator guests, the Holiday Inn Select Hotel and Suites Oakville at Bronte was almost entirely booked with Open golfers and RCGA staff. It was a preferred partner for the Open. "The Open has always done well for us, especially as a preferred partner," said Johanna Redmond, director of sales. "We were very close to being sold out this year." Redmond said she is sympathetic that wet weather forced the Open to continue to Monday, but that it was good news for the hospitality industry. "I felt bad for people holding tickets for the Open, but we did have good occupancy on Sunday night," she said. She added that next summer's bookings are likely going to pale in comparison. "Next year in July, there's no Canadian Open here, so we're going to see a significant decrease in revenues," she said. The Holiday Inn Oakville Centre saw a roughly 10 to 15 per cent reduction in rooms booked compared to last year's week of the Canadian Open. Jim Kerstens, general manager, said the rain kept people away and there was a reduction in rooms required by a guest sponsor of the tournament. "However, Sunday night occupancy was up, which was nice. When the Open's here, we really benefit," he said. "It is a tremendous event. Even though we were down this year, it's still the highlight of our summer and we are still pleased with how we did." Over 60,000 Satisfied Customers THE BIGGEST SALE EVER $500 OFF 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 # Best Price # Best Service # Same Day Installation Available # Eligible for O.P.A. & Governement Rebate Buy From Largest Lennox Dealer in Ontario & Save $$$. A+ Rating 9 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER *See dealer for details