City to Improve Consumer Protection and Safety for Vehicle Towing and Storage

This week, Council approved additional regulations and procedures including a vehicle towing and storage online software application and creation of a subcommittee to improve consumer protection and safety for vehicle towing and storage.

The subcommittee is to review options to help eliminate chasing.  The subcommittee will be formed of Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Ron Starr Councillor Ward 6 and Towing Industry Advisory Committee Chair, Matt Mahoney Councillor Ward 8 and Vice Chair of the Towing Advisory Industry Committee, Nando Iannicca Councillor Ward 7 and Carolyn Parrish Councillor Ward 5.

“We are looking at what is best for the consumer and taxpayer while ensuring safety, good governance, transparency and value for tax dollars,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Consumer protection on this matter is important. At this time, we did not feel that operating our own pound was the best option for Mississauga. The options we are looking at would provide significant consumer protection and generate fewer complaints and risks against the City.”

”We are leading on this issue and in many ways our current by-law is aligned with Bill 15 and in some aspects it is more strict,” said Ron Starr, Councillor, Ward 6 and Chair of the Towing Industry Advisory Committee. “Towing and storage of vehicles impacts a great number of residents, industry stakeholders, police agencies and other levels of government in different ways. We need to modernize how towing and storage is being regulated. We will not be limiting our overall review but will be examining all available options.”

“Vehicles are towed daily in cities across Canada for a variety of reasons including mechanical failure, accidents, parking violations or other offences,” said Matt Mahoney, Councillor, Ward 8 and Vice-Chair  of the Towing Industry Advisory Committee. “The right processes and procedures need to be in place that work best for all concerned. The work ahead of us will improve safety and consumer protection.”

Centralized Vehicle Pound Facility Feasibility Study:

Tow trucks for hire in Mississauga are licensed by the City. In 2015, Mississauga Council requested the staff report on the feasibility of establishing a City-run vehicle pound facility. Other alternatives to a City-run vehicle pound facility where reviewed as well.

The City of Mississauga conducted a comprehensive review; Centralized Vehicle Pound Facility Feasibility Study (CVPF). Council reviewed a number of options to ensure safety, consumer protection and that the City’s by-laws conform with Provincial Bill 15 – Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act regulations.

Staff conducted research and interviews with Members of Council and the City’s Towing Industry Advisory Committee, representatives from the vehicle towing and storage industry, representatives from the auto insurance industry and police to identify best practices and opportunities.

For more information read:

Centralized Vehicle Pound Facility Feasibility Study