Re: Kathaleen Snider
ORB File No: 8646
Hearing held on: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Place of hearing: North Bay Regional Health Centre
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Ms. M. Labrosse
Members: Dr. W. Johnston Dr. G. Nexhipi Hon. E. Kruzick Ms. D. Smith
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Kathaleen Snider Counsel: Mr. C. Bracken
The Person in charge of Hospital: Representative: Mr. R. Holden Counsel: Mr. P. Trenker (via Zoom)
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. M. Mazurski
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated November 7, 2025)
Introduction
[1]. Kathaleen Snider was found not criminally responsible (“NCR”), on September 24, 2024, in the Ontario Court of Justice, of charges of failure to comply with probation order, possession of property obtained by crime and failure to comply with release order pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”).
[2]. Ms. Snider is subject to a disposition of the ORB dated December 10, 2024, pursuant to which she is detained at the Forensic Services of the North Bay Regional Health Centre-North Bay site (“NBRHC”).
[3]. On October 8, 2025, a panel of the Board convened an in-person hearing at the NBRHC to review Ms. Snider’s most recent disposition. Ms. Snider was present and represented by her counsel, Mr. C. Bracken. Counsel for the Hospital attended the hearing virtually.
Position of the Parties
[4]. Counsel for the Hospital took the position that Ms. Snider poses a significant threat to the safety of the public and herself. The Hospital recommended a continuation of the existing detention order at the Forensic Program at the North Bay Regional Health Centre with the same conditions.
[5]. Counsel on behalf of the Attorney-General agreed with the position of the Hospital. Counsel for Ms. Snider did not oppose the finding of significant threat, or the disposition proposed. As a result, Counsel informed the Board that this would be a joint submission.
Issues at the Hearing
[6]. The questions for the Board to decide were whether Ms. Snider poses a significant threat to the safety of the public, and if so, the appropriate disposition in the circumstances pursuant to s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code.
Findings
[7]. For the Reasons that follow, the panel found that the threshold of significant threat is met, and that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a continuation of the existing detention order with the same conditions.
Index Offences
[8]. The allegations giving rise to the index offences are set out in the Hospital Report and summarized as follows:
The following is quoted from the Crown Brief Synopsis, Case file: C24002780: GU24031274, dated May 30, 2024:
“Narrative
Crown Brief Synopsis C24-002780
Accused:
Kathleen SNIDER
05MAY1982
Charges:
Fail to Comply With Release Order CC 145(5)(a)
Breach Probation Order s. 733.1(1) CC x 6
Enter Premises When Entry Prohibited TPA 2(1)(a)(i)
Fail to Leave When Directed TPA 2(1)(b)
Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000 CC 354(1)(a) x3
On February 14th, 2020, the accused, Kathaleen SNIDER was served a Trespass to Property Notice prohibiting her from having access to, or be on the premise of The Church of Our Lady Immaculate at 28 Norfolk Street in the City of Guelph.
On June 3rd, 2021, the accused, Kathleen SNIDER, entered into an Adult Probation Order out of the City of Guelph for a period of 3 years. The probation order was signed in the City of Guelph, at 36 Wyndham St S by Judge SIGURDSON. The accused was placed under several conditions, including:
"Keep the peace and be of good behaviour."
On January 26th, 2023, the accused, Kathleen SNIDER, entered into an Adult Probation Order out of the City of Guelph for a period of 2 years. The probation order was signed in the City of Guelph, at 36 Wyndham St S by Judge AMLIN. The accused was placed under several conditions, including:
"Keep the peace and be of good behaviour."
On March 13th, 2023, the accused, Kathleen SNIDER, entered into an Adult Probation Order out of the City of Guelph for a period of 2 years. The probation order was signed in the City of Guelph, at 36 Wyndham St S by Judge AMLIN. The accused was placed under several conditions, including:
"Keep the peace and be of good behaviour."
On September 15th, 2023, the accused, Kathleen SNIDER, entered into an Adult Probation Order out of the City of Guelph for a period of 1 year. The probation order was signed in the City of Guelph, at 36 Wyndham St S by Judge AMLIN. The accused was placed under several conditions, including:
"Keep the peace and be of good behaviour."
On January 31st, 2024, the accused, Kathleen SNIDER, entered into an Adult Probation Order out of the City of Guelph for a period of 1 year. The probation order was signed in the City of Guelph, at 36 Wyndham St S by Judge DARROCH. The accused was placed under several conditions, including:
"Keep the peace and be of good behaviour." And;
"Do not attend at Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate at 28 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario."
