Throughout this municipal election, residents have raised important questions about public safety, homelessness, addictions, mental health, and the overall well-being of our community. These issues have been a major part of the public conversation, and understandably so. They affect our neighbourhoods, our businesses, and the sense of safety people expect. Our officers work every day to respond to crime, protect victims, enforce the law, and help keep our community safe. That work will always be a core responsibility of policing. At the same time, a significant number of calls for service involve people struggling with mental health concerns, addictions, homelessness, poverty, or other personal crises. In those situations, an arrest rarely addresses the reason the problem exists in the first place. In the three-month period between July 1 and Sept 30, our service received the following: Mental Health Act and related calls for service: 604 Personal Welfare Check calls: 1,074 Theft and Theft Shoplifting reports: 2,226 Robbery calls for service: 115 Lasting improvements in public safety requires a combined focus on enforcement, prevention and support. Our service delivers specific initiatives to address public safety and connect those in need to services. These include Project Support, with police officers paired with a social navigation coordinator conducting foot patrols in commercial areas, and the IMPACT units, pairing officers with mental health crisis workers. Police-led responses cannot substitute for sustained investment in the services and supports that prevent crises and reduce the need for people to call police in the first place. People are less likely to become involved in crime when they have access to positive supports for themselves and their families. That is why public safety is a shared responsibility. Municipal leaders play an important role through investments in, and advocacy for, housing, treatment, community programs, recreation opportunities, and services that help people before they reach a crisis point. As Chief, I recognize the importance of remaining politically neutral. My responsibility is to provide professional advice, work with the Council chosen by voters, and continue leading a police service that serves everyone fairly. Together, through enforcement where necessary and support where possible, we can build a safer, healthier, and stronger community for all. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police

Public safety depends on trust, visibility, accountability, and partnership. Through Project Support, the Thunder Bay Police Service worked with residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners to respond to concerns in our downtown and commercial areas. The initiative combined visible patrols, outreach, wellness checks, medical assistance, service referrals, and lawful enforcement. There were more than 9,100 community and business engagements, 343 service referrals, 89 referrals accepted, 78 arrests, and 74 provincial offence notices issued. Behind those numbers are people, conversations, and opportunities to connect individuals with support while addressing behaviour that affects shared spaces. Although the pilot has concluded, visible patrols will continue as we build on what we have learned. This work began by listening to community concerns, and those conversations will continue. Recent engagement, including the “Our Safe Voice, Strong Community” event with Tapestry Women’s Network Thunder Bay, reinforced openness, understanding, and shared responsibility — values that also guide how we honour service and sacrifice. In that spirit, I invite the community to attend this year’s Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie Street. This tradition gives us an opportunity to honour police and peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In the past year, we have seen several officers lose their lives while answering the call to serve. This is our chance to remember their dedication, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you for your continued commitment to Thunder Bay. We will keep listening, working with you, and showing up for the safety and well-being of this community. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police 

Recently, an officer was assaulted while responding to a robbery call. Because of bystander video, the community is well aware of that incident, but there are others. An officer was assaulted last week while responding to a mischief call. Violence against those entrusted with protecting our community is unacceptable yet continues to occur. Assaults against police: Total in 2025: 56 Total in 2024: 68 There should be none at all. In difficult moments, our members stand together, supporting one another with strength, compassion and an unwavering sense of duty. That bond reflects what it means to be part of the policing family: no member faces adversity alone. I stand firmly with our officers and thank residents for the support they continue to show them. I am deeply proud of the professionalism, integrity, courage and teamwork our members demonstrate every day. Their commitment shows that policing is a calling to serve and protect. The same qualities that make me proud of our members are the qualities we seek in those who will serve alongside them. If you want to be part of something greater than yourself and to make a positive difference in our community, I invite you to consider joining our policing family. We welcome applications from new and experienced officers, as well as people bringing valuable skills from other careers. There is no single path to policing—only a shared commitment to service, integrity, teamwork and community. Together, through respect, vigilance and partnership, we will continue building a safer Thunder Bay. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police

