Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response and Forensic Technology to Strengthen Community Safety in Thunder Bay
October 15, 2025
Funding will help police support people in crisis and modernize investigative tools
October 14th 2025
Thunder Bay — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing in innovative policing and mental health response initiatives led by the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS).
The province is investing $815,997 to support the Mobile Crisis Response Team operated by the Thunder Bay Police Service. This funding will enable police to work alongside trained crisis workers from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
In addition, the government is investing $497,529 through the Advanced Forensic Technology and Scene Efficiency Initiative, which will enhance the Thunder Bay Police Service’s ability to investigate gun-related and gang-involved crimes. Funding will support the acquisition of a 3D LiDAR scanner and bullet recovery system, modern forensic tools that will improve the accuracy of crime scene documentation, reduce investigation times, and strengthen community trust through transparent, evidence-based policing.
“These investments demonstrate how strong partnerships and innovation can work hand in hand to build safer, healthier communities,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “By supporting collaboration between the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, our government is helping ensure people in crisis get the care they need. At the same time, by investing in modern forensic technology, we are providing police with the tools and resources they need to conduct faster, more accurate investigations and keep our community safe.”
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams—made up of police and crisis workers—who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
“The Thunder Bay Police Service receives an extraordinary number of calls for service relating to mental health crises.” Said Darcy Fleury, Chief of the Thunder Bay Police Service. “Providing crisis response care at the scene has proven to be effective. We are grateful for this funding that supports our continued focused, compassionate, and appropriate assistance to people in need.”
For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.
Together, these projects reflect Ontario’s commitment to advancing community safety, supporting mental health response, and ensuring the Thunder Bay Police Service has the tools, training, and technology needed to serve all residents effectively and equitably.