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.

Police investigating human remains

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The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating the discovery of a deceased person. Human remains were located today in the Thunder Centre area. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. There is no threat to public safety. A separate investigation which was reported yesterday regarding a police presence in the same area is ongoing. A visible police presence continues and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time. Updates may be provided when they become available.

Police presence expected in Intercity area

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A visible police presence is expected in the Fort William Road and Isabel Street area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 4:30 PM on May 21, 2026, in response to a call for service. There is no threat to public safety. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time.

Investigation into distribution of private images without consent and harassment leads to charges

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TB26016170 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. The investigation began in May, in response to a report regarding the distribution of private images without consent, and harassment. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Kirsty LENNOX from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Distribute intimate image without consent (three counts) • Criminal harassment – repeatedly communicate (two counts) The accused was released from custody with a future court date. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.