April 2025

April 1, 2025

In response to community requests, we are sharing data regarding our calls for service via our social media channels. I invite you to follow Thunder Bay Police Service on Facebook and Instagram to see regular summaries like this one issued on April 15:


From April 7-13, the Thunder Bay Police Service received 951 calls for service, which included 23 that were dispatched as reported assaults and 10 others that potentially involved weapons.


What the numbers don’t reflect is the complexity behind calls for service. For example, last weekend there were 270 calls for service. While this is a lower number than we often see, our officers were very busy responding to a shooting incident, as well as:


  • 26 individuals taken into custody
  • 18 Intimate Partner Violence-related calls that resulted in 5 additional custodies
  • 17 Mental Health Act calls resulting in 6 apprehensions
  • 6 persons reported missing and located

 

From March 15 to April 15 this year, there were 825 Priority 1 calls. Priority 1 to 3 calls need immediate officer response because there is a real and current threat to life or of serious injury, such as a person being assaulted. Priority 1 calls are those with the most serious threats, often with weapons involved.


Our officers work tirelessly every day to serve and protect our community, and they are well supported by our dedicated members behind the scenes. I am proud of all they do every day to keep our community safe.


All community members are invited to learn more about our calls for service, safety initiatives, and priorities at an upcoming Chat with the Chief event:


Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm                   

BCG Thunder Bay, Windsor Street               


Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30)

Waverly Resource Library, Red River Road


 

Questions from the community are welcome. To submit questions ahead of the events, visit https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH


I encourage you to share this message with your colleagues and teams. To unsubscribe, contact news@thunderbaypolice.ca


Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 18, 2025
TB25045371

Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 17, 2025
TB25045371

Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 17, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.