January 2025

January 6, 2025

TBPS Bring MMIWG2S Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill


For the first time ever, a Tree of Hope was brought to Parliament Hill. First introduced in 2019 at the Thunder Bay Police Service, the project raises awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people (MMIWG2S). On December 14, 2024, Police Chief Darcy Fleury, Elders, drummers, Minister of Indigenous Service Canada Patty Hajdu, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and other guests gathered to light the MMIWG2S Tree of Hope in Ottawa. The red lights honor those lost and offer solace to grieving families, reminding them their loved ones are not forgotten. Chief Fleury emphasized the police's commitment to advocate for and protect Indigenous communities.



Toys to connect with and calm kids


Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay CMHA IMPACT personnel recently visited the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre to pick up some special passengers. Gary Ferguson, CEO of the Centre, had an abundance of donated, brand-new stuffed toys. They were shared with members of our Primary Response Branch to give to children they encounter when responding to calls for service. The toys provide comfort to little ones during what can be stressful and challenging situations. 

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service was also fortunate to receive a box of stuffed teddy bears donated by Police Retirees of Ontario. This group knows that sharing a toy can go a long way to help break the ice when children are scared or upset. Our service is very grateful for the thoughtful support.


Fostering trust and accountability

The Thunder Bay Police Service has always held its officers to the highest standards of professional conduct. As the community may be aware, the Community Safety and Policing Act was brought into force in 2024 replacing the Police Services Act. Regulations made under the new Act included an updated Code of Conduct for police officers as well the introduction of a Code of Conduct for Special Constables. Further, these regulations now legislate the requirement for Police Officers and Special Constables to report the conduct of another member if they reasonably believe or ought to believe that the other member’s actions constitute misconduct. 

 

Our members receive ongoing training through various means with respect to peer intervention and compliance with the Codes of Conduct. Our dedication to professionalism and integrity in serving the community remains unwavering. We are proud to continue fostering trust and accountability in our police service.


Your Questions Answered: What does TBPS do about Home-Takeovers?

Home takeovers are generally connected to the drug trade and often involve unwanted guests taking advantage of vulnerable people. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigated and made arrests in relation to several home takeovers. Specific responses vary depending on the public safety risk and information obtained by the Thunder Bay Police during the investigation.

 

Community members can help by keeping an eye on their neighbours. Call us if you notice unusual activity such as increased traffic to a home with unfamiliar people or disturbances throughout the day or night.

The information can help to build an ongoing case, which can lead to arrests. 

  • Call 807-684-1200 and make a report.
  • Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/273

 

Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Man arrested for impaired driving, resisting officer after attempting to flee

August 22, 2025
TB25033519

FRAUD FRIDAY: Home repair and renovation scams

August 22, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent home repair or renovation scams. The schemes may be carried out in the form of a person going door-to-door — claiming they’ve noticed an issue that needs to be urgently addressed — or through online and social media advertisements offering repairs or renovations. The scammers will offer to complete a particular project for an agreed cost but ask for money in advance before doing any work or providing equipment and materials. Once they have received payment, little or no work is done and promised products are not provided. They may request more money, claiming it’s necessary to be able to carry out the work. If the work is ever completed, it is often poor quality and could pose a safety hazard or need to be redone. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If there is doubt about whether a repair or product is necessary, seek a second opinion from a trusted person or a certified professional. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) 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

Low-Speed Vehicles not permitted on Thunder Bay roads

August 22, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding members of the public that low-speed vehicles are not allowed on public roads in the city. A low-speed vehicle is an electric, four-wheel vehicle that is smaller and lighter than a regular car and have a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour . These vehicles may have many similar features to a conventional motor vehicle (seat belts, a steering wheel, pedals and speedometer), but they have fewer safety features and do not meet the same safety standards. These may be marketed as mobility devices, but they are legislated as vehicles that are subject to Highway Traffic Act rules of the road. Electric enclosed mobility scooters that have a lower maximum speed are considered pedestrians under the Highway Traffic Act and are not to be operated on roadways as a vehicle, instead they are to use sidewalks, multi-use trails, or travel on the road shoulder against oncoming traffic. In Ontario, low-speed vehicles are legislated through a 10-year pilot program that began in 2017 and requires municipalities to have implemented bylaws allowing their use on public roadways or sidewalks. As The City of Thunder Bay does not currently have such bylaws, these vehicles are not legal for use within Thunder Bay.  Violations can result in Highway Traffic Act charges, fines, and driving suspensions or prohibitions.