Thunder Bay Police Service Highlights Importance of Early Reporting in Missing Person Cases During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

January 9, 2026

As communities across Canada recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.
 
Families are encouraged to contact police immediately if a loved one goes missing or is at risk.
 
The Thunder Bay Police Service investigates all missing person reports.
 
If someone you care about is missing and you are concerned for their safety, please contact the police right away.
 
Delay is one of the most significant factors that can impact the outcome of a missing person investigation.
 
This reminder is especially important as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise.
 
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, an estimated 772,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, with projections suggesting that number could reach nearly 1 million by 2030.
 
In Northern Ontario, where communities have proportionately more older adults and face challenges such as limited access to specialized care, dementia is often underdiagnosed or underreported.
 
Individuals living with dementia may experience confusion, memory loss, anxiety, and disorientation, increasing the risk of becoming lost or wandering even in early stages when they may appear independent.
 
Support is Available:
 
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss or symptoms related to dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s First Link® program provides guidance, education, and connection to local supports. Families do not have to navigate this alone. (https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr)
 
Prepare & Plan Ahead:
 
Six in ten people living with dementia are at risk of becoming lost.
 
Families can reduce risk and be better prepared by considering steps such as:
 
• Installing door chimes to alert caregivers when doors open
 
• Securing vehicle keys and activating vehicle location services where possible
 
• Knowing what bank cards or funds the person may have access to
 
• Enabling cellphone location sharing, when appropriate
 
• Keeping a current photograph and key details readily available to share with police in an emergency
 
Families may also wish to explore locator devices or technology supports suited to their needs.
 
Identification tools and planning resources are also available through the provincial Finding Your Way® program, which helps families prepare for incidents of going missing and supports safe, independent living for people with dementia.
 
If a person with dementia goes missing — call 911 immediately.
 
Do not assume they will return on their own. Do not feel you are “overreacting.” Weather conditions, traffic, unfamiliar surroundings, and confusion can place a missing person at serious risk.
 
This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service joins the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay in recognizing families, caregivers, and everyone impacted by dementia in our community.
 
Together, we can support safety, dignity, and awareness.
 
For more information, resources, and support, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or visit their website at https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en.
 
Additional missing person information can be found on the Thunder Bay Police Service Missing Persons Information and Resource Page here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/missing-person-resources---advice

Thunder Bay Police Service Charity Gala to return in 2027

September 10, 2026
Following the success of its inaugural event, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is pleased to announce that its Charity Gala will return on February 27, 2027, at the Italian Cultural Centre. “On behalf of the Thunder Bay Police Service, I want to thank every member, guest, sponsor, donor and volunteer who made our inaugural Gala an outstanding success,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Their enthusiasm and generosity set the stage for the Gala’s return, and we are committed to delivering an even bigger and better event in 2027.” Feedback from members, guests and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive after the first Gala, which welcomed more than 270 guests and raised over $68,000. Building on that momentum, the 2027 event aims to raise $70,000. “I am proud to recognize RBC and Tbaytel as presenting sponsors. They are valued community partners whose leadership and commitment helps make Thunder Bay a stronger, safer, and more vibrant place for everyone,” said Fleury. Funds raised will once again support Special Olympics Thunder Bay and BGC Thunder Bay, helping both organizations continue to provide valuable programs and opportunities in the community. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make the first Gala such a success,” said the CEO of BGC Thunder Bay Albert Aiello. “The support generated through this event creates meaningful opportunities for young people in our community, and we are honoured to be a beneficiary again in 2027.” “The inaugural Gala made a tremendous difference for our athletes, and we are grateful for the community’s continued support,” said Special Olympics Thunder Bay Community Coordinator James Stolz. “Being chosen again for 2027 means more opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and build confidence. We’re honoured to be part of an event that celebrates inclusion and strengthens our community.” Businesses and organizations are invited to support the 2027 TBPS Charity Gala presented by RBC and Tbaytel, by sponsoring the event or donating items for the live and silent auctions. Their support will help create an even greater impact for the two beneficiary charities. Ticket sales will be limited. Details about availability will be announced at a later date, and TBPS looks forward to welcoming the community back for another memorable evening in support of local youth and athletes.

TBPS and RCMP announce launch of joint marine patrols

September 9, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are announcing that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area. The patrols began on July 8, 2026, and now take place regularly. Two TBPS members from each Primary Response Unit are participating, following training provided by the RCMP in June 2026. The patrols are being conducted as part of a Joint Marine Unit utilizing an RCMP vessel. Patrols are proactive, planned joint marine patrol operations with the RCMP on Lake Superior and navigable waters outside TBPS jurisdiction. This partnership reflects updated provincial standards under the Community Safety and Policing Act, including clearer expectations for coordinated work between police services and partner agencies. During patrols members will be looking to ensure safe waterways in Thunder Bay and on navigable waters outside of TBPS’ jurisdiction. The patrol areas include: • Border Enforcement up to and including Pigeon River; • Lake Superior outside of the break wall; • Isle Royale, Silver Islet, Pie Island, Thompson Island; • Thunder Bay Marina; • Kam River Patrols have indicated a high level of waterway safety compliance, and these patrols are in place to ensure that continues. The goal of the initiative is to: • Enforce applicable federal, provincial, and municipal authorities on navigable waters outside TBPS jurisdiction; • To maximize existing RCMP marine capabilities through coordinated deployment; • To enhance enforcement through the combined exercise of federal, provincial, and municipal authorities

Thunder Bay Police Service announces the results of Project Support

September 8, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Operational Support Unit Project has resulted in hundreds of social service referrals and dozens of arrests.  Project Support launched on April 20, 2026, as a focused public-safety and community-support initiative in Thunder Bay’s north and south downtown cores. The initiative combined high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, proactive engagement, lawful enforcement, business outreach, and social service referrals. As the project progressed, TBPS broadened the deployment in response to recurring calls for service at other high-activity commercial locations. Additional resources were assigned to Memorial Avenue and Dawson Road areas beginning on July 9, 2026. The expanded response utilized personnel and expertise from across the Thunder Bay Police Service. In addition to the officers assigned directly to Project Support from Community Service and the Emergency Task Unit, the Project included support from Primary Response, the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments. This coordinated model increased officer visibility, supported investigations and warrant enforcement, and allowed officers to respond quickly to emerging problems across the expanded Project area. During the course of Project Support TBPS recorded: · More than 9,100 engagements with businesses and the public · 343 service referrals offered · 89 service referrals were accepted · 78 arrests were made · 74 provincial offence notices were issued Project Support used a balanced approach: visible policing and proportionate enforcement were paired with voluntary referrals, wellness checks, medical assistance and direct engagement with community partners. As a pilot, Project Support has concluded. However, based on the outcomes of the pilot project, visible patrols will continue in Thunder Bay’s commercial areas. The final activity results demonstrate sustained proactive policing across the original downtown zones and the expanded Thunder Centre and Dawson Road deployments. The addition of resources from Primary Response, BEAR, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments allowed the Service to respond directly to business and community concerns.