Police respond to 3 morning impaired driving collisions

August 27, 2025

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Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to three separate collisions involving impaired drivers in a four-hour span.


Two of those collisions occurred at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, with the third occurring at about 8 a.m.


In the first incident, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Valley Street after receiving reports of a motor vehicle collision. Responding officers found that a vehicle had collided with multiple parked vehicles before crashing into a utility pole, knocking power lines down onto the roadway.


The female driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital for assessment before being brought into custody at the police station.


A 23-year-old woman is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), and Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle.


At the same time, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Frederica Street West for a motor vehicle collision. Responding officers found that a vehicle had collided with multiple vehicles parked in the area and struck a house. The female driver was transported to hospital for assessment where she refused to provide a blood sample.


A 21-year-old woman is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle, and Refusal to Comply with a Demand.


Then, shortly after 8 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Oliver Road and Golf Links Road for a two-vehicle collision. Responding officers observed signs that one of the drivers was impaired. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. Further assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert officer determined the female's ability to operate a conveyance was impaired by multiple drugs.


A 27-year-old woman is charged with Impaired Operation of a Vehicle.


Fortunately, none of these collisions resulted in serious injuries to any of the involved parties or anyone else. It is extremely concerning to have these incidents occur within such a close period of time. Driving while impaired is a dangerous decision that puts all other road users at risk.


All above parties are subject to a 90-day administrative driver's licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 18, 2025
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Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 17, 2025
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Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 17, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.