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.

October 2026

October 9, 2026
Above: In September, the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area.

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit school zone patrol leads to charges

October 8, 2026
TB26040506 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit patrol has resulted in a stunt driving charge. On October 7, 2026, an officer was driving in the Rosslyn Road area around 2:30 PM when they located a vehicle travelling 89km per hour in a 40km per hour school zone. The driver was stopped and was charged with: • Speeding (HTA) • Stunt Driving (HTA) The driver is facing a 30-day licence suspension, and their vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. 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.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.