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.


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

Thunder Bay Police Service multi-unit investigation leads to several charges

July 7, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in multiple charges and arrests. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Red River Road area on April 17, 2026, in response to an injured individual. An injured man was located with life-threatening injuries, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The involved suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving. The Forensic Identification Unit and Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation. Further investigation led to five suspects being identified. As part of the investigation, a home was searched in the Windsor Street area on April 19, 2026. During the search, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized. The Cyber Crime Unit became involved in the investigation. On May 6, 2026, Primary Response Unit officers located and arrested an involved suspect in the Windsor Street area. On May 10, 2026, another suspect was located and arrested in the Blucher Avenue area. On May 16, 2026, officers located and arrested an additional involved suspect in the Waterloo Street area. On June 7, 2026, an additional suspect contacted the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre to turn themselves in. Officers were dispatched to the Foley Street area to locate and arrest the suspect. On June 17, 2026, officers with the Break, Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR), Major Crime Unit, and Criminal Investigation Branch searched a home in the Hodder Avenue area. During the search, the final accused was located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Sage ABRAHAM of Thunder Bay is facing an aggravated assault charge. A 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Fail to comply with sentence (YCJA) A 16-year-old from Thunder Bay, and a 16-year-old of Thunder Bay are both facing an aggravated assault charge. A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Fail to comply with sentence (Two counts) (YCJA) The 16-year-old of Thunder Bay has been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating Canada Day assault

July 4, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is aware of social media posts and comments regarding a Canada Day assault that may have been racially motivated. The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an assault that took place on Canada Day. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault that was taking place in the Villa Street and Cumberland Street North area just after 12:45PM on July 1, 2026. One suspect was located, arrested, and charged with assault. A victim received treatment from EMS and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment of injuries that can be described as non-life threatening. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Every person has a right to feel safe in our community, and the Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to investigating any allegations or reports that a person has been targeted based on hate or bias.