December 2025

December 8, 2025

Your Questions Answered:

 

Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes?

 

A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders.

 

After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts.

Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime.

 

Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down?

 

A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity.

 

Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because:

  • New people take over, especially in organized groups.
  • The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps.
  • Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.


Your Voice Matters in the TBPS Citizen Satisfaction Survey

 

A Citizen Satisfaction Survey about the Thunder Bay Police Service is now open. If you see an online invitation to complete the survey, you’re encouraged to take part. Every response helps ensure the sample reflects the diversity of the Thunder Bay community.

 

Anyone can take the survey at https://surveys.zencity.io/thunder-bay-ps/CtAdnO/en?s=sd 

 

Survey responses build understanding of the needs and concerns of residents to make the best decisions for our future. Feedback from past surveys has already informed important initiatives – including the new Strategic Plan. This year’s results will guide operational decisions and help ensure the Strategic Plan is on track and meaningful.

Stay Informed — Follow Us on Social Media

 

Recently, we posted a media release about arrests related to a child pornography investigation. Within just one hour, it had 14,000 views — and 90% of those early views came directly from our followers. As the post was shared, more non-followers eventually saw it, but our followers were the first to know.


If you want timely updates about arrests, investigations, community safety initiatives, and what’s happening across the Thunder Bay Police Service, make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram.

 


Answering the Call: TBPS new recruits


Deputy Chief – Operations Ryan Hughes welcomed eight new officer recruits who recently joined TBPS, choosing a meaningful and rewarding career in public service. Please join us in welcoming them as they begin their training and prepare to serve our community with professionalism and integrity.

 

Interested in Answering the Call? If you’re ready for a rewarding and meaningful career and want to learn more about:

·        our cadet program

·        joining as an experienced officer

·        becoming a Communications Operator

·        civilian opportunities

 

Visit Careers in Policing | Thunder Bay Police Service | Thunderbay. You can also reach out to recruitment@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board

 

Announcement of New, First-Ever Executive Director

 

The Board is pleased to announce Mark Figliomeni as the Board’s inaugural, full-time, Executive Director, effective December 1st.

 

“We are delighted that Mark has joined our team,” said Karen Machado, Board Chair. “His deep experience in government and administration, along with his strong ties to Thunder Bay, make him an outstanding fit to support the Board in fulfilling its mandate.”


Figliomeni was interviewed by TBT News following the announcement:

 

“I'm happy to be named to the role and again honoured and very much look forward to working with the Board, with the community, and the Service.”

 

Figliomeni looks forward to engaging with the communities, and further strengthening relationships with Thunder Bay's diverse communities, the Service, and the Board:

 

"Fostering those relationships—I believe relationships are vital to any position particularly one at a senior leadership level. So again— meeting and assisting the Board and the Service with the transparency piece, with the governance and policy, and with the community stakeholder relationships that can be built with all stakeholders in the community.”


Read the full announcement by clicking here.


First Board Meeting for New Member 

 

The Board is pleased to welcome Laird Van Damme to the Board for a two-year appointment, effective October 23rd. Van Damme was appointed by the Province of Ontario. 


Read the full announcement by clicking here.


Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony - November 16th.


Board Members Cllr. Kasey Etreni (pictured here with Chief Fleury) and Mayor Ken Boshcoff were honoured to participate in the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, with community members and special guests.

 

This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. 

 

Now in its seventh year, the ceremony began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of now retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. 

 

Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. 

 

Learn more about the Tree of Hope by clicking here.


Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service Highlights Importance of Early Reporting in Missing Person Cases During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

January 9, 2026
As communities across Canada recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents that there is no waiting period to report a missing person. Families are encouraged to contact police immediately if a loved one goes missing or is at risk. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigates all missing person reports. If someone you care about is missing and you are concerned for their safety, please contact the police right away. Delay is one of the most significant factors that can impact the outcome of a missing person investigation. This reminder is especially important as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, an estimated 772,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, with projections suggesting that number could reach nearly 1 million by 2030. In Northern Ontario, where communities have proportionately more older adults and face challenges such as limited access to specialized care, dementia is often underdiagnosed or underreported. Individuals living with dementia may experience confusion, memory loss, anxiety, and disorientation, increasing the risk of becoming lost or wandering even in early stages when they may appear independent. Support is Available: If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss or symptoms related to dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s First Link® program provides guidance, education, and connection to local supports. Families do not have to navigate this alone. ( https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr ) Prepare & Plan Ahead: Six in ten people living with dementia are at risk of becoming lost. Families can reduce risk and be better prepared by considering steps such as: • Installing door chimes to alert caregivers when doors open • Securing vehicle keys and activating vehicle location services where possible • Knowing what bank cards or funds the person may have access to • Enabling cellphone location sharing, when appropriate • Keeping a current photograph and key details readily available to share with police in an emergency Families may also wish to explore locator devices or technology supports suited to their needs. Identification tools and planning resources are also available through the provincial Finding Your Way® program, which helps families prepare for incidents of going missing and supports safe, independent living for people with dementia. If a person with dementia goes missing — call 911 immediately. Do not assume they will return on their own. Do not feel you are “overreacting.” Weather conditions, traffic, unfamiliar surroundings, and confusion can place a missing person at serious risk. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service joins the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay in recognizing families, caregivers, and everyone impacted by dementia in our community. Together, we can support safety, dignity, and awareness. For more information, resources, and support, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or visit their website at https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en . Additional missing person information can be found on the Thunder Bay Police Service Missing Persons Information and Resource Page here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/missing-person-resources---advice