November 2025

December 4, 2025

Collisions – Did you know?

 

The Thunder Bay Collision Reporting Centre is located within the Thunder Bay Police Service station at 1200 Balmoral Street. The collision reporting centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

1,535 motor vehicle collisions were reported in the six-month period from January 1 to June 30 of this year. Most collisions:

·        happened in January

·        took place on Fridays (the fewest on Sundays)

·        occurred around 4:00 p.m.

·        took place when conditions were clear and roads were dry. 


Honouring Tradition


As part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, our service continues to host Indigenous traditional ceremonies that honour and uphold cultural teachings. These meaningful events are coordinated by Jan Ritchie, Community Inclusion Team Coordinator, and serve as opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection.

 

On October 24, members of the service joined Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Drummers in a traditional feast and cedar ceremony. Cedar, one of the four sacred medicines, is known for offering protection and cleansing. Cedar bows can be found throughout our headquarters as a reminder of these teachings and the importance of respect for important cultural practices.


Honour Heroes – Empower Community

The Thunder Bay Police Service will host its inaugural Gala this coming winter.

 

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding individuals of our service and the community they so proudly serve,” said Chief Darcy Fleury.

 

The TBPS Gala will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Italian Cultural Centre and feature a gourmet dining experience, live musical entertainment, and thrilling live and silent auctions. The TBPS Gala also serves as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club - BGC Thunder Bay. These organizations help local children and youth reach their full potential.

 

Learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/about-us/2026-tbps-gala


Answering the Call: TBPS welcomes Special Constables


Last month, five Special Constables were sworn in at our Service.

From left to right: Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes; TBPA President Colin Woods; Special Constables Jamie Ball, Erin Murphy, and Krystal Wiwcharyk; Chief Darcy Fleury; Special Constables Tristan Johnson and Cole Lambert; Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson; and Special Constable Supervisor Ashlee Rybak.


These Special Constables will be deployed to Court Services and to the Housing Safety Unit (HSU). HSU Special Constables patrol TBDSSAB-owned and managed buildings and work in tandem with Community-Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) officers.

 

Special Constables are appointed under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). They are law enforcement officers with limited police powers, authorized to enforce laws within a specific jurisdiction. They are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules.

 

Interested in Answering the Call? If you’re ready for a rewarding and meaningful career as a Special Constable, or want to learn more about:

·        our cadet program

·        joining as an experienced officer

·        becoming a Communications Operator

·        civilian opportunities

 

Visit Careers in Policing | Thunder Bay Police Service | Thunder Bay. You can also reach out to recruitment@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board

New Policy on Service Investigations

 

The Board approved a Governance Committee recommendation for a policy to establish clear standards for investigations conducted by the Service, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 395/23, and to provide a framework for Board oversight and accountability.

 

This policy ensures that the Chief of the Service establishes, maintains, and regularly reviews procedures for investigations, in alignment with applicable legislation, Board policies, and community needs.

 

The new policy applies to all investigations conducted by the Service, as defined by Ontario Regulation 395/23, and applies to all members of the Service involved in investigations, with specific responsibilities assigned to the Chief.

 

Update to Board Chair Bylaw

 

The Board approved a 2023 Independent Expert Panel recommendation that ensures that the Chair of the Board is a non-elected member of the community. This is in recognition of the Board’s status as an independent entity from the Municipality of Thunder Bay, and to ensure the Board’s concerns and business receive the Chair’s undivided attention.

 

TBTNewsWatch.com reported on the change:

https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/council-members-can-no-longer-chair-city-police-board-11378704


Quarterly Reports

 

The Board is pleased to share its 2025 Q3 Report:

https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBPSB-Q3-2025-2-1.pdf

 

Under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), police services and police service boards are required to file publicly available annual reports. The first annual report under the CSPA was filed in June.

 

Since the beginning of 2024, the Board has been providing additional quarterly reports to the public that will be used to create a final annual report. We hope you will take the opportunity to review the latest report.

 

Executive Director Recruitment

 

In the spring, the Board embarked on a search for a new, full-time Executive Director. The Board has completed two sets of interviews. The Board is hopeful that the new Executive Director will be in place by the November Board meeting.


Fraud Friday: Thunder Bay Police Service warning residents about call spoofing

September 18, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents about call spoofing, a scam where fraudsters disguise their phone number to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source including banks, government agencies, or even police services. Scammers use spoofed numbers to pressure victims into providing personal information, banking details, or immediate payments. These calls can look convincing, but the number on your caller ID cannot be trusted. If you receive an unexpected call asking for personal or financial information, hang up immediately and contact the organization directly using a verified number. Do not rely on the number displayed on your phone. Report suspicious calls to the Thunder Bay Police Service. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to several charges

September 17, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has resulted in several charges. Officers began the investigation in August 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. Through the investigation two suspects were identified. On September 3, 2026, around 7:40 PM officers with the Emergency Task Unit located and arrested a suspect in the Limbrick Street and Vale Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspect cocaine, fentanyl, and Canadian cash. On September 3, 2026, around 8:10 PM officers with the Intelligence Unit located and arrested a second suspect in the Victoria Avenue and Oakwood Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and Canadian cash. A total of over 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and 110 grams of suspected cocaine were seized, alongside a large fixed blade knife and over $4,000 in cash. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $17,280 As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Terry PELTO of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Fail to comply with probation order As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old William JIMOH from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

September 2026

September 17, 2026
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