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.


UPDATE: Police conclude landfill search in relation to homicide investigation

December 22, 2025
TB24050228 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has completed a search for evidence at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of an ongoing homicide investigation in the city. No new evidence was discovered as a result of this search. “Providing closure for the family has been our priority,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Conducting this search was both necessary and appropriate, regardless of the outcome.” The TBPS extends its ongoing support to Deborah’s family and community, mindful that this update may be painful and, for some, deeply traumatic. Throughout the course of this investigation, the TBPS investigative team has remained in close partnership with Deborah’s family and expresses sincere appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their steadfast support. The TBPS thanks the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Lac Seul Police Service and the City of Thunder Bay for assistance with the search. This includes providing members to conduct searches, coordination support, PPE and a command post. The TBPS anticipates seeking provincial and federal assistance in cost recovery. The search began on Monday, September 22, 2025 and ended on November 21, 2025. This activity is inseparable from the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a tragedy in which Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate risks of violence and disappearance compared to non Indigenous women and girls. Anyone who may be affected by this development is encouraged to seek strength and guidance through family, Elders, or community based supports, including the resources listed below. This effort followed previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year and at the end of last year. An investigation into locating missing person Deborah Anishinabie was triggered in December 2024, before becoming a homicide investigation. Through the course of the investigation Levi Michael LAWSON was charged with Indignity to a Human Body and Second Degree Murder in relation to the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . Support resources: • Beendigen: Crisis Line: 807-346-HELP (4357) or 1-888-200-9997 • Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre: 807-345-5840 or 1-855-345-5840 • NAN Hope 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673) • Ontario Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816 • Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Phone: 807-623-0383 • Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051

Two local residents facing charges following multiple break and enters on Thunder Bay's south end

December 18, 2025
TB25049002, TB25048804, TB25047495, TB25049068 An investigation into multiple break and enters at a local business on the city’s south end has led to charges. On December 16, officers on patrol responded to a report of a break and enter taking place at a business on James Street South around 1:40 a.m. A pedestrian in the area saw two people breaking into a business. Responding officers found that one of the windows of the front door of the business had been broken and merchandise was stolen. The suspects had left prior to police arrival. The Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Further investigation led to two suspects being located and arrested later that same day. The investigation determined that the suspects were involved in a total of four incidents at the same location between December 3, and December 16. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Megan Towedo from Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x4 32-year-old Dakota Sagutch from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x3 • Breach of Probation x4 The accused remain in custody with future court dates.

December 2025

December 18, 2025
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