THUNDER BAY — CRIME UPDATE — The Ontario Provincial Police (Thunder Bay Detachment) have laid multiple charges following a collision that shut Highway 11/17 in both directions for just over two hours on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
OPP say the crash, involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck at Oliver Road and Highway 11/17, happened around 8:40 p.m.
The motorcyclist was taken to hospital before officers arrived. During the investigation, officers attended the hospital and observed signs of impairment; the rider later failed a breath test.
Charges Laid
Chester NIX, 66, of Slate Falls First Nation, is charged with:
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Operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs (Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(a))
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Operation while impaired — blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) (Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(b))
NIX was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice (Thunder Bay) on October 29, 2025.
The pickup truck driver is charged under the Highway Traffic Act with failure to afford reasonable opportunity to avoid a collision (commonly associated with HTA s.141(5)). This is a provincial offence; the set fine schedule lists a base fine of $85 (higher in community safety zones) plus court costs and a victim fine surcharge. Demerit points typically apply.
The highway reopened just after 10:45 p.m. after scene examination.
What Penalties Could Follow Upon Conviction?
Criminal Code (impaired/“80 plus”)
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Mandatory minimums: first conviction carries at least a $1,000 fine; second conviction carries 30 days’ jail; third or subsequent conviction carries 120 days’ jail. Courts may impose higher penalties depending on circumstances.
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Maximums: impaired operation without bodily harm is a hybrid offence; on indictment, the maximum is up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Ontario (administrative & licensing consequences)
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Immediate roadside (upon charge): 90-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment, plus a $550 administrative monetary penalty.
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Upon conviction (first-time): mandatory licence suspension and entry into Ontario’s Ignition Interlock program (minimum 1 year interlock condition upon reinstatement for first-time offenders; 3 years for a second conviction). Eligibility exists for a reduced suspension with interlock under specific streams.
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Mandatory remedial program: completion of Back on Track (Ontario’s remedial measures program) is required to get your licence back; the current registration fee for convicted impaired drivers is $894 (non-refundable).
Highway Traffic Act charge (pickup driver)
This is not a criminal offence. Monetary penalties are set by the Provincial Offences schedule (base $85 outside community safety zones) and usually include demerit points, which can affect insurance.
The Real-World Personal Impact of an Impaired Driving Conviction
Beyond fines and suspensions, an impaired conviction often brings long-lasting personal and financial consequences:
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Criminal record: Can affect employment screening, professional licensing, volunteering, and international travel (notably entry to the U.S.).
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Insurance: Expect steep premium increases and difficulty obtaining coverage; many drivers are moved to high-risk markets. (Insurers treat DUI convictions as serious risk factors.)
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Vehicle costs: Towing/impound, storage, and ignition interlock installation/monitoring fees add up over the interlock term.
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Program & reinstatement fees: Back on Track program fees (currently $894 for convicted drivers) plus licence reinstatement and other court-related surcharges.
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Time & mobility: Court dates, program attendance, and restricted driving can impact work schedules, childcare, and income.
OPP Reminder
The OPP stresses that impaired driving—by alcohol or drugs—puts every road user at risk. In an emergency where impaired driving is suspected, call 9-1-1.
