THUNDER BAY – NEWS – In Thunder Bay, personal safety is no longer an abstract concern—it’s top of mind for more and more residents. With vehicle break-ins, thefts, and acts of violence becoming disturbingly routine, community confidence is being tested.
Between April 21 and April 27, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) responded to 1,110 calls for service—a striking number for a city of this size. Of those, 170 were classified as Priority 1 calls, the most urgent category involving potential threats to life or public safety. From domestic incidents to dangerous driving and weapons reports, it paints a picture of a community under pressure.
🚨 Key Calls for Service Breakdown
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98 motor vehicle collisions
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25 assaults
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58 domestic/family disputes
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12 weapons-related calls
These numbers are more than stats—they represent a real and growing sense of unease. Residents are increasingly sharing stories online of vehicle break-ins, property thefts, and safety concerns around their neighbourhoods. The frequency of these incidents reflects broader systemic pressures, from addiction and mental health crises to repeat offenders cycling through the justice system.
🧭 Police: “Community Partnership is Key”
Despite the volume of calls, TBPS emphasizes the role of the public in maintaining safety.
“The Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to working in partnership with the public to serve and protect our communities in a sensitive, efficient, and effective manner,” TBPS said in a recent release.
Still, it’s clear that officers are under strain, and residents are looking not just for enforcement—but for solutions.
🚗 Vehicle Crime: A Daily Concern
Thunder Bay residents continue to report car break-ins with alarming frequency. From smashed windows to theft of tools, electronics, and personal ID, vehicle crime has become a frustrating and costly reality. Police encourage people to remove valuables, lock doors, and park in well-lit areas—but many feel this isn’t enough.
Calls for more patrols and community-based initiatives are growing louder.
⚖️ Court Transparency: Know What Happens After Arrest
A common complaint among residents is that offenders—especially repeat ones—are “in and out” of court too easily.
Sentences handed down in the Thunder Bay Superior Court of Justice are often criticized online as being too lenient.
What many don’t realize is that court proceedings are publicly accessible, including via Zoom.
Anyone can attend, observe, and hear how cases are handled. It’s one way citizens can stay informed and help hold the system accountable.
You can find access links here:
👉 Thunder Bay OCJ Zoom Connection Details
🧠 Safety Solutions Go Beyond Policing
While police response remains critical, many of the incidents TBPS attends—particularly domestic violence and weapons-related calls—highlight deeper challenges. Addressing these requires partnerships with:
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Mental health and addiction services
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Crisis response teams
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Housing and social supports
Domestic and family disputes accounted for more than one call every three hours last week—a sobering reminder of the need for wraparound services and long-term community investment.
👥 What You Can Do
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Report suspicious activity immediately
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Secure your home and vehicle—use lights, cameras, alarms
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Get involved in Neighbourhood Watch or attend police town halls
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Attend court proceedings (online or in-person) to stay informed
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Advocate for support services—not just enforcement
✅ Know Your Court Access – Thunder Bay
Stay informed. Stay involved. Know what’s happening in our local justice system.
Court proceedings at the Thunder Bay Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) are open to the public — and many are accessible via Zoom video and phone. Whether you’re following a specific case or just want to better understand how justice works in our city, here’s how you can participate.
🧭 Why Attend Court?
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✅ See how cases are handled
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✅ Watch bail hearings, pleas, and sentencing
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✅ Understand how judges make decisions
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✅ Observe how repeat offenders are processed
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✅ Encourage accountability and transparency
🔍 Access Court Online via Zoom
Each courtroom has a unique Zoom link and login credentials. You can join:
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By Internet (video): Click the link and enter the password.
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By Phone (audio only): Dial 1-855-703-8985, enter the meeting ID and password.
A few examples:
📌 Bail Court / Weekend & Statutory Holidays (Courtroom #104)
🔗 Join Zoom
🆔 Meeting ID: 630 0832 1599
🔐 Password: 608151
⚖️ Plea / Trial Readiness (Courtroom #102)
🔗 Join Zoom
🆔 Meeting ID: 642 0673 5064
🔐 Password: 344073
👨⚖️ Judge’s Criminal Case Management (Courtroom #103)
🔗 Join Zoom
🆔 Meeting ID: 667 0060 6651
🔐 Password: 296363
📍 Full list of Thunder Bay court Zoom access:
🔗 View PDF
📣 Court Tips for Observers
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Mute your mic and turn off video upon joining
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No recording or screenshots—court sessions are protected by law
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Dress respectfully if on camera
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Be mindful: court sessions often include sensitive or disturbing material
📌 Want to Attend In Person?
You can also attend proceedings at the Thunder Bay Courthouse:
📍 Address: 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, ON
🕘 Open: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM
📞 Contact: 807-626-7000 (Court Services Division)
💡 Why This Matters
Your presence—whether online or in the gallery—helps reinforce that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Staying informed is the first step to making meaningful change in our community.
🧾 Final Word
Thunder Bay is a community with deep roots, strong people, and a shared desire for safety and well-being. But keeping our neighbourhoods safe will require more than just reaction—it will take community vigilance, transparent justice, and coordinated public services.
The calls to the police tell one side of the story. The solutions begin with all of us.
