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.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to aggravated assault charges

June 26, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in aggravated assault charges. On June 24, 2026, officers responded to the Bay Street area in response to a report regarding an assault. On scene an injured male was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified, located, and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Biaggio DONOVAN from Thunder Bay and 32-year-old Marissa DOKUCHIE from Thunder Bay have both been charged with aggravated assault. DONOVAN is also facing a fail to comply with probation order charge. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. 

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit investigation leads to charge

June 24, 2026
TB25036573 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit investigation has resulted in a charge. On September 11, 2025, officers responded to a report of a collision involving a Thunder Bay Transit bus and a pedestrian in the George Street and May Street South area. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The Traffic Unit and Forensic Identification Unit became involved in the investigation. On June 22, 2026, the driver attended the Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters to turn themselves in. As a result of the investigation, a 50-year-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm The unnamed accused’s charges have not been read in court as they have been released under an undertaking with a future court date.

Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition ahead of annual Family Fair

June 23, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service 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. The fraudsters are claiming they represent the CLE. They are requesting that interested businesses complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event. These communications are not authorized by the CLE and are not being conducted through official CLE channels. The person or persons involved do not represent the CLE in any capacity. The unauthorized use of the CLE name and event branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors. EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS: canadianlakeheadvendors@gmail.com 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. 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