Designated Truck Route enforcement

December 2, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service has issued tickets to drivers violating the City’s Designated Truck Route (DTR). 


Monitoring identified some non-compliance with the rules of the road in regards to the DTR. 


The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit was on patrol on Highway 102 (Dawson Road) between Dog Lake Road and Highway 11/17, on November 28, 2025, when 12 trucks were stopped for not using the DTR.


Transport trucks are required to use the DTR within city limits.


The DTR is designed to keep cross-country traffic on major corridors, including Highway 11/17, Highway 61, Harbour Expressway, Main Street, and Island Drive. 


Heavy trucks can still access any destination within the city; however, they are expected to travel along the DTR for as long as possible and use the shortest distance on other city streets to reach their final stop.


Signs posted by the Ministry of Transportation and the City mark the approved route.


All trucks must also comply with weight restrictions on streets outside of the DTR. 

May 2026

May 7, 2026
Project Support: Downtown Core Stabilization Q. What is it? A. The pilot project began on April 20 and will continue for 60 days. It involves teams conducting visible foot patrols in North and South downtown cores to deter disorder, respond quickly to concerns, and increase public confidence. Each patrol team is paired with a Social Navigator and/or Community Integration Team (CIT) Coordinator, ensuring service engagement is the first point of contact. Individuals are offered referrals to addiction treatment, mental health services, housing supports, and other appropriate resources. Q. What sort of safety concerns led to this project? A. We’re responding to concerns we’ve heard consistently about unsafe behaviours, trespassing, vandalism, public intoxication. This is a proactive initiative aimed at improving safety in shared public spaces in downtown cores. Our goal is to help connect people with the assistance that best suits their needs. Q. How does this address the needs of people? A. Our focus and first contact is outreach. Our main goal is to connect people with the most appropriate social services to suit their needs. Criminal enforcement may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in shared public spaces in downtown cores persists. Q. Will this reduce police availability for other calls for service? A. The initiative is being operated by our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and will not directly impact Primary Response Unit staffing or response time.

Missing Person: Dennis LESNICK, 19

May 7, 2026
TB26016630 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Dennis LESNICK. Dennis was last seen on April 30, 2026, in the Belton Road area. He is described as a white male, standing 5’ 6”, with a thin build, shoulder length blonde hair, and blue eyes. LESNICK adjusts his facial hair at times, often seen with mustache or a goatee. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Intelligence Unit investigation leads to charges

May 6, 2026
TB26016708 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has led to a large drug seizure and charges. The investigation began in April 2026. On May 5, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect and searched a home and vehicle in the Munro Street area. During the searches a total of over 700 grams of suspected cocaine was seized, along with over $20,000 in Canadian cash. The estimated street value of the suspected illicit drugs is $70,000. As a result of the investigation, 30-year-old Jayden MASSEY from Ajax, Ontario is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance.