Snow and Ice Service: a 2026-27 Checklist for Stratas, Property Managers and Homeowners

1. Who this checklist is for

• Strata councils that arrange winter service for common property.
• Property and building managers who look after several sites.
• Homeowners who want their driveway, walkway and steps ready.

2. Start before the first snowfall

• Walk the property in daylight and note every route people use.
• Decide who on your council or team approves winter work.
• Agree on the scope in writing before winter, so nobody has to decide during a storm.
• Keep one contact person and a backup for each property.

3. Know your city's sidewalk rule

Many cities make the owner or occupant responsible for clearing the public sidewalk next to the property. Rules and fines differ by city, so check your own city's page each fall.

City rules last checked: 2026-10-10

Vancouver. The City says: “Vancouver property owners and occupants are responsible for removing all snow and ice from the full width of sidewalks in front of and, if on a corner lot, alongside their property each day by 10am when there is snow on the sidewalks or freezing temperatures.” It also says: “If you don't clear snow and ice by 10am the next day after snowfall, you may get a $250 fine.” and “If snow and ice stays there for over 24 hours, the fine could be $750.” Source: City of Vancouver, winter maintenance on streets and sidewalks.

Burnaby. The City says: “Property owners have until 10 am the day following a snowfall to clear snow and ice from sidewalks.” Owners or occupiers are responsible for “Removing any snow or ice from all sidewalks surrounding their property no later than 10 am every day, including holidays, per Section 31 of Burnaby's Street and Traffic Bylaw.” On fines: “City staff inspect properties when we receive complaints about uncleared sidewalks and may issue the following fines”. The listed fines are “Industrial, commercial or institutional $400”, “Multi-family $250” and “Single-family, two-family, mobile homes $100”. Source: City of Burnaby, your role as a resident or business.

Surrey. The City says: “Be a good neighbour and clear snow from sidewalks around your property before 10am after a snowfall.” It adds: “If you do not clear your sidewalks, you may be fined under City of Surrey’s Highway and Traffic Bylaw”, with “Business: $80 per day” and “Residential: $55 per day”. Source: City of Surrey, winter snow and ice control operations.

Other cities. Check your own city's website for its rule before winter.

4. Map your site

A one-page map makes winter service clearer for everyone. Mark:

• building entrances and exits;
• accessible routes, ramps and stairs;
• drive lanes, parking areas and loading areas;
• drains and catch basins;
• places where snow can be piled without blocking a route, a drain or a sightline.

Number the routes in the order they must be cleared. Share the map with your council, tenants or household, and with any contractor you invite to quote. Our commercial snow site-map guide walks through it step by step.

5. For homeowners

• List what you need cleared: the driveway, the front walkway, the steps and the public sidewalk next to your home.
• Pile snow on your own property. Vancouver asks residents to “Shovel snow onto your property, away from the road and sidewalk by 10am every day”.
• Keep drains clear. Vancouver also asks residents to “Clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding”.
• Check which ice melt suits your surfaces before the first freeze. Our guide on salting materials and surface protection lists the questions to ask.
• If you will be away during a snowfall, arrange who will clear your sidewalk.

6. Compare scope, not only price

When you compare winter service quotes, ask each provider the same questions:

1. What starts a visit (for example, how much snow or which forecast)?
2. Which routes are cleared first, and in what order?
3. Is salting or de-icing included, and on which routes?
4. Which materials are used, and are they suitable for your surfaces?
5. Where will snow be piled?
6. Is the public sidewalk next to the property included?
7. How are visits recorded (dates, times, photos)?
8. Who approves extra work, and how is it priced?
9. Who is the contact person during a storm?
10. How is the service priced (for example, per season, per visit or per hour), and what is included?

Write the answers into the agreement, so everyone works from the same scope.

7. Keep records

• Keep a dated note of each visit, with photos where practical.
• Note any slippery spot, damaged surface or blocked drain, and when it was fixed.
• Keep your site map and your agreement in one place that your council or household can find.

8. How Seven Stones can help

Seven Stones Construction offers snow removal, salting and de-icing for suitable strata, residential and small commercial properties. We can review your site and your map with you, and go through the questions above for your property.

To request an estimate, send your city, property type, site map or a few photos, and the routes you want cleared first. Request an estimate or call (236) 867-3031. Contact us for pricing.