Detective Sgt Steve Smith Toronto Police
Toronto Police announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the location of Nicole Morin, who was eight years old when she vanished from her Etobicoke apartment building 40 years ago.
While the case remains open, the Toronto Police Service is using this milestone to raise broader awareness around missing person investigations and public safety – particularly during the summer months when children are out of school.
Nicole was last seen around 11 a.m. on July 30, 1985, after leaving her apartment to meet a friend for a swim. She never arrived. Despite an extensive investigation – the largest of its kind in Toronto at the time – Nicole has never been found. She would be 48 years old today.
To help renew public interest, police are releasing an updated age-progressed image of Nicole, showing what she may look like as an adult.
“This case is not closed,” said Detective Sergeant Steve Smith of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit. “It has never been forgotten. And it only takes one piece of new information to make a difference.”
While historic cases like Nicole’s remain a priority, the Toronto Police Service is equally focused on today’s investigations. Each year, thousands of people are reported missing in Toronto, and the vast majority are safely located – often within hours or days. Early reporting and community awareness play a vital role in those outcomes.
“The community plays a critical role. You may think what you saw or heard isn’t relevant — but it could be,” said Amanda Pick, CEO of the Missing Children Society of Canada.
Since 2020, the TPS Missing Persons Unit has overseen all missing persons investigations from start to finish. The unit emphasizes prevention, public education, and strong community partnerships. Many improvements have come from the recommendations of the 2021 Independent Review into Missing Person Investigations.
With summer in full swing, police are reminding the public:
- There is no waiting period to report someone missing.
- If a child or vulnerable person is unaccounted for, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Provide as much information as possible, including recent photos, clothing descriptions, and last known location.
- If you have concerns about a friend or loved one’s well-being, trust your instincts and contact police.
Officers from Emergency Management and Public Order, the Missing Persons Unit, 22 Division, and community safety partners are on site today at 627 The West Mall to speak with residents, share resources, and answer questions.
“Over the years, many public appeals and awareness campaigns have been launched to spark new leads, and Toronto Crime Stoppers has been active every step of the way,” said Sean Sportun, Chair of Toronto Crime Stoppers. “Someone, somewhere knows something. If that someone, is you – please, now is the time to speak up.”
Anyone with information about Nicole Morin’s disappearance is asked to contact the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-7411 or the non-emergency line at 416-808-2200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or at www.222tips.com.
