News   Mar 06, 2026
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Toronto Police Service Reformation

For towing, it depends one where along the free market vs state owned spectrum you fall. The GTA does have 'contracted' towing services for provincial highways (I think it's in effect in Ottawa as well - not sure) but, generally, business licencing is a municipal responsibility. I don't know if the Municipal Act gives them the scope of authority to regulate tow trucks to the extent that is probably needed; and I'm not sure the municipalities would want the burden.
About a dozen years ago I was sideswiped on the 401 at the Markham Rd. exit, with my car rendered undrivable. The cell phone wielding young woman who hit me was fine, and after exchanging info drove off (she fixed my car, all good). As I sat there, I assessed the damage, and called CAA to get me towed to the CRC. Immediately an independent tow truck was on me, telling me lies that the police say you must remove your car immediately from the highway (I was on the shoulder) with whichever tow was first on the scene (total BS) and that he'd tow me right now (to god knows where). I said, no thank you, I have called CAA and they're on their way, and if the police have any demands they can come here and tell me themselves, as the collision happened right under their camera. He tried to get a little aggressive, but I just got back in my car and chilled. CAA tow truck arrived in 15 mins, and off we went.
 
Events on private property can use whoever they want and I imagine the NHL has some pretty specific rules regarding medical coverage. Some less frequent events will often use St. John Ambulance but I can see the venue and/or NHL wanting a standing contract because of the frequency of events. Toronto EMS likely has a 'paid duty' program but they probably wouldn't commit to a contract.
Typically league insurance requirements would require the Leafs/whomever to provide emergency medical services at the venue during games for the teams. I imagine the ACC may still use Toronto EMS for fans or those outside of NHL contracts.

If it's a company that operates nationally/also in the US it would be easier for the NHL to contract them out for all games for ease of allocation of medical staff.
 
About a dozen years ago I was sideswiped on the 401 at the Markham Rd. exit, with my car rendered undrivable. The cell phone wielding young woman who hit me was fine, and after exchanging info drove off (she fixed my car, all good). As I sat there, I assessed the damage, and called CAA to get me towed to the CRC. Immediately an independent tow truck was on me, telling me lies that the police say you must remove your car immediately from the highway (I was on the shoulder) with whichever tow was first on the scene (total BS) and that he'd tow me right now (to god knows where). I said, no thank you, I have called CAA and they're on their way, and if the police have any demands they can come here and tell me themselves, as the collision happened right under their camera. He tried to get a little aggressive, but I just got back in my car and chilled. CAA tow truck arrived in 15 mins, and off we went.
One should always be skeptical of pressure tactics by anyone. That's something I've gotten very good at over the years - bluntly saying no to unsolicited "advice".
 
One should always be skeptical of pressure tactics by anyone. That's something I've gotten very good at over the years - bluntly saying no to unsolicited "advice".
Me too. I've role played this out with my now-driving kids, as they're more likely to both trust the system and be intimidated. They both have CAA, and I showed them this below today.

 
Typically league insurance requirements would require the Leafs/whomever to provide emergency medical services at the venue during games for the teams. I imagine the ACC may still use Toronto EMS for fans or those outside of NHL contracts.

If it's a company that operates nationally/also in the US it would be easier for the NHL to contract them out for all games for ease of allocation of medical staff.
I believe MLSE has their own in-house paramedical staff. Any transport would likely be via Toronto EMS. Whether they pay for an ambulance and crew to standby (on duty or paid duty) I don't know.
 
One should always be skeptical of pressure tactics by anyone. That's something I've gotten very good at over the years - bluntly saying no to unsolicited "advice".

Yep and keep an eye out and educated our elderly relatives on these scams going around. My boyfriends aunt who is a 74 year old Indian lady, got scammed by one of these tow truck vultures a few years ago in Brampton. Her car broke down on a busy road. Some guy pulled over and phoned a tow truck for her. Since she didn't have a phone with her. Tow truck driver showed up, in her words a nice young Indian guy. towed it to the lot. They charged $700 to get her car back! I bet her old Hyundai isn't even worth 700 dollars! She now has CAA.

My elderly mom nearly got scammed a few years ago, by the old door-to-door Irish paving scam. She told me this really nice Irish guy came to the door who was "paving driveways in the area" Gave her a really good deal. He came twice to the house trying to pressure her into the job. And wanted the money in cash. But she waited it out and checked with me, since i work in construction. I said right away it was a scam! I googled the guys business card which didn't have an address, ( red flag) And i couldn't find his company or name anywhere on google.

I wonder if he was this scumbag. Scammers don't usually stay in one place, They travel all over.

 
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Driveway paving guys came to my mom's house a couple years ago and she was excited and accepted the offer. Luckily, I was in the house and was able to tell her not to do it.
 
My elderly mom nearly got scammed a few years ago, by the old door-to-door Irish paving scam. She told me this really nice Irish guy came to the door who was "paving driveways in the area" Gave her a really good deal.
My MiL agreed to a water heater from some door knocker. My wife went to town on her, asking if this is who she is now, one of these once streetwise, hardened, distrusting adults, now doddering senior simpletons who buy anything at the door? Needlessly harsh, but it did the trick, and MiL called her existing utility provider to get the new contract canceled within the 24 hr cooling off period. MiL now ignores the door bell entirely, since we all have keys. When I’m an old man growling “get off my lawn” I’ll be less trusting, not more.

I put this tiny sign on my front door back in 2024 and it made a world of difference. I now watch hucksters later that day from my camera, including those damn CAMH canvassers and yobs flogging shite for their “school team”, etc. who seem to target Cabbagetown, approach the door, read the sign and walk away.

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One guy still knocked and said he’s a roofer flying a drone inspection of my neighbour and that he saw some damage on my roof to fix. I wanted to question his literacy, but recognizing the scam and its criminal background, I politely declined. Nevertheless, this sign scares 95% of door knockers away. $20 on Etsy.
 
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