On May 26th, 2024, the accused, Kathaleen SNIDER entered into a Release Order before Justice H.W.E. SEAMAN. The accused having been charged with five counts Breach Probation Order. The accused was released with the following conditions;
"Do not attend on the property of Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate located at 28 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON."
Synopsis:
On Thursday, May 30, 2024, at approximately 8:55am the accused, Kathaleen SNIDER attended to the Church of Our Lady Immaculate located at 28 Norfolk Street, in the City of Guelph. The accused was observed by a caretaker of the church who recognized her from previous incidents. The caretaker was aware of the accused criminal conditions to not attend the church.
The caretaker told the accused approximately five times to not enter the church. The accused ignored the caretaker, entering the church and began yelling and proceeded to walk through the church yelling about angels. The caretaker followed her and told her to leave which she refused.
Finally, the accused left the premises and the caretaker called police. The accused had violated her trespass notice, breached the conditions of her Release Order, and breached six conditions of her Probation Orders.
Police attended the area and spoke with the caretaker. Police searched the area and located the accused at the Hope House at 10 Cork Street East.
At 9:53am police arrested the accused for Fail to Comply with Release Order, six counts Breach Probation, Enter Premises When Entry Prohibited and Fail to Leave When Directed.
At 10:00am police cautioned the accused on the charges and read her rights to counsel. The accused refused to coherently reply.
Police searched the accused belongings incident to arrest. Police found three pieces of mail in her possession in the names of Tyler GRAY, R. SLOOT, and S. MERCHANT. Police believed this mail to be stolen.
The accused was further charged with three counts Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000. The accused refused to indicate she understood.
The accused was transported to the Guelph Police station where she indicated she wanted to speak with duty counsel. At 11:13am the accused spoke with duty counsel Bill PYE privately.
She was lodged in a cell pending a bail hearing.”
Background Information
[9]. Ms. Snider is a 43-year-old female. Her personal background and history are set out in detail in the Hospital Report and in last year’s Reasons. As a result, this is a summary.
Personal History
[10]. Ms. Snider was born in Victoria, British Columbia. In childhood, Ms. Snider met all the developmental milestones at the approximate time. She was raised by her maternal grandparents. Ms. Snider’s mother resides in British Columbia (B.C.). Ms. Snider only met her father on a few occasions and did not develop a relationship with him. He has since passed away.
[11]. Ms. Snider has two siblings, a half-brother and half-sister, however she is not in contact with either.
[12]. Throughout Ms. Snider’s childhood her mother was involved with substance use, sex work and a range of other illicit activities. At approximately the age of three, Ms. Snider was placed in the care of her grandparents until the age of fourteen in Langford, B.C. During this time, she had intermittent visits with her mother. Her grandparents are now deceased.
[13]. In her mid-teens, Ms. Snider began using substances and skipping school. At the age of 15 or 16, Ms. Snider moved out on her own and entered the sex trade and worked as an exotic dancer. She reported being the victim of multiple episodes of severe physical and sexual violence.
Education
[14]. Ms. Snider attended elementary and middle school in Langford, B.C. She regularly skipped class and was consequently suspended from school halfway through grade 9. She did not continue her education following her move from B.C. to Ontario.
Finances
[15]. Currently, Ms. Snider receives financial support through the Ontario Disability Support Program. Ms. Snider would like to find employment doing makeup or dancing.
Relationships/Marital Status
[16]. Ms. Snider’s most significant relationship was a thirteen-year common law relationship with a man named Larry, who is approximately twenty years her senior. The couple had one child, Cameron, who is approximately thirteen years of age. He was in care and subsequently adopted. Another child, Jayden, from an earlier relationship was also in care and adopted shortly after his birth. Ms. Snider has no contact with him.
[17]. Ms. Snider and Larry are estranged and there is a no contact order between them.
Abuse and Trauma History
[18]. The Hospital Report also sets out a significant and complex trauma history. Ms. Snider reports being the victim of intergenerational sexual abuse by her grandfather and severe and repetitive physical and sexual trauma while working in the sex trade.
Substance Use History
[19]. Ms. Snider began using alcohol and other illicit substances around the age of thirteen. She currently smokes approximately half a pack of cigarettes daily, vapes nicotine, and has a significant history of opiate use disorder with crack cocaine use in the past. Ms. Snider also has a history of daily alcohol use.
