Police remind public of off-road vehicle rules

September 19, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is urging the public to ensure safe usage of off-road vehicles and to follow applicable legislation and bylaws for their use.


Recently, Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to an incident in a rural area of the city where two children under the age of 16 were operating all-terrain vehicles on a roadway and were involved in a collision.


Fortunately, the incident did not result in serious injuries.


The parent was served with provincial offence notices for allowing a motor vehicle to be operated on a highway with no insurance, and for permitting unlicensed persons to drive a vehicle.


Provincial legislation requires off-road vehicles to be registered, having a displayed licence plate, and be insured. Drivers and passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.


To be used for on-road riding, drivers must be at least 16 years old and have at least a valid G2 or M2 licence. For off-road riding, drivers must be at least 12 years old or directly supervised by an adult.


Municipalities have different rules for the use off-road vehicles. The City of Thunder Bay does not permit off-road vehicles to be used on roadways.


Road safety is a shared responsibility.


Cybercrime investigation leads to charges

December 9, 2025
TB25044096

December 2025

December 8, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.

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.