Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative – Project Support

April 13, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is launching Project Support, a downtown core stabilization initiative.
 
The project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores.
 
The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services.
 
The initiative aims to:
 
• Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability 
• Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces 
• Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores 
• Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners 
• Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement
 
“Our approach starts with support. The goal is to meet people where they are, connect them with the right services, and reduce the risks they’re facing,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “This isn’t about penalizing poverty or addiction; it’s about improving safety in the downtown cores while focusing enforcement on the individuals who are taking advantage of vulnerable community members.”
 
The initiative is operating in response to ongoing concerns from the business community and the public regarding open drug use, disorderly conduct, vandalism, aggressive behaviours, trespassing, and related impacts on safety, economic activity, and community confidence. This will be carried out through increased foot patrols.
 
The project will begin on April 20, 2026, in downtown cores with patrols focused on:
 
• Transit stops 
• BIA storefronts 
• Public plazas 
• Parking areas 
• Commercial areas 
• Pedestrian walking areas 
• Public gathering areas
 
During patrols, the first step of contact will be a TBPS Social Navigator or Community Inclusion Team Coordinator offering referrals to appropriate services like housing, or addiction supports.
 
Criminal enforcement is the last option and may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in share public spaces in downtown cores persist. 

Intelligence Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

July 23, 2026
TB26028760 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Cameron Street and May Street North area on July 22, 2026. During the search two suspects were located within the home and were arrested. Over $5,000 in Canadian cash, suspected cocaine and oxycodone were also seized. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Omar HAJI from Toronto, Ontario and 49-year-old Chris MORIN from Thunder Bay are both facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation leads to charges

July 22, 2026
TB26027236 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Howe Street and Cumberland Street North area on July 12, 2026, around 6:30 PM in response to a weapons related call for service. On scene, a victim was located with minor injuries. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation 23-year-old Cadence KAKEPETUM of Shuniah is facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

July 2026

July 22, 2026
In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police