A new pilot program hopes to increase safety in Thunder Bay's social housing buildings through a partnership with city police.

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and Thunder Bay police have partnered to launch the new housing safety unit.

The unit currently includes four special constables, who are assigned to TBDSSAB properties, where they'll conduct routine patrols, respond to incidents, support referrals, and engage with tenants.

Thunder Bay police Insp. Jason Rybak said the program is similar to Toronto's community safety unit.

There are some important differences, however: the Toronto unit is essentially a fully-functioning police service, including a chief. It's fully comprised of special constables, and reports to the Toronto Police Servic

See Full Page