Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition ahead of annual Family Fair

June 23, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service 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.
 
The fraudsters are claiming they represent the CLE.
 
They are requesting that interested businesses complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event.
 
These communications are not authorized by the CLE and are not being conducted through official CLE channels.
 
The person or persons involved do not represent the CLE in any capacity.
 
The unauthorized use of the CLE name and event branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors.
 
EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS: canadianlakeheadvendors@gmail.com
 
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.
 
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 

Fraud Friday: Scam phone calls claiming to come from your personal bank

September 11, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents about a recent scam that has been reported. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Patrol Support Callback Unit (PSCU) received a report on August 26, 2026, regarding a scam caller claiming to be from a resident’s personal bank seeking additional information. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the bank you use, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly using the contact number on the back of the card. Do not speak to the caller or provide any personal or account information. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).

September 2026

September 11, 2026
Chat with the Chief Chat with the Chief events are information sessions where community members have their questions answered by Chief Darcy Fleury. Open dialogue builds both understanding and trust. “Listening to the people of Thunder Bay is essential to how we move forward as a police service," explained TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. "Community input has already shaped important initiatives like Project Support, and we want to continue building on that progress together.” Here are some questions and answers that were discussed at the Chat with the Chief event held at 55 Plus Centre on Sept 3.

Thunder Bay Police Service Charity Gala to return in 2027

September 10, 2026
Following the success of its inaugural event, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is pleased to announce that its Charity Gala will return on February 27, 2027, at the Italian Cultural Centre. “On behalf of the Thunder Bay Police Service, I want to thank every member, guest, sponsor, donor and volunteer who made our inaugural Gala an outstanding success,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Their enthusiasm and generosity set the stage for the Gala’s return, and we are committed to delivering an even bigger and better event in 2027.” Feedback from members, guests and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive after the first Gala, which welcomed more than 270 guests and raised over $68,000. Building on that momentum, the 2027 event aims to raise $70,000. “I am proud to recognize RBC and Tbaytel as presenting sponsors. They are valued community partners whose leadership and commitment helps make Thunder Bay a stronger, safer, and more vibrant place for everyone,” said Fleury. Funds raised will once again support Special Olympics Thunder Bay and BGC Thunder Bay, helping both organizations continue to provide valuable programs and opportunities in the community. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make the first Gala such a success,” said the CEO of BGC Thunder Bay Albert Aiello. “The support generated through this event creates meaningful opportunities for young people in our community, and we are honoured to be a beneficiary again in 2027.” “The inaugural Gala made a tremendous difference for our athletes, and we are grateful for the community’s continued support,” said Special Olympics Thunder Bay Community Coordinator James Stolz. “Being chosen again for 2027 means more opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and build confidence. We’re honoured to be part of an event that celebrates inclusion and strengthens our community.” Businesses and organizations are invited to support the 2027 TBPS Charity Gala presented by RBC and Tbaytel, by sponsoring the event or donating items for the live and silent auctions. Their support will help create an even greater impact for the two beneficiary charities. Ticket sales will be limited. Details about availability will be announced at a later date, and TBPS looks forward to welcoming the community back for another memorable evening in support of local youth and athletes.