Thunder Bay Police Service announces the extension of Project Support

June 26, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is announcing the extension of Project Support: A Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative.
 
The pilot project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit (ETU) is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores.
 
The project was set to operate for 60 days from April 20, 2026, to June 19, 2026.
 
The extension will keep the project running until September 1, 2026.
 
The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services.
 
During patrols, the first step of contact is with a TBPS Social Navigator offering referrals to appropriate services like social services, or addiction supports.
 
If an individual declines to be referred but continues to participate in unlawful, or disruptive activities like illicit drug use, then officers will proceed with enforcement.
 
From April 20 through the end of May, Project Support has recorded:
 
• 1,485 community contacts 
• 113 referrals generated, 53 accepted 
• 25 warrants executed during downtown patrols
 
Throughout the pilot project, downtown core businesses have provided feedback on the initiative.
 
As Project Support continues, patrols will continue to be focused on the following areas:
 
• Red River Road 
• Cumberland Street 
• Court Street 
• Algoma Street 
• May Street 
• Victoriaville area
 
Priority areas within the patrol zones will include:
 
• Transit stops 
• BIA storefronts 
• Public plazas 
• Parking areas 
• Commercial areas 
• Pedestrian walking areas 
• Public gathering areas
 
The initiative aims to:
 
• Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability 
• Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces 
• Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores 
• Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners 
• Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement
 
Following the completion of the Project, TBPS will conduct a formal evaluation and will make a determination regarding continuation into the fall.

Fraud Friday: ATM cash-trapping scams

August 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into stolen vehicle leads to charges

August 20, 2026
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
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