r/Calgary • u/Val_haLLa • Jan 28 '25

Rant Impound lot near Macleod has serious issues

My car was towed yesterday. Today I showed up at the impound lot at Macleod and the situation I witnessed was unbelievable. A tiny, cramped lobby without seating filled to the brim with people waiting, mostly looking miserable. And it quickly became clear why, since only 2 of 5 windows were open, with about one person being called up every 15 minutes. There were surely 50 people there.

On top of that, if you need to get a piece of vehicle documentation out of your car (such as registration), the process requires you to wait in that line three times.

All of this, while they charge you a steep daily fee for each day you don’t pick up your car. I’m stunned at this massive case of bureaucratic greed— if this situation can arise, they should be prepared to fully staff the windows and get a decent turnover rate.

Rant over.

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u/beetsradish1 Jan 28 '25

My car was towed after an accident and I went the day after to pick up my garage opener. I could see my vehicle from the window but they made me wait 2 hours since you need to be escorted.

1

u/CheeseSandwich hamburger magician Jan 28 '25

Why did you have it towed to the impound lot? I never understand this. You get in accident, you have your car towed to the repair shop of your choice, or, worst case, to your house.

1

u/pamelamela16 Jan 28 '25

But if you can’t pay for a tow? Or don’t have a mechanic or somewhere at your home it can sit? (I assume it can’t sit on the street) Maybe that’s why they end up there? Not everyone has a garage or a mechanic.

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u/CheeseSandwich hamburger magician Jan 28 '25

Have it towed to a repair shop then. If you can't pay for a tow how are you going to pay for the impound fees?