At Remitly, we’re invested in making sure you’re as prepared as possible for life in another country. If you’re moving to Canada, you have to be ready for snow—all types of snow.
The white, fluffy stuff is fun to experience, especially if you’re coming from a warmer climate. But you also have some legal responsibilities related to managing it. Canada’s snow removal laws outline the rules and regulations for clearing out snow. These laws ensure your neighbourhood is safe and accessible, even in frosty conditions.
Snow removal laws in Canada
Canada has a reputation for long, chilly winters and heavy snow. As a newcomer, you should expect the cold season to last for about six months of the year.
Whether you live in a popular Canadian city or a rural area, your locale will have well-defined snow removal laws. These regulations vary depending on region and often cover provisions for driveways, sidewalks, on-street parking spaces, and highways.
Overview of legal landscape
Snow removal laws are the legal expectations that your municipality has about how to deal with snow and ice. These requirements are in place to keep pedestrians, drivers, and property owners safe.
Most Canadian cities have by-laws regarding snow removal. In general, property owners are responsible for clearing their lots of snow, as well as public sidewalks that border their property. The specifics and speed with which they are responsible for clearing snow differ by location.
Additionally, if you’re driving in Canada, you’re responsible for keeping car windows, mirrors, hood, roof, and trunk clear of snow. In some areas, snow conditions might require you to have winter tires. Doing so ensures the changing weather won’t disrupt your driving or the safety of other road users.
Why is it important to follow snow removal laws?
Canada’s largest cities receive over three metres of snow every year. And while it contributes to their overall beauty, these conditions can be dangerous, especially for newcomers still getting used to Canadian roads.
Snowfall causes slippery, icy conditions that can result in injuries. Following snow removal laws ensures that your car, property, and surrounding sidewalks are as safe as possible, benefiting you and the people around you.
Responsibilities by province
The general rule is that you must keep your property and the surrounding sidewalks snow-free throughout winter. However, the specifics around these requirements will change based on your location.
Ontario snow removal laws
The biggest city in Ontario is Toronto. There, you’re expected to clear the public sidewalks around your home or business within 12 hours of the end of the snowfall. Remember, you can help senior or disabled people nearby by offering to clear their sidewalks as well.
If more than 2 centimetres of snow has accumulated, the City of Toronto is responsible for clearing all public sidewalks. Up to 98% of sidewalk clearing performed by the city is done mechanically, so removing any obstructions on the sidewalks around your property can help facilitate this process.
If a sidewalk is not cleared, you can call 311 to report it.
Alberta snow removal requirements
In Calgary, property owners have 24 hours from the end of a snow event to clear the sidewalks and pathways surrounding their property.
City by-laws suggest that snow removed from these areas be shifted onto another public space, like directly onto the road. On the other hand, if you’re shovelling out your private driveway, the snow should be removed onto your own property, like in the front yard.
In Edmonton, property owners are instructed to clear adjacent sidewalks as soon as possible.
Other provincial differences
Snow removal laws are the jurisdiction of individual municipalities. Besides Ontario and Alberta, other major differences to note are as follows:
- Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec and British Columbia but only “highly recommended” in other provinces.
- Northern provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba receive heavier snowfall, leading to shorter time frames for snow clearing.
- They also have shorter response times in case of snow events.
- Sidewalk snow removal laws are stricter in cities and urban areas than in rural regions.
Wherever you decide to settle in Canada, make sure that you’re informed about the snow removal laws in your area. You can find information about specific requirements on the municipal or provincial website, or by calling your local government office.
Otherwise, ask a neighbour. Inquiring about local laws is a great way to break the ice while letting neighbours know you’ll be a responsible, engaged member of the community.
Common questions answered
Before you break out the skis, sled, and snowshoes for some winter fun, here are the most common questions immigrants have about snow removal in Canada.
Who is responsible for snow removal?
Snow and ice removal is a joint responsibility between municipal or provincial authorities and property owners. In general, the town will work to clear snow from city property and public areas like roads. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their own lots, both residential and commercial. They are also liable for removing snow from any public sidewalk or walkway that abuts their property.
How long does a landlord have to remove snow?
The time frame for snow and ice removal depends on the city. Generally, property owners have between 12 and 24 hours after the end of a snow event to ensure the area is snow-free. This means that if you’re renting a living space and it’s actively snowing when you need to leave for work or school, the snow removal won’t fall on you.
However, it’s important to talk to your landlord about snow removal responsibilities and expectations. Check your lease agreement so that you are properly informed and prepared when snowfall starts.
If I’m driving behind a snow plow, can I pass it?
Winter driving is difficult, but snow plows are there to make your commute easier. Still, getting stuck behind one can be frustrating and slow. However, you should never pass a working snow plow that has its blade down. This is especially true if multiple snow plows are working in formation on a multi-lane road. Passing would interfere with the plowing operation and could require dangerous driving manueuvres.
If you have to get around a plowing operation, consider taking an alternate route. Or, instead, consider yourself lucky to be driving right behind one. You’ll have the cleanest, safest roads to get you wherever you’re headed.
Legal implications and penalties
Snow removal is a legally defined mandate for most Canadian residents, meaning failure to comply could result in strict penalties.