In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police

Our 2025 Annual Report reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of the Thunder Bay Police Service, while marking important progress in putting our new Strategic Plan into action. The report recognizes the people behind the service: frontline officers, Communications Operators, civilian professionals, and sworn members who support our community with integrity, care, and dedication. I am proud of what our members have accomplished, and their continued dedication to serving our community. The report also includes 2025 data that demonstrate that ours remains a busy service, responding to a high volume and wide range of increasingly complex calls. Some examples: 50,813 total calls for service 10,243 priority 1 calls 2,341 Mental Health Act calls 2,508 domestic calls 866 missing persons calls 797 weapons calls 445 impaired driving charges $4.5+ million in drugs seized 42 lockdown drills by School Resource Officers 164,125 exhibits handled by the Digital Evidence Management Team 1,452,492 kilometers traveled by our fleet vehicles I invite you to read through the report at https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/reports.  You will see highlights of the impact of our work, including intelligence-led policing, targeted enforcement, prevention efforts, and technology that are helping improve public safety and reduce harm. I am and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as we move forward with focus, purpose, and commitment. I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police

On average, our 911 Communications Operators handle over 4,200 calls per week. Every day, moments of crisis, uncertainty, and urgency often begin with a call for help. Behind each one is a highly trained 911 Communications Operator—calm, focused, and ready to support those in need. Although their work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt every day across our community. Last week, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12 – 18), and throughout the year, we recognize the dedication of these professionals whose work is foundational to public safety. At the same time, we continue to implement initiatives to proactively address complex public safety challenges, which can also reduce emergency calls and demands on our front-line officers. Last month, there were: · 4128 Calls for Service · 168 calls related to the Mental Health Act · 315 arrests · 51 assaults on police The Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative, led by our Community Outreach Unit, is focused on improving safety in both downtown business areas. It proactively addresses concerns such as open drug use, disorderly behaviour, vandalism, and aggressive conduct, and how these issues affect people’s sense of safety and the local economy. This initiative combines a visible police presence with care and compassion. Foot patrols include a social navigator and community inclusion supports to connect people with services for addiction, mental health, or housing needs whenever possible. When individuals decline support or continue behaviour that is not permitted, officers take consistent, lawful, and fair enforcement action. This work relies on strong partnerships, and I thank our community and social service partners for their ongoing commitment to long‑term solutions. We are also strengthening our Service by welcoming new officers to our front‑line teams. Last month, seven new constables were sworn in, and additional recruits will join us after completing police academy. These recruits help us meet day‑to‑day demands while building for the future of policing in our community. I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone.

This week, I had the opportunity to present at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Seven Youth Inquest Continuity of Care Forum 2026. This year’s theme, “The Journey Continues: Ten Years of Healing, Supporting & Remembering,” honours the lives of Jethro Anderson, Reggie Bushie, Robyn Harper, Kyle Morriseau, Paul Panacheese, Curran Strang and Jordan Wabasse. While the history we acknowledge is difficult, hope lies in how we move forward — together. The voices of the Seven Fallen Feathers, their families, and their communities remain central to meaningful change, and that work depends on strong relationships. At the Thunder Bay Police Service, we have learned — and continue to learn — the importance of collaboration grounded in honesty and humility. Community safety is a shared responsibility. Through sustained partnerships with Indigenous leadership, organizations, and service providers, we are addressing both immediate safety concerns and root causes of crime. One example is our partnership with the Ontario Native Women’s Association in developing Thunder Bay’s Urban Indigenous Community Safety Plan — a collaboration centred on accountability, cultural awareness, and continuous improvement. Our Restorative Justice partnership with Nokiiwin Tribal Council and the Crown offers eligible Indigenous individuals the opportunity to take responsibility and participate in a healing circle involving victims, Elders, and community members. Agreements focus on repairing harm and addressing root causes. When successfully completed, charges may be withdrawn — balancing accountability with culturally grounded healing and victim support. Through Project Prevent, we provide interactive gang-recruitment avoidance education to about 2,500 youth annually in and around Thunder Bay. Our team travels to First Nations communities to deliver culturally responsive presentations, supporting students who may eventually live in larger communities to make informed choices before recruitment efforts take hold. School Resource Officers have been assigned full-time to Dennis Franklin Cromarty and Matawa Education since Fall 2024. Their work extends beyond enforcement and includes weekly collaboration with school leadership, safety orientations, education on rights during police interactions, presentations on drugs and online safety, and investigative support when required. These are just some examples of initiatives the Thunder Bay Police Service is engaged in, reflecting a sustained commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities. We have fully addressed and reported on recommendations arising from the Broken Trust Report, the Independent Expert Panel review, and the Inquest into the Deaths of Seven First Nations Youths. More importantly, our continued actions demonstrate meaningful, lasting change. Progress is necessary — and it is happening through sincere partnership. I am grateful for the leadership and commitment of our many partners as we move forward together. 