Medical History
[20]. Ms. Snider has a significant history of head injuries. At the age of sixteen she suffered severe stab wounds to her chest and leg. Ms. Snider currently experiences severe osteoarthritis of her right knee. She has a history of urinary incontinence. Ms. Snider is allergic to Penicillin.
Legal History
[21]. Ms. Snider has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2000 which is set out in greater detail in the Hospital Report and in last year’s Reasons for Disposition.
Current Diagnoses
[22]. The Hospital Report sets out the following:
Schizoaffective Disorder, bipolar type;
Crystal Methamphetamine Use Disorder, severe, in a controlled environment;
Opioid Use Disorder, on maintenance therapy, in a controlled environment.
Evidence
[23]. The Hospital Report, dated September 5, 2025, was made an exhibit at the hearing. Dr. Munro, who testified, co-authored the report and adopted its contents. She has been Ms. Snider’s attending psychiatrist since Ms. Snider came to the NBRHC in August 2024. The Hospital Report is detailed and provides a through personal history, mental health history and Ms. Snider’s history of hospitalizations in these Reasons the report is therefore only referred to briefly.
[24]. At the outset of this reporting year Ms. Snider was in a forensic assessment unit of the NBRHC. On January 9, 2025, she was transferred to an all-female forensic unit, Hummingbird Lodge. This unit provides trauma-informed care and customized individual and group therapy to individuals with a history of significant trauma.
[25]. Dr. Munro referred to the tri-phasic model of trauma care used in the Hummingbird Lodge. The three phases include: Safety and Stabilization, Remembrance and Mourning and Reconnection and Integration.
[26]. Ms. Snider is in the pre-first phase of the care model where she is moving at a slow and steady pace. In her testimony Dr. Munro reported that the expectation is that Ms. Snider will begin and remain in the first phase until next year. She is adjusting in the unit and has been participating in recreational and group activities as well as group and individual counselling. There are no plans to change Ms. Snider’s treatment arrangement.
[27]. Outside the Hummingbird Lodge, Ms. Snider participates in various groups. These activities include recreational therapy, art therapy, pet therapy and a movie/popcorn session as well as other social groups with peer support.
[28]. Dr. Munro testified that while Ms. Snider’s psychotic symptoms have improved, she remains prone to emotional instability, grandiose delusions, and circumstantial and sometime tangential thinking. While Ms. Snider reports no auditory hallucinations, she has expressed mystical thoughts and beliefs.
[29]. Ms. Snider struggles with impulsivity and setting boundaries which often lead to conflict with co-patients. She frequently appears angry, suspicious, or agitated especially when her requests are denied.
[30]. As set out in the Hospital Report, Ms. Snider poses a risk of violent recidivism. Ms. Snider presents with a complex history of major mental illness, substance use disorders and recurrent violent and antisocial behaviours compounded by trauma, poor insight, and inconsistent adherence to treatment. The risk for future violence is heightened by Ms. Snider’s challenges with medication compliance, substance use, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
[31]. Dr. Munro testified that while Ms. Snider has demonstrated consistent improvement, her insight into her illness and the forensic process are limited. The hospital team is working with Ms. Snider to develop insight into her illness and her need for medication. During recent attempts by nursing staff to educate her about the forensic process and her NCR status, Ms. Snider became dysregulated and dismissed the teaching process.
[32]. With respect to Ms. Snider’s privileges, she currently has hospital ground privileges accompanied by staff. She also has community privileges accompanied staff, one-to-one. While her privileges were suspended temporarily for rule violations, Ms. Snider has resumed the use of this level of privileges appropriately.
[33]. Ms. Snider maintains contact with her maternal aunt and uncle. Ms. Snider has two sons and receives regular correspondence which provide her with updates. Ms. Snider enjoys sending gifts to her younger son which are provided to him through Children's Services.
[34]. In response to a question from counsel for the Attorney-General, Dr. Munro stated that Ms. Snider has been participating in programs and recreational activity. In Ms. Snider’s engagement in recreational therapy, she has expressed that she wants to control her weight and maintain her physical health.