Understanding liability for homeowners and renters
Usually, property owners are responsible for removing snow. This means if you’re a renter, your landlord should take care of snow removal services.
Sometimes, landlords will set up specific expectations with renters about this, which can be written into rental agreements or leases. However, it’s important to remember that legally, the property owner will almost always be held accountable for any snow removal failures.
Penalties for neglecting snow removal responsibilities
If you do not follow snow removal duties, you’ll face a few different consequences. The first is potentially receiving a fine from your municipality. Property owners who do not maintain a safe environment by clearing snow are dinged by the town as a warning.
The second potential consequence is often more costly. If someone is injured as a result of your failure to clear snow and ice from your property or its surrounding public walkways, you risk being sued. Although Canada is not as litigious as the US, for example, there have been cases involving snow removal and legal liability for private citizens.
Of course, aside from fines and lawsuits, you want to feel good about your relationship with your neighbours. Actively participating in snow and ice removal will ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Other legal implications
If you receive a fine for not clearing snow and it goes unpaid, it can accumulate and be added to your property tax bill.
City employees, like police or inspectors, don’t typically go out looking to hand out fines for snow removal failures. Instead, these penalties are most commonly doled out to addresses reported by neighbours.
In this way, snow removal becomes a community act, so maintaining good relationships with your neighbours is essential. If, for some reason, you won’t be able to shovel your property at the expected time, you can talk with your nearby tenants to let them know when you plan to get it done.
Best practices for snow removal
Snow removal is a great workout. If you don’t have any preexisting conditions that could make strenuous activity risky, shovelling snow provides a burn similar to cardio, strength, and functional mobility exercises. Keeping a few tips in mind will help you get through the process—and maybe even enjoy it.
Tips for safe and effective snow removal
One of the number one risks of shovelling snow is suffering a cardiac event, like a heart attack. What can you do to make snow and ice removal easier on yourself?
- Keep all the snow removal tools you need at the ready. Minimally, you’ll want shovels, rock salt, and sand. Some people like to use a snow blower, too.
- If you’re using a snow blower, consider using safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Treat snow removal like the exercise it is. So, ensure you stay hydrated and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking before a big shovelling session. Stretching before and after can help you avoid pulled or sore muscles, especially in your back.
- If you’re experiencing a lot of snow, consider clearing snow in intervals. This way, you’ll be moving less snow each time and avoid a major clean-up job at the end of the snowfall.
- Use your shovel correctly. Face the snow you want to remove with your legs hip-width apart. Then, pick up some snow and lift it with your legs, not your back. Keep the snow shovel close to your body to avoid overextending yourself.
- Before a snowstorm—or before temperature changes that could cause the snowpack to melt and refreeze—prepare surfaces with salt, sand, or other supplies to prevent black ice.
Hiring professional snow removal services
If you’re in a position to hire a professional snow removal company, doing so offers plenty of benefits. The biggest is that working with professionals will save you time. Scheduling these services in advance means you can comply with city snow removal laws, even if you’re busy. Snow removal services also give your body a break from the physicality of shovelling snow.
If you’re experiencing a lot of snowfall, hiring a company will ensure quick turnarounds. These service providers often have professional equipment, such as snow plows, blowers, loaders, and de-icing tools, to get the job done fast.
You can find plenty of professional snow removal companies online. Additionally, some of your neighbours may have some professional equipment that you can borrow or contract.
Community programs and volunteers
Many Canadian neighbourhoods have different programs to support snow and ice removal. It really is a community effort. People often come together to help senior or disabled neighbours comply with snow removal laws.
For example, Snow Angels is a community-driven collective that connects volunteers with people who need help shovelling their property or surrounding sidewalks.
If you’d like to get involved with a volunteer program or need help complying with snow removal bylaws, contact your local government to discover assistance programs in your area.
Snow and the Canadian experience
Snow is tied to Canadian culture, and many cities have snowpacks on the ground for over half the year. It’s important to understand your responsibilities regarding snow removal. But, the cold winter weather also offers an opportunity for warm interactions with your neighbours and community. So, break out the mittens, shovels, and snow boots, and be sure to have some hot chocolate ready for afterwards.
FAQs
If someone offers to shovel snow for me, how much should I pay them?
Children, teens, and young adults in Canada might offer to shovel your driveway, sidewalk, porch, or walkways after a snowfall. They might be doing it out of the kindness of their hearts or for volunteer hours. Other times, they might be trying to make some extra money. You can always ask them what price they think is fair. The starting price should be around $20 CAD, but it might go up based on time spent shovelling, the size of the area cleared, and the volume of snow removed.
What can I do ahead of time if a snowstorm is predicted?
If a big snowstorm is predicted, ensure you have enough food and water so that you don’t have to leave your home to go to the store. Also, keep snow removal equipment ready and stock up on flashlights or candles in case of a power outage. Having an alternate heating source, like a wood stove or space heater, is also a good idea.
How would I know if school is cancelled because of snow?
Canada experiences some very cold and snowy winters. However, unlike schools in the US, it is not common for Canadian schools to have snow days or cancellations due to inclement weather. If school is cancelled, it will likely be communicated to parents, guardians, and the school community early in the morning. Check your school’s website, local radio stations, and local TV channels for information about snow cancellations.