Safety App Canada puts official crime data on a map, helps you plan walking routes that avoid higher-risk areas, and lets you send a one-tap SOS to the people you trust. It is being built by the team behind Canada Crime Map and is coming soon to Android and iPhone.
Not available yet. Safety App Canada is in development and is not in the app stores. Everything on this page describes planned features and pricing, which may change before launch. Safety App Canada is our own product: it is made by GG Straps Limited, the company that runs this website.
What the app is planned to do
See crime on a map, from official data
A map of reported crime built from official sources: Statistics Canada figures for cities and regions, and open data published by police services where their licences allow it. You will be able to see the general pattern of reported incidents around a street, a neighbourhood or a route, with the date of the data shown.
Plan safer walking routes
Choose where you are going and the app will suggest a walking route that avoids areas with more reported crime where a reasonable alternative exists. It is designed for everyday trips: from the bus stop to home, from campus to a friend’s place, or around a city you are visiting.
One-tap SOS to trusted contacts
Add the people you trust. If you feel unsafe, one tap sends them an alert with your location, so someone you know can check on you or call for help.
Not an emergency service. SOS alerts go to your chosen contacts, not to police, and the app does not replace 911. If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
Who it is for
- People walking home alone, especially late at night, who want a better-informed route and a quick way to let someone know if something feels wrong. See our tips for walking home at night.
- Newcomers to Canada and people moving cities, who do not yet know a new area and want to understand it with real data rather than rumour. See safest cities for newcomers.
- Families, including parents of students and older relatives, who want a simple way for loved ones to reach them in a worrying moment.
- Visitors and commuters finding their way around an unfamiliar city or transit route.
How it uses official data
- Official sources only. The same sources used on this website: Statistics Canada and police open data published under open licences. No social media reports or crowd-sourced rumours. See our data sources.
- Approximate locations. Police services offset incident locations to the nearest block or intersection to protect privacy, so the map shows patterns, not exact addresses.
- Reported crime only. Many crimes are never reported, and official data is published with a delay. A quiet area on the map is not a guarantee of safety.
- Our own estimates are labelled. Any score or route rating the app shows will be our own estimate based on official data, not an official statistic. The method will be published on our methodology page.
- Places, not people. The app describes reported incidents, never the people who live in an area.
Planned pricing
Safety App Canada is planned as a subscription of about C$4.99 a month, with a 7-day free trial. Final pricing will be confirmed in the app stores at launch, and you will be able to cancel through your Google Play or App Store account.
Privacy, in brief
- Your location is used to show the map, plan routes and send SOS alerts, and is planned to be shared with your trusted contacts only when you send an alert or choose to share it.
- We do not plan to sell your personal information.
- The app will ask for permissions (such as location and contacts) only when a feature needs them, and you can change them in your phone’s settings.
- The app is not intended for anyone under 16.
- The app will have its own privacy policy, published before launch. Our website privacy policy covers this site only.
Safety App Canada FAQ
When will Safety App Canada be available?
It is coming soon to Android and iPhone. We have not set a public launch date yet. This page and the store buttons above will be updated when it is available.
How much will it cost?
The planned price is about C$4.99 a month with a 7-day free trial. The final price will be shown in Google Play and the App Store before you subscribe.
Does the SOS button call the police?
No. The SOS feature is planned to alert the trusted contacts you choose, with your location. It does not contact police or emergency services. In an emergency, call 911.
Which cities will the crime map cover?
The map is planned to cover Canada using Statistics Canada figures, with more detailed street-level data in cities whose police services publish open data under licences that allow it, such as Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa and Halifax. Coverage will vary by city because police services publish different data.
Can the app tell me if a street is safe?
No app can promise that. The app will show what official data says about reported crime nearby and suggest routes that avoid areas with more reported incidents, but it cannot see what is happening right now or account for unreported crime. Use it alongside your own judgement.
Is Safety App Canada connected to the police or government?
No. It is an independent app made by GG Straps Limited, which also runs Canada Crime Map. It uses public open data but is not affiliated with or endorsed by any police service, government or Statistics Canada.
How can I hear when it launches?
Check back on this page, or email ggshop@safety-app.uk with the subject “Launch” and we will let you know when it is available. We will use your email address only for that.
Meanwhile, explore official crime data on our Canada crime map page, compare cities in crime rate in Canada by city, or read our guide to personal safety apps in Canada. In an emergency call 911.