Fraser Institute and StatsCan Data Underscore Policing and Social Challenges in the City

THUNDER BAY – LOCAL NEWS – July 25, 2025 – New data released by both Statistics Canada and the Fraser Institute confirms what many in Thunder Bay already feel: crime remains one of the most pressing issues facing the city.

With one of the highest violent crime rates in the country and the top property crime rate in Ontario, Thunder Bay continues to grapple with complex social and policing challenges.

In response to the data, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) issued the following statement:

“The latest annual data released by Statistics Canada again demonstrates the demands on policing in Thunder Bay.
Several factors influence crime rates. In Thunder Bay, there is a high prevalence of mental health and addictions challenges, which are exploited by out-of-town criminal activity that has become increasingly prevalent in the city over the last several years.”

The statement emphasized the continued focus on disrupting organized criminal networks:

“Addressing the drugs, guns, and gangs challenge has been and remains a priority for police. While these challenges are still present, successful projects by the Intelligence Unit in partnership with other policing agencies have resulted in several arrests and significant seizures of drugs and weapons.”

Despite the rising crime figures, TBPS stressed that its officers remain dedicated to public safety:

“We recognize that crime is a concern for many in the community. Thunder Bay Police Service members work tirelessly to serve and protect the community. The police service also has numerous partnerships and collaborations with community agencies and organizations to provide supports and resources.”

“The Thunder Bay Police Service consistently has clearance rates above provincial and national averages. These clearance rates demonstrate the outstanding work done by officers, from the initial Primary Response officers who are first on scene, to the specialty investigative units that become involved in complex and comprehensive investigations.”

Root Causes and Community Impact

Experts and local leaders increasingly agree that Thunder Bay’s crime rates cannot be viewed in isolation from broader social factors. The intersection of addiction, mental illness, housing insecurity, and intergenerational trauma, especially within the Indigenous population, fuels a cycle of vulnerability.

As Thunder Bay serves as a regional hub for Northwestern Ontario, the city draws individuals from remote communities seeking services. Without adequate housing, health care, or addiction support infrastructure, some fall through the cracks—and into risky or exploitative situations.

A Call for Coordinated Action

Community advocates are calling for a whole-of-society approach, combining enforcement with expanded investments in:

• Mental health and addictions treatment

• Supportive housing

• Indigenous-led outreach and healing

• Diversion programs and trauma-informed policing

As Thunder Bay finds itself again at the top of national and international crime rankings, the data may serve as both a warning—and a call to action.