OPS implements Tow Enforcement Unit and strengthens provincial collaboration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 9, 2026      9:20 a.m. 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has been responsible for tow enforcement within the City of Ottawa, following the implementation of the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) on January 1, 2024.

In response to this provincial legislation, the OPS created a dedicated Tow Enforcement Unit to oversee compliance and enforcement related to towing operations.

Ottawa Bylaw Services previously managed the responsibility for tow enforcement.

Tow enforcement by the numbers:

• In 2025, OPS Enforcement Officers laid 475 charges under the TSSEA, 235 charges under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), and impounded 16 tow trucks.
• During 2024 and 2025, 30 tow trucks were towed for non-compliance with TSSEA, and multiple charges were laid for CVSA/HTA compliance infractions.
• During the same period, five tow companies had their tow certificates cancelled, and several suspensions were issued by the ministry.

These charges, cancellations and suspensions were the result of proactive enforcement, where officers stopped tow trucks operating within the city and identified non-compliance with provincial legislation.

Provincial Tow Advisory Group

Beyond local enforcement, OPS is actively participating in a Provincial Tow Advisory Group, which includes one officer from every police agency across Ontario. The Advisory Group meets quarterly to:

• Address changes to the TSSEA legislation
• Identify areas for improvement and present recommendations to the Ministry of Transportation
• Standardize training for all officers in their jurisdictions, ensuring consistent enforcement practices across the province
• Discuss growing trends in the towing industry and enforcement challenges
• Create partnerships among all police forces across Ontario to strengthen collaboration and share best practices

The Way Forward for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the OPS will continue to build on the success of the Tow Enforcement Unit by expanding proactive enforcement initiatives, enhancing officer training, and leveraging technology to improve compliance monitoring.

The OPS will also work closely with industry stakeholders to promote transparency and consumer protection, while maintaining strong partnerships through the Provincial Tow Advisory Group.

These efforts aim to ensure that Ottawa remains a leader in safe, fair, and accountable towing practices.

"The creation of the Tow Enforcement Unit and our involvement in the Provincial Tow Advisory Group reflect our commitment to public safety and collaboration," said A/Sgt Jason Killeen of the Tow Enforcement Unit. "By working together, sharing trends, and standardizing training, we are ensuring enforcement is fair, consistent, and effective across Ontario."

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