I take my responsibility to the community seriously. Asking for a budget increase isn’t easy, and people deserve to understand why it’s needed and what value they get for their tax dollars. For 2026, the Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting a 9.1% net operating budget increase. The bottom line is simple: the community is asking for more police resources, experts agree they’re needed, and the data shows they make a real difference in public safety. Calls for service continue to rise, and the nature of those calls is changing. In 2024, 60% of our calls were high-priority (Priority 1–3), meaning there was an immediate threat to life or serious injury. Nearly one in four calls were Priority 1 — the most serious, often involving weapons. These calls require two or more officers and can tie up resources for hours, which affects response times for other calls. Every call matters, but increasing high-risk calls are putting real pressure on the system. We work closely with more than 30 local partners through the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to prevent crime and support people’s success. Programs like 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. Many are grant-funded, but we need the capacity to sustain and support them. Our budget request reflects what we’re hearing from the community. In the most recent Community Satisfaction Surveys, 88% of respondents said more police presence and faster response times are the most important ways to keep Thunder Bay safe, and crime is the top issue residents want Council to address. An independent staffing review also strongly recommended increasing front-line officers. We’re listening. This budget will increase our deployable workforce — meaning more officers available to respond. This investment helps maintain safe service levels, reduce overtime, and support officer wellness. We also serve up to 30,000 more people than official numbers suggest — which impacts calls, response times, and costs. Even so, our service delivery costs are lower than most peers, and our crime clearance rates exceed provincial and national averages. We use grants, partnerships, special constables, and technology to stay efficient — but efficiency has limits. Minimal increases are no longer sustainable here. That’s why I am requesting a 9.1% increase. I strongly support and applaud City Council’s strategy to boost population and economic growth. To attract residents and businesses, safety must come first. This budget is about keeping pace with community needs, protecting public safety, and continuing to deliver strong, evidence-based results with responsible use of public funds.

As we enter the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyful time with your families. Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives with us this year—at Chat with the Chief events, the Chamber of Commerce Leaders’ Luncheon, through surveys, and other community engagements. Your input continues to help shape the future of policing in Thunder Bay. Another opportunity to share your voice is now available. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey about the Thunder Bay Police Service is now available. It asks for feedback on policing priorities, reasons crimes may go unreported, respect for the public, and overall service quality. If you see an ad on social media, I encourage you to participate. If not, you can still take part here: https://surveys.zencity.io/thunder-bay-ps/CtAdnO/en?s=sd Last month, we were joined by many community members for the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The initiative began here in 2019, inspired by now retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau and supported by the Thunder Bay Police Association. This year, we were proud to see several police services across Ontario host their own ceremonies for the first time, using the toolkit developed by our team. I also want to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Association members who volunteered to bring the Parade of Lights to our community in support of four important charities. Their dedication reflects the strong commitment our members show on and off duty. Finally, thank you to the City of Thunder Bay for its commitment to improving our headquarters. These upgrades will address long-standing health, safety, space, and technology deficiencies and support modern policing needs. This investment will make a meaningful difference for our members and the community we serve. We have much to look forward to in 2026. I wish you and your families every happiness in the year ahead. Happy holidays, Chief Darcy Fleury