October 2026
Above: In September, the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area.
Community Conversations Focus on Hate Crime Awareness and Reporting
Chief Fleury continues to meet with community groups to listen to diverse perspectives. Recent conversations focused on newcomer experiences and questions at these “Chat with the Chief” events:
A Community Circle, presented by Tapestry International Women’s Network Thunder Bay, on September 11.
A conversation on October 2 at Thunder Bay Masjid, a place dedicated to meeting the religious, social, and cultural needs of Muslims in Thunder Bay.
People asked: When someone experiences a hate-based incident, what should they do?
Anyone in immediate danger or witnessing an emergency should call 9-1-1 right away. If the danger has passed, report it using the non-emergency line at 807-684-1200 or online at www.thunderbaypolice.ca.
When responding to calls related to hate crimes, our officers use trauma-informed techniques, focusing on the victim's well-being.
A hate crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by the offender’s (real or perceived) bias, prejudice or hate against an identifiable group. An identifiable group may be distinguished by race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, language, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, or on any other similar factor.
Our specialized Hate Crime Investigator gathers evidence to prove a hate motive and supports targeted victims and communities.
To prove a hate crime in court, police must show two things: that a crime was committed and that it was motivated by hate.
Even when reports do not meet the threshold for criminal offence, hate-motivated incidents are tracked to identify and address patterns.
- Everyone is welcome to the next Chat with the Chief event:
- November 18 at the Waverly Resource Library. Symposium 5:30pm, chat begins at 6:00pm.
Online reports matter
Every report can help an investigation. Your online reports make a difference.
The Primary Response Support Unit works diligently behind the scenes. Officers review photos, videos and other evidence, follow up on reports, connect related cases and identify suspects. Many reports can be investigated effectively without an in-person visit from an officer.
In one recent case, online reports about thefts and property damage helped officers review security video, identify a suspect and connect incidents from different parts of the city. The investigation led to an arrest and multiple charges.
In another case, reports and video evidence helped officers link several robberies to the same suspect. Follow-up by the Primary Response Support Unit and other investigative units helped identify and locate a suspect and connect more cases.
Your report may be one piece of a larger investigation. It can provide evidence, show a pattern or connect incidents that might otherwise seem unrelated.
If you experience or witness a non-emergency incident, report it online at www.thunderbaypolice.ca or call 807-684-1200. Every report is meaningful and can help keep our community safe. As always, if the crime is in progress or you are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
Compassion first
Some community members have asked what police do about open drug use. The City of Thunder Bay is committed to a humane, rights-respecting approach that supports people while helping everyone feel safe in shared public spaces.
Project Support brought visible foot and vehicle patrols to the city’s downtown and commercial areas. Although the pilot project has ended, police continue visible patrols and community engagement in these areas.
When officers encounter someone using drugs in public, the first step is engagement. Police and outreach personnel may offer referrals to community supports and services. The goal is to meet people where they are, reduce harm and connect them with help.
If illegal or disruptive behaviour continues, police may take lawful and proportionate enforcement action. This balanced approach recognizes that addiction, mental health and housing instability are complex issues while also addressing behaviour that affects public safety.
Safe Trade Zone Relocation
Temporary Relocation! You can still use the Safe Trade Zone while our parking lot is getting a much-needed facelift. Just look for the Safe Trade zone sign in the parking area across from the main doors. The Safe Trade Zone is a perfect place to complete online marketplace transactions. It’s there to protect you from theft, robbery, and violence
Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board
New Executive Director
Welcome Christy! The Board’s new Executive Director Christy Radbourne hit the ground running and attended her first Board meeting on September 15.
"It's been incredibly busy, a huge learning curve, which is exciting, but we are up and running with our first board meeting," Christy tells the Chronicle Journal.
Read more here:
September 15 Board Meeting
The Board approved two policies presented by the Governance Committee.
•HR-009: Misconduct, Disclosure, and Discipline – Service
The policy establishes the Thunder Bay Police Service Board’s approach to misconduct disclosure and discipline within the Thunder Bay Police Service. It emphasizes fair, consistent and accountable processes that comply with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and its regulations. The Chief of Police is responsible for establishing and administering disciplinary procedures, while the Board provides oversight and accountability. The policy is intended to protect the rights of Service members, ensure consistent handling of misconduct and discipline, and maintain public trust in policing.
The policy outlines the Thunder Bay Police Service Board’s role in the development, oversight and review of the Strategic Plan, which guides policing priorities, decision-making, resource allocation and performance measurement. Developed through engagement with communities, Indigenous partners and the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Strategic Plan is intended to address evolving community needs while strengthening public safety, trust and accountability. The policy also ensures the planning process meets the requirements of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019.
Also at the meeting…
The Board endorsed a request advocating for a province-wide approach to traffic calming and speeding mitigation.
The Board received correspondence from the Red Lake-Ear Falls OPP Detachment Board and the Village of Merrickville-Wolford regarding traffic safety initiatives and a request for the Ontario Government to expand its financial commitment to support municipalities across the province.
The Thunder Bay Police Service supports the traffic calming and speeding mitigation techniques outlined in the materials. The Board passed a motion supporting the initiative and agreed to circulate its endorsement to the City of Thunder Bay and relevant provincial, federal, and municipal representatives and associations.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, the Thunder Bay Police Service Board joined the community in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Board Chair Karen Machado and Executive Director Christy Radbourne joined Chief Darcy Fleury and members of the Thunder Bay Police Service in honouring residential school Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.
Ahead of the day, Chair Machado joined Chief Fleury at Police Service headquarters to raise the Survivors’ Flag.
Board Meetings
*The next board meeting is Tuesday, October 20.
The Board welcomes members of the public and media to attend meetings in-person, at Board Headquarters at 1111 Victoria Ave E, Unit #102.
Board Meetings are also broadcast live locally on Rogers TV Thunder Bay (Channel 10 and 105 for Rogers Cable subscribers.)
The Board meeting is streamed live, with livestream info posted publicly on social media, closer to the meeting date. Draft Board meeting minutes are posted within five business days of each Board meeting.
