Winnipeg towing company sues city for $10M over 'preferential treatment' of competitor during contract bid

A Winnipeg towing company has launched a lawsuit against the city, claiming municipal officials improperly awarded contracts to a competitor, costing the company more than $4 million in annual revenue.

Bison Towing alleges in a statement of claim filed with the Manitoba Court of King's Bench on Friday that the company was treated "unfairly and unequally" when it was passed over for two municipal contracts — one for Winnipeg Parking Authority awarded in April and one for the Winnipeg Police Service awarded in July 2024.

Both contracts went to Tartan Towing, a decision that Bison claims showed the city was giving "preferential treatment" to Tartan.