After a violent assault closes Brodie Library, is it time to rethink community policing and downtown safety strategies?
THUNDER BAY – Editorial Feature – A violent assault at Thunder Bay’s Brodie Library has once again ignited urgent conversations about public safety, staff well-being, and the growing challenges facing the city’s downtown cores.
The incident, which resulted in a staff member being attacked by a previously banned individual, forced the library to close its doors temporarily—a stark reflection of the escalating safety concerns at public facilities.
While library management and staff unions are calling for more security funding, is there room to think beyond private security? Private security does not have the same skills and tools that professional police have.
Could Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) establish permanent or seasonal satellite offices inside the Brodie and Waverley libraries?
Satellite Police Offices: A Local Solution to a Growing Problem?
A real solution: A Dedicated police presence inside the city’s key downtown libraries.
Such a model could bring:
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Visible, daily police presence in both the south and north downtown cores.
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E-bike patrol and foot patrol officers operating from these central hubs, ensuring faster response to street-level crime and social disorder.
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An immediate sense of security for staff, patrons, and nearby businesses—especially vulnerable populations such as seniors, families, and youth.
The strategy could serve as both a deterrent to crime and a community policing effort, positioning officers as approachable, accessible resources within key public spaces.
“If we had police officers regularly stationed at Brodie and Waverley, not only would it help prevent violent incidents, but it could also restore public confidence in using these vital community spaces.”
A Multi-Layered Challenge in Downtown Thunder Bay
The idea emerges as Thunder Bay grapples with complex downtown safety challenges:
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Rising incidents of violence, drug use, and social disorder in public spaces.
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The ongoing closure of safe consumption sites, which some officials, including TBPL’s CEO, warn is leading to increased street-level risk.
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The planned demolition of Victoriaville Centre, creating uncertainty in the South Core’s social and economic fabric.
Policing Presence as Part of a Broader Safety Strategy
While some might argue police resources are already stretched, proponents say that strategically placed satellite offices could optimize officer visibility, reduce response times, and foster proactive engagement with at-risk individuals.
They also highlight the potential to integrate such offices into community safety hubs that include outreach workers, mental health supports, and addiction services—creating a layered approach to public safety that doesn’t rely solely on enforcement.
Next Steps: A Community Conversation Needed
While the proposal has not yet been formally presented to Thunder Bay City Council or TBPS leadership, the recent events at Brodie Library have accelerated calls for bold, innovative thinking on how to make downtown Thunder Bay safer, more welcoming, and vibrant for all.
Such discussions would need to include library staff, patrons, businesses, social service agencies, Indigenous organizations, and the broader public to ensure that any plan addresses both the symptoms and root causes of the downtown safety crisis.
“We need all hands on deck—police, city council, service agencies, and the community—if we are serious about making our downtowns safe for everyone.”
