[2][3] Canada operated a fleet of 17-ton tugs, built during the Second World War which were also called the Ville class.

[3] The Ville class were designed by the Canadian naval architecture company Robert Allan Ltd as harbour tugs.

[5] Members of the class built on the east coast were given one Caterpillar 3406 diesel engine that provides 365 horsepower (272 kW) and Ville-class tugs built on the west coast were supplied with one Caterpillar D343 diesel engine rated at 365 hp (272 kW).

[3] The Royal Canadian Navy operates five other, larger tugboats, the 140-ton CFAV Tillicum, and five 250-ton Glen-class tugs, and one 140-ton Fire-class fireboats.

On 29 April 2019 the Government of Canada announced Ocean Industries of Isle-aux-Coudres, Quebec was awarded the contract to build four tow-tug/rescue vessels to replace both the Fire-class fireboats and Glen-class tugs with delivery expected from 2021 to 2023.