Bison Towing files lawsuit against City of Winnipeg over awarded contracts
Posted July 2, 2025 3:58 pm.
Last Updated July 2, 2025 7:27 pm.
The City of Winnipeg may find itself facing a significant parking ticket after a local towing company filed a lawsuit late last week, claiming city officials “unfairly” awarded contracts to a competitor, costing the business millions of dollars annually.
In a statement of claim filed with the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench last Friday, Bison Towing alleges they were treated “unfairly and unequally” when it was passed over for a pair of contracts, the Winnipeg Parking Authority awarded in April, as well as the Winnipeg Police Service contract, awarded last summer.
Contracts that eventually went to Tartan Towing, a decision that Bison claims showed the city giving Tartan “preferential treatment”.
The lawsuit argues that despite having met all requirements, in addition to submitting the lowest bid to the city, Bison lost out to Tartan after they say the city’s contract administrator deemed Bison’s lot lacked adequate indoor space.
A questionable decision for Bison, who claim they spent over $100,000 to upgrade their yard and indoor space prior to submitting their bid.
In their statement, Bison says, “The denial of both towing contracts to Bison has also caused Bison to suffer a loss of business reputation in the towing community.”
They are seeking at least $10 million in damages for breach of contract, claiming they lost out on over $4 million of annual income stemming from both contracts.
CityNews reached out to the City for a response, but with the matter now before the courts, they were unable to comment.
