Spring Into Enforcement project results in nearly 250 charges

May 8, 2025

A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit project has resulted in a total of nearly 250 charges.

Police conducted a two-day Spring Into Enforcement blitz throughout Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge on May 6-7, targeting a variety of problematic driving behaviours that are frequently factors in serious collisions and pose significant danger to the general public.

 

This enforcement activity resulted in a total of 247 charges under the Highway Traffic Act and the Ontario Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.

 

These included:

• 7 stunt drivers who were exceeding the speed limit by at least 40 kilometres per hour on roadways with posted limits of 50km/h or less.

• 151 speeding tickets, with the majority of these being at least 20km/h over the posted limit and occurring in primarily residential areas.

• 14 for failing to slow down or move over for emergency vehicle, which presents a safety risk for emergency services personnel and has been identified as an ongoing issue during previous traffic initiatives.

• 6 distracted driving

• 4 driving without insurance

• 1 vehicle removed from the roadway for being unfit

• 31 court summons for various offences

 

Of particular concern, one driver was arrested after being found travelling over 90km/h in a 50km/h zone on Balmoral Street prior to 8 a.m. The 40-year-old male driver has been 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 Motor Vehicle, along with other Highway Traffic Act offences.

 

Police issued a three-day alcohol warn range licence suspension to another driver, who was also charged with stunt driving on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 50km/h.

 

In the first quarter of 2025, the Thunder Bay Police Service has seen an increase in high-speed motorists, particularly those considered stunt driving. Motorists found to be stunt driving (speeding by 40 km/h or more on a road with a posted speed limit less than 80km/h) are subject to a 14-day vehicle impoundment and 30-day licence suspension.

 

With the warmer weather, there is an increase in pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist traffic. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and a split second delay in reaction time due to excessive speed, inattention, or an unfit vehicle can have catastrophic consequences for other road users.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit is dedicated to maintaining road discipline and ensuring that all persons and pedestrians in the City of Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge are permitted to share roadways safely.

Fraud Friday: Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay Country Market, and any locations offering booth rentals

July 10, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has received a report from the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) regarding an unknown individual or individuals who are contacting members of the public and potential vendors regarding participation in the CLE Annual Family Fair 2026. TBPS has received similar reports regarding the Thunder Bay Country Market. The individual(s) are representing themselves as being affiliated with the CLE and market and are requesting that interested vendors complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event. These communications are not authorized. The person or persons involved do not represent these businesses in any capacity. The unauthorized use of the business names and branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors. EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS: Dear Vendor, We are pleased to invite you to apply as a vendor for the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) 2026, taking place from August 5-9, 2026 at the CLE Grounds in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is one of Northwestern Ontario's largest annual fairs, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event features a wide range of attractions including midway rides, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan markets, agricultural exhibits, and family activities, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services. We are currently accepting applications from food vendors, food trucks, artisans, retail businesses, commercial exhibitors, and service providers for the 2026 event. To apply, please complete the official vendor application form below: Apply Here: CLE 2026 Vendor Application Form Important Information: Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance All applications are reviewed by the CLE vendor committee Approved vendors will receive confirmation and payment instructions Space is limited and early applications are strongly encouraged All vendors must comply with event rules, health regulations, and safety requirements We look forward to reviewing your application and hopefully welcoming you as part of CLE 2026. Warm regards, Vendor Coordination Team Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) Thunder Bay, Ontario. ADDITIONAL EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS: Dear Vendor, We are pleased to invite applications for the Thunder Bay Country Market, one of Northwestern Ontario's premier year-round public markets, attracting thousands of local residents and visitors throughout the holiday season. Venue Thunder Bay Country Market Dove Building, CLE Grounds 425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Market Days Every Wednesday: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Every Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM December Market Dates Please select your preferred dates: Wednesday, December 2 Saturday, December 5 Wednesday, December 9 Saturday, December 12 Wednesday, December 16 Saturday, December 19 Wednesday, December 23 Saturday, December 26 Wednesday, December 30 Available Booth Sizes & Fees Artisan & Non-Food Vendors 6 ft Table Space - CAD $45 8 ft × 8 ft Booth - CAD $75 10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $120 10 ft × 15 ft Booth - CAD $165 10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $220 20 ft × 20 ft Premium Booth - CAD $380 Food Vendors 10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $150 10 ft × 15 ft Booth - CAD $210 10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $270 20 ft × 20 ft Food Court Space - CAD $420 Farm & Fresh Produce Vendors 8 ft × 8 ft Booth - CAD $65 10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $95 10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $180 Food Truck Vendors Small Food Truck Space (Up to 20 ft) - CAD $300 Standard Food Truck Space (21-30 ft) - CAD $375 Large Food Truck Space (Over 30 ft) - CAD $450 Optional Add-Ons Electricity (120V) - CAD $25 Premium Corner Booth - CAD $40 Extra Table - CAD $15 Extra Chair - CAD $5 Vendor Application Requirements To be considered, please send the following information: Business/Brand Name Owner's Full Name Products or services you will be offering Preferred booth size Preferred market date(s) Business address Contact phone number Email address Website or social media pages (if available) 3-5 clear photos of your products and booth setup Copies of any required business licences, food permits, or insurance (where applicable) All vendor applications are subject to review and approval to maintain a diverse, high-quality marketplace. Please Note: December is the busiest and most competitive period of the year at the Thunder Bay Country Market. Booth spaces are in high demand due to the holiday shopping season. We strongly encourage vendors to submit their applications as early as possible, as spaces are allocated on a first-approved, first-served basis and some product categories may fill quickly. Approved vendors will receive an official confirmation, invoice, and payment instructions to secure their booth. We look forward to welcoming your business to this exciting holiday market and wish you the very best with your application. Kind regards, Julia miles Director Vendor Coordination Team 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

Thunder Bay Police Service multi-unit investigation leads to several charges

July 7, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in multiple charges and arrests. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Red River Road area on April 17, 2026, in response to an injured individual. An injured man was located with life-threatening injuries, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The involved suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving. The Forensic Identification Unit and Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation. Further investigation led to five suspects being identified. As part of the investigation, a home was searched in the Windsor Street area on April 19, 2026. During the search, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized. The Cyber Crime Unit became involved in the investigation. On May 6, 2026, Primary Response Unit officers located and arrested an involved suspect in the Windsor Street area. On May 10, 2026, another suspect was located and arrested in the Blucher Avenue area. On May 16, 2026, officers located and arrested an additional involved suspect in the Waterloo Street area. On June 7, 2026, an additional suspect contacted the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre to turn themselves in. Officers were dispatched to the Foley Street area to locate and arrest the suspect. On June 17, 2026, officers with the Break, Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR), Major Crime Unit, and Criminal Investigation Branch searched a home in the Hodder Avenue area. During the search, the final accused was located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Sage ABRAHAM of Thunder Bay is facing an aggravated assault charge. A 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Fail to comply with sentence (YCJA) A 16-year-old from Thunder Bay, and a 16-year-old of Thunder Bay are both facing an aggravated assault charge. A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Fail to comply with sentence (Two counts) (YCJA) The 16-year-old of Thunder Bay has been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating Canada Day assault

July 4, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is aware of social media posts and comments regarding a Canada Day assault that may have been racially motivated. The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an assault that took place on Canada Day. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault that was taking place in the Villa Street and Cumberland Street North area just after 12:45PM on July 1, 2026. One suspect was located, arrested, and charged with assault. A victim received treatment from EMS and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment of injuries that can be described as non-life threatening. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Every person has a right to feel safe in our community, and the Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to investigating any allegations or reports that a person has been targeted based on hate or bias.