[35]. In answering a question from Ms. Snider’s counsel, Dr. Munro stated that the activities are important to Ms. Snider, including those in group, in the community and on hospital grounds. With respect to Ms. Snider’s privileges, Dr. Munro indicated that the hospital team is working on bringing her to the level of indirect privileges. The hospital team supports Ms. Snider in working toward these objectives. However, before getting to that level, Ms. Snider will need to satisfy the hospital team that she is able to follow directions, abide by the rules and be consistent in taking her medication.
[36]. In response to a question from the panel about Ms. Snider’s stage in the trauma treatment program, Dr. Munro stated that Ms. Snider is at the pre-phase 1 stage where Ms. Snider needs to develop insight into her illness and have the ability to participate in the program.
[37]. When asked about urine testing for substance use, Dr. Munro indicated those are random and done monthly. Thus far, to Ms. Snider’s credit, those have all been negative.
[38]. In response to a panel member’s question, Dr. Munro stated that Ms. Snider continues to experience chronic knee pain due to severe osteoarthritis for which she is receiving pain medication, and which is being monitored and assessed. Ms. Snider is not interested in injections or surgery for the problem believing that she knows what is best for her.
[39]. Dr. Munro was asked by a panel member what would it take for Ms. Snider to have increased privileges. Dr. Munro responded that the hospital is making such efforts, however it has been a slow process for Ms. Snider. The hospital would like to see Ms. Snider improve her participation in the programs and activities and work more cooperatively with the nursing staff. In addition, the hospital would like to see Ms. Snider in psychotherapy to deal with situations that are stressful to her. The hospital would also like Ms. Snider to begin substance use therapy. Dr. Munro added that it is important for Ms. Snider to develop active listening to the staff and to be receptive to feedback.
[40]. In response to a question from the panel Dr. Munro stated that Ms. Snider’s mental health presentation is complex so that it is difficult to separate her emotional and complex trauma needs. Ms. Snider is capable of consenting to her treatment needs and has resisted taking long-acting medication.
[41]. In a follow-up question from counsel for the Attorney General relating to the index offence and Ms. Snider’s contact with the church and its members, Dr. Munro indicated that Ms. Snider is not restricted from contact with church members.
[42]. No other evidence was called.
Submissions of Counsel
[43]. Significant threat to the safety of the public was agreed to by all counsel. Counsel for the Hospital recommended a continuation of the Detention Disposition with the same terms and conditions. Counsel for the Attorney General and Ms. Snider concurred. As a result, this was a joint submission.
Analysis
Significant Threat
[44]. The panel unanimously finds that Ms. Snider poses a significant threat to the safety of the public and herself. In our analysis of significant threat, the panel bears in mind the joint submission of counsel. Independently the panel considered Ms. Snider’s index offences which involves serious criminal offences. Her lengthy criminal history is serious and consists of incidents of assaults, uttering threats, and non-compliance with court orders.
[45]. In coming to our conclusion on significant threat to public safety, the evidence, which we accept, is that Ms. Snider has a longstanding diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, which is worsened by her substance use and her failure to follow a medication regimen.
[46]. Ms. Snider’s risk is summarized in the following paragraphs from the Hospital Report:
The Hospital is of the unanimous opinion that Ms. Snider can safely be managed under her existing Disposition of Detention at the Forensic Programs of the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Ms. Snider has yet to reach the ceiling of her current disposition. This disposition would allow considerable freedoms to Ms. Snider without putting the community at undue risk. The Hospital believes that such a disposition is necessary and appropriate in the circumstances and could realistically ensure the safe management of the significant risks that she poses to the safety of the public, which is of paramount consideration.
Disposition
[47]. The evidence at this hearing is that Ms. Snider can be safely managed under her existing disposition. This disposition would allow Ms. Snider considerable freedoms without putting the community at risk.
[48]. The unanimous opinion of the Board is that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a detention order in the Forensic Program at the NBRHC with the same provisions as set out last year.
[49]. The Board noted the hospital’s consideration of an Absolute Discharge and a Conditional Discharge. We accept the evidence that Ms. Snider’s high level of need for supervision could not be managed in the community so that a conditional or an absolute discharge is not realistic at this time.
Conclusion
[50]. In considering sections 672.54 and 672.5401 of the Criminal Code which require the safety of the public as a paramount consideration a Detention Disposition is necessary and appropriate in the circumstances. In coming to our conclusion, we considered the mental health of Ms. Snider, her reintegration into the community and her other needs.
DATED this 7th day of November 2025, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.
Emile Kruzick Legal Member
Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board