Towing & Recovery Division

The Towing & Recovery Division (TRD) represents the interest of the towing industry in B.C., with volunteers serving on the ICBC liaison committee to rpovide input on policies relating to rates for towing and storage of vehicles with ICBC insurnace policies that have been involved in an accident. Another initiative resulted in a popular online training course about impound lot operations and how to dispose of abandoned vehicles. The TRD’s objective is to enhance, educate and promote operator safety and professionalism.

Position Statements

ARA position statements on current issues relevant to the Towing & Recovery division.

Issue: Fair Compemsation

Evaluating Towing and Storage Rates under ICBC and the RSBC Vehicle Impoundment Program.

This report explores the evolving dynamics of towing and impoundment compensation in British Columbia, with a focus on the divergence between the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) towing rates and RoadSafetyBC’s (RSBC) updated Vehicle Impoundment Program (VI Program) rates. It argues that ICBC should adopt a revised towing and storage rate structure more closely aligned with the fair market rates identified in the RSBC-commissioned Deloitte report.

Read the full position paper:

Issue: The Use of Alternate Coloured Lights to Increase Safety for Tow Operators

As the ARA continues to advocate for the use of alternate coloured lights on tow trucks, June 30, 2023, marked the one-year anniversary of the blue lights pilot project in Alberta, a program that allows tow and recovery operators in the province to use flashing blue and amber lights on their vehicles while working roadside. Has the program worked? Check out this article from Tow Canada, July-August 2023.

Read the full position paper:

Issue: Disposal of Unwanted, Impounded, and Abandoned Recreational Vehicles (RVs) by BC Tow Companies

Advocacy Brief for the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation.

Approximately 2,000 RVs are impounded each year by towing companies due to municipal by-law infractions, police impoundments, vehicular accidents, or simply being abandoned on B.C. highways and municipal streets. Disposing of an RV is significantly more complex than disposing of other vehicles due to their hazardous waste, fuels, and other materials. These vehicles present serious occupational health and safety and environmental hazards.

Read the full position paper:

An article on the above issue appeared in the Q4 edition of ARA News.

Read the article:

TRD Executive Committee

Division Chair

Executive Committee

Dena Parke, Reliable Towing, Maple Ridge

Kit Moller, Clover Towing (2015) Ltd., Surrey
Taylor Kenyon, Penticton Towing, Penticton
Kyle Schrump, Buster’s Towing, Vancouver
Mike Oldfield (Vice Chair), Mid Island Towing
Kevin Desjardin, Don’s Towing
Randy Sorley, Meadowridge Towing

TRD Contact Information:

TRD Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I learn about the impound lot operator procedures?

Answer: New legislation was introduced in September 2010 that impacts impound lot operators (ILOs) with respect to the way they handle impoundment and disposal of vehicles. The ARA has developed a free course providing guidance and best practices to help ILOs understand their rights and obligations under the law. Visit the ARA Training Centre of Excellence website to take this course.

Where can I learn about occupational health & safety requirements related to the towing industry?

Answer: The ARA Occupational Health & Safety website has all the information needed by employers and employees, including guideline booklets, templates, and links to relevant information.

Are there any resources available from the ARA to help me find qualified employees?

Answer: Yes – the ARA has launched an employment website at AutoCareersBC.ca that includes career profiles, links to training resources, and a job bank where employers can post job vacancies.

Where can I learn about upcoming ARA and TRD events?

Answer: Go to the ARA Events website.