Brampton Receives Top Marks
In the Annual Safe Communities
Canada Report Card 2008

Brampton, October 1, 2008 - The City of Brampton is pleased to announce for the second year in a row a top score of 20 out of 20 in the Annual Safe Communities Canada Report Card released by the Safe Communities Foundation of Canada today.

"Brampton has invested considerable time and resources in developing strategies to keep our citizens of all ages safe from crime and injury. Safety is definitely a priority in our community," says Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell.  

"Every one of us has a role to play in making our community safer. We believe Safe Communities Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about safety and to learn about the work of our staff and volunteers," said Executive Director of Brampton Safe City Association, Larry Zacher.

The theme for this year's Safe Communities Day, Leaders for Tomorrow, shines a spotlight on the volunteers, professional practitioners, institutions, and other community members that work tirelessly to promote a culture of safety and injury prevention. It also suggests that everyone can do their part to mobilize their community to make a difference.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Brampton being designated an International Safe Community by the World Health Organization in recognition of the capacity to deliver safety education and programs, and proven ability to work together with community partners. Brampton is only one of only 10 municipalities in North America, and the first municipality in the Greater Toronto Area to achieve this designation.

The Brampton Safe City Partnership was formed in 1997 and currently has 36 Member Agencies representing police, fire, health, government, business, education, media, community agencies and citizens.  Collectively, its partners deliver programs and services in eight key areas including:  children's safety, fire prevention, safety for seniors, workplace safety, emergency preparedness, road safety, crime reduction and violence prevention for youth.

The Brampton Road Safety Committee is a network of more than 20 organizations working together to address traffic safety concerns in our city.  The Committee delivers a comprehensive public education campaign entitled "Road Safety Starts With You" to teach adults, youth, children and seniors how to be safer drivers and pedestrians.  Members of the Committee also administer the Road Watch program to address dangerous and aggressive driving in neighbourhoods.

Many of the Safe City Partners have joined together, along with representatives from the neighbouring cities of Mississauga and Caledon, to create the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network.  This multi-agency, multi-city group has developed a region-wide youth violence prevention strategy that brings together more than one hundred service agencies, school boards, police, citizens and youth.  The network is developing violence prevention solutions by focusing on four areas:  Services and Support for Youth, Working With Families, Education, Policy and Programs and Community Development. 

Fire and Emergency Services will be recognizing Fire Prevention Week from October 5 - 11. Despite the fact that fewer fire losses are reported in Canada, on average, eight Canadians still die from fire related injuries every week.

"The key to a safer Brampton is prevention through public education," says Fire Chief, Andy MacDonald. "We are nationally recognized as leaders in the field of fire and life safety education."

The Brampton Fire/Life Safety Education Centre is recognized as the only stand-alone education centre of its kind in the world. Stephanie's Place, an integral part of the centre, is designed as a model home with built-in hazards to provide children and their families with hands-on learning experiences so they can better understand the dangers of fire and other home hazards. The Fire /Life Safety Centre has also created two award-winning safety DVDs that are being used by communities throughout North America.

Fire and Emergency Services invites the public to attend and learn about typical home hazards, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and making a home escape plan. There will be a free draw for children aged 7 - 12 for a chance to become Fire Chief for a day. 

As part of Fire Prevention Week, Brampton Fire personnel will be at the following locations:

Costco
Friday, October 3
1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Canadian Tire - Shopper's World and Airport Road locations
Saturday, October 4
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.