Charges laid following elder abuse investigation

March 16, 2026

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A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into elder abuse has resulted in charges.
 
The investigation began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place on January 30, 2025 at a long-term care facility in Thunder Bay.
 
An 86-year-old resident sustained injuries while in the care of a staff member.
 
Additional unrelated and unreported injuries were later confirmed.
 
No documentation of the injuries was located by officers.
 
The victim died on March 06, 2025 as a result of the injuries.
 
The Thunder Bay Police Service investigation identified the long-term care facility failed to take the reasonable steps to prevent any serious bodily harm or death to residents and attempted to delay and obstruct a police investigation.
 
As a result of the investigation, Marina GILBERT, 52, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code.
 
Furthermore, Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home has also been charged with:
 
• Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code 
• Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code
 
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
 
Anyone with information - particularly from the period of December 19, 2024 to March 6, 2025 - that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 317-0145. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
 
For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/protecting-seniors

Fraud Friday: Scam phone calls claiming to come from your personal bank

September 11, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents about a recent scam that has been reported. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Patrol Support Callback Unit (PSCU) received a report on August 26, 2026, regarding a scam caller claiming to be from a resident’s personal bank seeking additional information. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the bank you use, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly using the contact number on the back of the card. Do not speak to the caller or provide any personal or account information. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).

September 2026

September 11, 2026
Chat with the Chief Chat with the Chief events are information sessions where community members have their questions answered by Chief Darcy Fleury. Open dialogue builds both understanding and trust. “Listening to the people of Thunder Bay is essential to how we move forward as a police service," explained TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. "Community input has already shaped important initiatives like Project Support, and we want to continue building on that progress together.” Here are some questions and answers that were discussed at the Chat with the Chief event held at 55 Plus Centre on Sept 3.

Thunder Bay Police Service Charity Gala to return in 2027

September 10, 2026
Following the success of its inaugural event, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is pleased to announce that its Charity Gala will return on February 27, 2027, at the Italian Cultural Centre. “On behalf of the Thunder Bay Police Service, I want to thank every member, guest, sponsor, donor and volunteer who made our inaugural Gala an outstanding success,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Their enthusiasm and generosity set the stage for the Gala’s return, and we are committed to delivering an even bigger and better event in 2027.” Feedback from members, guests and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive after the first Gala, which welcomed more than 270 guests and raised over $68,000. Building on that momentum, the 2027 event aims to raise $70,000. “I am proud to recognize RBC and Tbaytel as presenting sponsors. They are valued community partners whose leadership and commitment helps make Thunder Bay a stronger, safer, and more vibrant place for everyone,” said Fleury. Funds raised will once again support Special Olympics Thunder Bay and BGC Thunder Bay, helping both organizations continue to provide valuable programs and opportunities in the community. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make the first Gala such a success,” said the CEO of BGC Thunder Bay Albert Aiello. “The support generated through this event creates meaningful opportunities for young people in our community, and we are honoured to be a beneficiary again in 2027.” “The inaugural Gala made a tremendous difference for our athletes, and we are grateful for the community’s continued support,” said Special Olympics Thunder Bay Community Coordinator James Stolz. “Being chosen again for 2027 means more opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and build confidence. We’re honoured to be part of an event that celebrates inclusion and strengthens our community.” Businesses and organizations are invited to support the 2027 TBPS Charity Gala presented by RBC and Tbaytel, by sponsoring the event or donating items for the live and silent auctions. Their support will help create an even greater impact for the two beneficiary charities. Ticket sales will be limited. Details about availability will be announced at a later date, and TBPS looks forward to welcoming the community back for another memorable evening in support of local youth and athletes.