City police receiving over $1.3 million to support mental health crisis response, forensic investigations
Thunder Bay’s Police Service is receiving over $1.3 million to support its Mobile Crisis Response Team and forensic investigations.
A total of $815,997 is going to the response team.
The money is being used to ensure that a trained crisis worker from the Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be working alongside an officer during mental health crisis calls.
City police are also receiving $497,529 through the Advanced Forensic Technology and Scene Efficiency Initiative.
The funding will enhance the Thunder Bay Police Service’s ability to investigate gun and gang-related crimes.
The money is being used to purchase a 3D LiDAR scanner and bullet recovery system, modern forensic tools that will improve the accuracy of crime scene documentation and reduce investigation times.
“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 funding is a one-time payout for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.