July 2026

July 16, 2026

Patrol teams connect with community


Project Support is an initiative focused on improving safety and stability in the downtown core. It began in April in response to concerns about open drug use, disorderly behaviour, vandalism, aggressive behaviour, trespassing, and the impact these issues have on businesses, residents, and public confidence. The first point of contact helps assess each person’s needs and connect them with supports such as addiction treatment, mental health services, housing help, and other community resources.

 

So far, results include:

  • 4,100+ community engagements
  • 199 Social Navigator referrals
  • 39 arrests
  • 25 Provincial Offence Notices
  • numerous trespass enforcement actions

 

Many of the arrests were associated with warrants. What is a warrant arrest?

  • Warrants are issued by a judge for new crimes or for missing a court date.
  • Officers must arrest a person named in a warrant
  • The arrested person is taken to court to face a judge.


Pathway to Policing - Uniform & Civilian Recruitment


It’s an exciting time to join the Thunder Bay Police Service. On July 8, we welcomed seven new constables, in addition to 15 others who have joined in recent months.


Are you thinking of building a meaningful career that makes a difference?



Our Pathway to Policing webinar is a great place to start.

 

This one-hour session will highlight sworn and civilian career opportunities and help you understand where your skills, interests, and goals may fit.

You will learn more about the recruitment process for roles including:

  • Cadet
  • Experienced Officer
  • Special Constable
  • Central Records Clerk
  • Court Clerk
  • Communication Operator

 

Ask us anything! The session will include a live Q&A with our Recruitment Team so you can ask questions and learn more about taking the next step.

 

Join us Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and discover how you can be part of a purpose-driven team that makes a difference.

 

To register to participate, visit: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ebb183c0-56a4-4622-aac2-604874c169ab@ce849a11-f1f3-42aa-821a-06563b0c2237


How are calls prioritized?


People often ask how police are dispatched to calls for service. Every call is important. Some calls need police to respond faster than others. Calls are ranked from Priority 1 to 9, and that priority can change as more information comes in.

 

Priority 1 to 3 calls need an immediate police response because someone may be in serious danger.


Priority 1 calls are the most urgent and may involve weapons or a serious crime in progress.

 

Priority 4 to 6 calls still need police attention, either in person or by phone, but there is no immediate threat to life or serious injury.


Priority 7 to 9 calls can often be handled by phone, such as information requests, referrals, or reports of past incidents.


Most calls to our Service are Priority 1. At times, all available patrol officers may be responding to urgent calls while more continue to come in.


We work closely with more than 30 local partners to prevent crime and support people’s success. Initiatives like Project Support, School Resource Officers, the IMPACT mental-health response team, social navigation supports, and youth engagement initiatives help prevent harm, connect people to services, and reduce pressure on the front line.

Did you Know?


164,125 exhibits were handled by the Digital Evidence Management (DEMS) team in 2025. 3,371 evidence cases were created.

 

Digital evidence management is the secure process of collecting, storing, and sharing electronic evidence like videos, photos, and phone data for legal cases. Digital evidence is used in the vast majority of cases.

 

Why DEMS matters:

  • Chain of Custody: Tracks who viewed or changed a file to keep it legally valid.
  • Speedy Access: It organizes huge files for fast searching.
  • Safe Sharing: Sends evidence to lawyers while automatically blurring private details.


Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board


June was another productive month as the Board advanced its governance priorities, supported Service initiatives, and continued to engage with the community.

 

Board Business

 

The Board approved a new Labour Relations Grievance Policy, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and levels of authority for addressing grievances related to the Service's collective agreements.

 

Inspector J. Dampier presented the semi-annual Board Policy Compliance Report, outlining the Service's adherence to Board policies. The Board appreciated the clarity of the reporting process and continued focus on accountability.

 

In partnership with the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Board released the 2025 Annual Report - the first jointly produced report highlighting shared priorities, accomplishments, progress, and key initiatives throughout the year.

 

Read the Annual Report: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/transparency-and-accountability/

 

The Board also received an update on the 2025–2028 Joint Board/Service Strategic Plan.

Read the Strategic Plan Update: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/transparency-and-accountability/

 

The Board supported the extension of Project Support: A Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative until September. This initiative enhances public safety while connecting individuals with mental health, addiction, and housing supports.

The Board also completed interviews for the Executive Director position and is finalizing the recruitment process. An announcement is anticipated in mid-to-late July.

 

Community Engagement

 

On June 21, Board members Denise Baxter, Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Chief Darcy Fleury, Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon, and artist Jessica Mamakeesick gathered for the unveiling of new artwork featuring the Seven Grandfather Teachings at the Service's Balmoral Street headquarters in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

 

Artist Jessica Mamakeesick shared, "The Seven teachings represent love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. They represent the values that guide us through life."

 

Stay Connected

Agendas, reports, and minutes are available on the Board's website. Draft minutes are posted within five business days of each Board meeting.

 

Read Agendas & Minutes: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/meetings-agenda/

 

Board meetings are on hiatus for the summer. The next regular Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15.

Thunder Bay Police Service Launches Toy Drive to Support Children Displaced by Wildfires

July 16, 2026
As our region continues to respond to the devastating impacts of ongoing wildfires, our community has come together to support families who have been forced to leave their homes. To help bring comfort and moments of joy to children affected by these evacuations, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is launching a toy drive for displaced children currently staying in Thunder Bay. Community members are invited to donate new or gently used, clean toys, games and books that will be distributed to children and families impacted by the wildfires. Donations can be dropped off at the police station at 1200 Balmoral Street 24 hours a day. "While we continue emergency management efforts and ensuring the safety of our community, we also recognize the emotional impact these events have on children," said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. "A simple toy can provide comfort, a sense of normalcy, and a reason to smile during an incredibly difficult time. We know our community will once again demonstrate its generosity and compassion." Many families have left their homes with only the essentials, and children are facing uncertainty while staying in unfamiliar places. Through this toy drive, we hope to help make their experience a little brighter. The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere thanks to everyone who is supporting wildfire evacuees and encourages anyone who is able to contribute to help make a difference in the lives of these children. Toy Donations: What: New or gently used, clean toys, games and books Where: Thunder Bay Police Service 1200 Balmoral Street When: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

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.