Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.


Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters.


Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness.


“This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.”


Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada.


“When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.”


Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. 


The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

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.

September 2026

September 17, 2026
Public safety depends on trust, visibility, accountability, and partnership. Through Project Support, the Thunder Bay Police Service worked with residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners to respond to concerns in our downtown and commercial areas. The initiative combined visible patrols, outreach, wellness checks, medical assistance, service referrals, and lawful enforcement. There were more than 9,100 community and business engagements, 343 service referrals, 89 referrals accepted, 78 arrests, and 74 provincial offence notices issued. Behind those numbers are people, conversations, and opportunities to connect individuals with support while addressing behaviour that affects shared spaces. Although the pilot has concluded, visible patrols will continue as we build on what we have learned. This work began by listening to community concerns, and those conversations will continue. Recent engagement, including the “Our Safe Voice, Strong Community” event with Tapestry Women’s Network Thunder Bay, reinforced openness, understanding, and shared responsibility — values that also guide how we honour service and sacrifice. In that spirit, I invite the community to attend this year’s Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie Street. This tradition gives us an opportunity to honour police and peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In the past year, we have seen several officers lose their lives while answering the call to serve. This is our chance to remember their dedication, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you for your continued commitment to Thunder Bay. We will keep listening, working with you, and showing up for the safety and well-being of this community. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police