Reward for information on woman last seen at McDonald’s in northwestern Ont.

Police in northwestern Ontario are renewing their call for information on the location of Melanie Lapish, who was last seen in February 2024 in Fort Frances.

Just more than two years after her disappearance, police in Fort Frances are again appealing for information on what happened to Melanie Lapish.

Lapish was 35 when she was last seen around 9 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2024, at a McDonald’s restaurant on Kings Highway in Fort Frances.

She was reported missing March 8 of that year.

She is described as Caucasian, 5-foot-9, with long dark blonde hair and a nose ring. She weighed about 110 pounds and was last seen wearing a grey sweater, blue jeans and a toque.

“Melanie is known to have ties to La Vallee Township, Village of Echo Bay, City of Dryden, City of Sault Ste Marie, Township of Nipigon and City of Thunder Bay,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release April 15.

“Despite extensive investigation and canvassing of the community, Melanie remains missing. Investigators are urging anyone with information about her disappearance to contact police immediately.”

Reward of $50,000

The province is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for Melanie’s disappearance.

“It’s now been two years since Melanie went missing and her family continues to live with the uncertainty of her absence,” OPP Det. Insp. Ryan Gordon said in the release.

“Someone out there has information that can help us bring much-needed answers to her family and loved ones. We urge you to come forward. A $50,000 reward remains in place in relation to this case.”

The ongoing investigation is by the Rainy River District OPP, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Rainy River District OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.