Housing Safety Unit Pilot Program Launched

October 28, 2025

Special Constables were sworn in last week at TBPS. Pictured: Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes, Erin Murphy, Tristan Johnson, Chief Darcy Fleury, Cole Lambert, Krystal Wiwcharyk, and Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson.



The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) have partnered to launch a new, community-focused initiative: the Housing Safety Unit (HSU). 


Under this initiative, dedicated Special Constables will be deployed to provide a proactive, visible, and tailored safety presence in TBDSSAB-owned housing communities. Special Constables are appointed under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). They are law enforcement officers with limited police powers, authorized to enforce laws within a specific jurisdiction. The HSU is being launched as a pilot program with possibility of continuation based on data.


“The HSU is a prime example of community and police collaborating to create safer spaces through proactive, community-based presence,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s about building trust, maintaining order, and ultimately supporting residents in feeling safe in their homes.”


Four TBPS Special Constables will be deployed primarily to three high-volume buildings, while also establishing relationships at TBDSSAB’s other direct-owned properties. Their duties include routine patrols, incident response, tenant engagement, and support referrals.


“These constables are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules. They are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules,” explained Jason Rybak, TBPS Inspector, Operational Support.


TBDSSAB introduced Tenant Support Workers (TSWs) in 2017 to support the unique challenges faced by tenants in community housing within the permitted scope of a landlord-tenant relationship per the Housing Services Act and Residential Tenancies Act. Tenant Support Workers support tenants by building relationships, creating opportunities for tenant community building, and making referrals to community services. In recent years, TSWs have built a strong rapport with the TBPS Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) unit, with officers offering tenants education and advice around personal and community safety as-needed. 


As demand increases and police resources are challenged, this innovative partnership offers a new way to support proactive engagement with housing communities.


“Our housing communities deserve safe, supportive environments,” said Ken Ranta, CEO of TBDSSAB. “This partnership allows us to bring a new level of dedicated, community-specific safety to those who need it most.”


Krystal Wiwcharyk is one of the new Special Constables. “I know how important it is for people to feel safe, heard, and connected,” she said. “It’s about more than enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the challenges people face and helping them find solutions in a compassionate, respectful way.” 


The HSU Special Constable role can involve helping someone access support services, mediating neighbour disputes, or simply being a familiar, approachable presence. By offering practical help and working alongside community partners, Special Constables can help prevent issues before they escalate.     


The HSU is expected to:

• Enhance resident safety

• Reduce criminal and social disorder

• Build trust through community-based engagement

• Provide enforcement tailored to the unique needs of housing communities


A similar initiative implemented in Toronto has led to reduced emergency calls, improved perceptions of safety, and stronger tenant relationships with enforcement personnel. The TBDSSAB and TBPS HSU partnership is expected to deliver similar benefits in Thunder Bay—at a lower cost than traditional police deployment, and with more authority and training than private security. Data will inform future expansion and strategic adjustments.

Drug trafficking investigation results in seizure of illicit drugs and firearm

August 14, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. As part of the investigation, officers with the Intelligence Unit and the Break Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ray Boulevard area on the evening of August 13, 2026. During the search, three individuals were located and arrested. As a result of this investigation, the following seizures were made: • Over 700 grams of suspected cocaine • Over 56 grams of suspected fentanyl • A handgun • Canadian currency • Items associated with drug trafficking. The street value of the drugs seized is over $100,000.00. 48-year-old Leroy WEBB, of Thunder Bay, was charged with: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Careless storage of a firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm • Possession of a firearm obtained by crime • Obstructing police. 32-year-old Elmer MOONIAS and an additional suspect, both of Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. MOONIAS and WEBB were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. A female suspect was released with a future court date.

Police response to robbery call leads to charges

August 14, 2026
TB26032172 A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) response has resulted in multiple charges, including Assault Police. An officer with the Primary Response Unit responded to a call regarding a robbery in the Thunder Centre area at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Upon arrival, the suspect was identified by staff at the retail store and was approached by the officer at a nearby riverbank. The suspect resisted arrest and engaged in an assault against the officer. A taser was deployed and the suspect continued to resist arrest. A bystander became involved in the interaction, impeding the officer’s response. Additional Primary Response officers arrived to assist in the arrests of the suspects. “We must be clear: this was not a routine or harmless interaction - it was a dangerous event with the potential for far more severe consequences for all parties involved,” said TBPS Acting Chief Jeremy Pearson. 32-year-old Tyson FIDDLER, of Thunder Bay, is facing the following charges: • Robbery • Theft • Assault Police • Resist Arrest • Identity Fraud • Fail to Comply with Probation Order. FIDDLER was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. An additional person is charged with Obstructing Police and was released with a future court date.

Located: Clifton LOON

August 13, 2026
Missing person Clifton LOON has been safely located. Please remove their name and image from websites and social media pages.  Thank you to members of the public and media for their assistance.