All tow-truck operators on contract with the City of Ottawa have refused to remove the heavy vehicles associated with the “Freedom Convoy” from the downtown core, the city manager says.
Steve Kanellakos says the consensus seems to be that many of the companies don’t want to do the work because the heavy truck industry is such a large part of their livelihoods and they don’t want to damage that part of their businesses.
“We’ve contacted them all and they’re all refusing as of [Feb. 7] to provide heavy tow truck work,” said Kanellakos in a press conference following a special city council meeting.
The companies, however, are still performing light work for the city like towing cars, he said.
Kanellakos added that the city is reviewing the contracts of the tow operators and deciding on the course of action to deal with the unprecedented situation.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has contacted counterparts in other large cities in Ontario to seek assistance, and the city is calling towing companies across Eastern Ontario.
On Feb. 5, a towing company in Ottawa took to Twitter to express its support for the truckers who are protesting in the city against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions.
“We stand behind choice, Freedom and peace.”
