Fraud Friday: Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay Country Market, and any locations offering booth rentals

July 10, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has received a report from the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) regarding an unknown individual or individuals who are contacting members of the public and potential vendors regarding participation in the CLE Annual Family Fair 2026.


TBPS has received similar reports regarding the Thunder Bay Country Market.


The individual(s) are representing themselves as being affiliated with the CLE and market and are requesting that interested vendors complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event.


These communications are not authorized.


The person or persons involved do not represent these businesses in any capacity.


The unauthorized use of the business names and branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors.


EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS:


Dear Vendor,


We are pleased to invite you to apply as a vendor for the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) 2026, taking place from August 5-9, 2026 at the CLE Grounds in Thunder Bay, Ontario.


The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is one of Northwestern Ontario's largest annual fairs, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event features a wide range of attractions including midway rides, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan markets, agricultural exhibits, and family activities, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services.


We are currently accepting applications from food vendors, food trucks, artisans, retail businesses, commercial exhibitors, and service providers for the 2026 event.


To apply, please complete the official vendor application form below: Apply Here: CLE 2026 Vendor Application Form Important Information:


Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance


All applications are reviewed by the CLE vendor committee


Approved vendors will receive confirmation and payment instructions


Space is limited and early applications are strongly encouraged


All vendors must comply with event rules, health regulations, and safety requirements


We look forward to reviewing your application and hopefully welcoming you as part of CLE 2026. Warm regards,


Vendor Coordination Team Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) Thunder Bay, Ontario.



ADDITIONAL EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS:


Dear Vendor,


We are pleased to invite applications for the Thunder Bay Country Market, one of Northwestern Ontario's premier year-round public markets, attracting thousands of local residents and visitors throughout the holiday season.


Venue

Thunder Bay Country Market Dove Building, CLE Grounds

425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Market Days


Every Wednesday: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Every Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM 


December Market Dates


Please select your preferred dates:

Wednesday, December 2

Saturday, December 5

Wednesday, December 9

Saturday, December 12

Wednesday, December 16

Saturday, December 19

Wednesday, December 23

Saturday, December 26

Wednesday, December 30 


Available Booth Sizes & Fees Artisan & Non-Food Vendors

6 ft Table Space - CAD $45

8 ft × 8 ft Booth - CAD $75

10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $120

10 ft × 15 ft Booth - CAD $165

10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $220

20 ft × 20 ft Premium Booth - CAD $380


Food Vendors

10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $150

10 ft × 15 ft Booth - CAD $210

10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $270

20 ft × 20 ft Food Court Space - CAD $420


Farm & Fresh Produce Vendors

8 ft × 8 ft Booth - CAD $65

10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $95

10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $180 Food Truck Vendors

Small Food Truck Space (Up to 20 ft) - CAD $300

Standard Food Truck Space (21-30 ft) - CAD $375

Large Food Truck Space (Over 30 ft) - CAD $450 Optional Add-Ons

Electricity (120V) - CAD $25

Premium Corner Booth - CAD $40

Extra Table - CAD $15

Extra Chair - CAD $5


Vendor Application Requirements

To be considered, please send the following information:


Business/Brand Name

Owner's Full Name

Products or services you will be offering

Preferred booth size

Preferred market date(s)

Business address

Contact phone number

Email address

Website or social media pages (if available)

3-5 clear photos of your products and booth setup

Copies of any required business licences, food permits, or insurance (where applicable)


All vendor applications are subject to review and approval to maintain a diverse, high-quality marketplace.


Please Note: December is the busiest and most competitive period of the year at the Thunder Bay Country Market. Booth spaces are in high demand due to the holiday shopping season. We strongly encourage vendors to submit their applications as early as possible, as spaces are allocated on a first-approved, first-served basis and some product categories may fill quickly.


Approved vendors will receive an official confirmation, invoice, and payment instructions to secure their booth.

We look forward to welcoming your business to this exciting holiday market and wish you the very best with your application.


Kind regards,


Julia miles


Director


Vendor Coordination Team


For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm


To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime


Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI from Thunder Bay is 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 – opioid (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN from Thunder Bay is 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 – opioid • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK from Thunder Bay is 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 – opioid All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service emphasises school traffic safety alongside community partners as the 2026/2027 school year continues

September 24, 2026
With the 2026/2027 school year underway, the Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents about traffic safety in school zones and all Thunder Bay roads. Drivers should be aware of increased youth pedestrian traffic in and around school zones. Many students will utilize city crosswalks on their journey to school. Drivers should ensure that they remain observant and are prepared to stop for crossing guards at crosswalks. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers should wait for the crossing guard to return to the sidewalk prior to continuing their drive. Following the Act supports safer roads while drivers can avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. School buses are also back on local roadways. Motorists are asked to make sure they are stopping for school buses that have a sign out and lights flashing. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, every driver when approaching from the front or rear of a stopped school bus that has its stop arm actuated, shall stop and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the stop arm is no longer extended. Following the Act protects the community while ensuring that drivers avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. 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.