Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

The Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are announcing that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area. The patrols began on July 8, 2026, and now take place regularly. Two TBPS members from each Primary Response Unit are participating, following training provided by the RCMP in June 2026. The patrols are being conducted as part of a Joint Marine Unit utilizing an RCMP vessel. Patrols are proactive, planned joint marine patrol operations with the RCMP on Lake Superior and navigable waters outside TBPS jurisdiction. This partnership reflects updated provincial standards under the Community Safety and Policing Act, including clearer expectations for coordinated work between police services and partner agencies. During patrols members will be looking to ensure safe waterways in Thunder Bay and on navigable waters outside of TBPS’ jurisdiction. The patrol areas include: • Border Enforcement up to and including Pigeon River; • Lake Superior outside of the break wall; • Isle Royale, Silver Islet, Pie Island, Thompson Island; • Thunder Bay Marina; • Kam River Patrols have indicated a high level of waterway safety compliance, and these patrols are in place to ensure that continues. The goal of the initiative is to: • Enforce applicable federal, provincial, and municipal authorities on navigable waters outside TBPS jurisdiction; • To maximize existing RCMP marine capabilities through coordinated deployment; • To enhance enforcement through the combined exercise of federal, provincial, and municipal authorities

A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Operational Support Unit Project has resulted in hundreds of social service referrals and dozens of arrests.  Project Support launched on April 20, 2026, as a focused public-safety and community-support initiative in Thunder Bay’s north and south downtown cores. The initiative combined high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, proactive engagement, lawful enforcement, business outreach, and social service referrals. As the project progressed, TBPS broadened the deployment in response to recurring calls for service at other high-activity commercial locations. Additional resources were assigned to Memorial Avenue and Dawson Road areas beginning on July 9, 2026. The expanded response utilized personnel and expertise from across the Thunder Bay Police Service. In addition to the officers assigned directly to Project Support from Community Service and the Emergency Task Unit, the Project included support from Primary Response, the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments. This coordinated model increased officer visibility, supported investigations and warrant enforcement, and allowed officers to respond quickly to emerging problems across the expanded Project area. During the course of Project Support TBPS recorded: · More than 9,100 engagements with businesses and the public · 343 service referrals offered · 89 service referrals were accepted · 78 arrests were made · 74 provincial offence notices were issued Project Support used a balanced approach: visible policing and proportionate enforcement were paired with voluntary referrals, wellness checks, medical assistance and direct engagement with community partners. As a pilot, Project Support has concluded. However, based on the outcomes of the pilot project, visible patrols will continue in Thunder Bay’s commercial areas. The final activity results demonstrate sustained proactive policing across the original downtown zones and the expanded Thunder Centre and Dawson Road deployments. The addition of resources from Primary Response, BEAR, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments allowed the Service to respond directly to business and community concerns.