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.

Fraud Alert: Inheritance Scam

March 2, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about a mail based inheritance scam currently circulating in the community. The Economic Crime Unit has received reports of residents receiving letters that appear to come from an accounting firm. The letters claim that a relative has passed away and that the recipient may be entitled to a large inheritance. Individuals who respond are typically asked to provide personal information or advance fees under the false promise of receiving funds. These letters are fraudulent. Members of the public are advised not to contact the sender. For information about common frauds and how to protect yourself, visit the Thunder Bay Police Service’s fraud prevention resources at: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To file an online fraud or cybercrime report with the Thunder Bay Police Service, visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

March 2, 2026
TB26007891  A visible police presence is expected in the Hall Place area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on the evening of March 1, 2026. There is no threat to public safety. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided to media when they become available.

Crime against elders investigation leads to charges

February 27, 2026
TB26005390 A Thunder Bay resident is facing a manslaughter charge following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Investigation. On February 10, 2026, TBPS’ Crime Against Elders officer received information about an assault that took place on February 4, 2026, at an assisted living facility. A victim was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre on February 5, 2026. On February 18, 2026, the victim, an 81-year-old from Thunder Bay, died in hospital. As a result of the investigation, a 58-year-old Thunder Bay resident has been charged with Manslaughter. The accused has been released with an undertaking and a future court date.