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. 

October 2026

October 9, 2026
Above: In September, the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area.

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit school zone patrol leads to charges

October 8, 2026
TB26040506 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit patrol has resulted in a stunt driving charge. On October 7, 2026, an officer was driving in the Rosslyn Road area around 2:30 PM when they located a vehicle travelling 89km per hour in a 40km per hour school zone. The driver was stopped and was charged with: • Speeding (HTA) • Stunt Driving (HTA) The driver is facing a 30-day licence suspension, and their vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.