THUNDER BAY, ON, November 12, 2025 — The Thunder Bay Police Service Board is pleased to welcome Laird Van Damme to the Board for a two-year appointment, effective October 23. Van Damme was appointed by the Province of Ontario.
Laird is a Registered Professional Forester and consultant based in Thunder Bay. A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, his passion for forests began during canoe trips with his family across Northern Canada and Northwestern Ontario. Over his 40-year career, Van Damme has combined business leadership, teaching, and consulting in forestry and natural resource management. He has taught as an adjunct professor at Lakehead University since 1993, has contributed to the Nova Scotia Forest Practices Review, serves as Vice-Chair of the Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation, and is currently Director of Strategy at Silvacom, a natural resources management company.
“We welcome Laird to the Board and look forward to his contributions,” said Karen Machado, Board Chair. “His diverse background and experience in leadership and strategy will be a great asset to the board as we continue our important work. We are grateful to Laird for extending his time and commitment toward further serving his community.”
With Laird’s appointment, all vacancies on the Board have now been filled. For more information about the Board and how to apply to serve as a Board member, visit: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/apply-to-the-board/
