Thunder Bay Police Service emphasises school traffic safety alongside community partners as the 2026/2027 school year continues

September 24, 2026

With the 2026/2027 school year underway, the Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents about traffic safety in school zones and all Thunder Bay roads.


Drivers should be aware of increased youth pedestrian traffic in and around school zones.


Many students will utilize city crosswalks on their journey to school. 


Drivers should ensure that they remain observant and are prepared to stop for crossing guards at crosswalks.


According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers should wait for the crossing guard to return to the sidewalk prior to continuing their drive.


Following the Act supports safer roads while drivers can avoid the following penalties: 

(a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000; and

(b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000.


School buses are also back on local roadways.


Motorists are asked to make sure they are stopping for school buses that have a sign out and lights flashing.


According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, every driver when approaching from the front or rear of a stopped school bus that has its stop arm actuated, shall stop and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the stop arm is no longer extended.


Following the Act protects the community while ensuring that drivers avoid the following penalties:

(a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and

(b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both.


Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods.


The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.

Fraud Alert: Fraudsters impersonating Thunder Bay North Stars hockey team and seeking sponsorships

September 24, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has received a report from the Thunder Bay North Stars hockey team regarding an unknown individual or individuals who are contacting members of the public and potential vendors regarding potential sponsorship opportunities. An email is being sent out to local businesses/food vendors giving them the opportunity to participate in sponsorships or to become a vendor at North Stars home games. There is an application form that requests a $500.00 deposit be sent to the following email address: miketallarithunderbaynorthstars@yahoo.com . These communications are not authorized. The person or persons involved do not represent the Thunder Bay North Stars hockey team in any capacity. Fraudsters can spoof the phone numbers or email of any business and claim to be from any organization. Anyone receiving similar requests should reach out to the involved organization directly. 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

Fraud Friday: Thunder Bay Police Service warning residents about call spoofing

September 18, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents about call spoofing, a scam where fraudsters disguise their phone number to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source including banks, government agencies, or even police services. Scammers use spoofed numbers to pressure victims into providing personal information, banking details, or immediate payments. These calls can look convincing, but the number on your caller ID cannot be trusted. If you receive an unexpected call asking for personal or financial information, hang up immediately and contact the organization directly using a verified number. Do not rely on the number displayed on your phone. Report suspicious calls to the Thunder Bay Police Service. 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

Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to several charges

September 17, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has resulted in several charges. Officers began the investigation in August 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. Through the investigation two suspects were identified. On September 3, 2026, around 7:40 PM officers with the Emergency Task Unit located and arrested a suspect in the Limbrick Street and Vale Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspect cocaine, fentanyl, and Canadian cash. On September 3, 2026, around 8:10 PM officers with the Intelligence Unit located and arrested a second suspect in the Victoria Avenue and Oakwood Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and Canadian cash. A total of over 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and 110 grams of suspected cocaine were seized, alongside a large fixed blade knife and over $4,000 in cash. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $17,280 As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Terry PELTO of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Fail to comply with probation order As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old William JIMOH from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.