A snow removal contract is easy to put off until the forecast forces the issue, and that’s exactly when it’s too late. Every few years, Metro Vancouver gets a snowstorm that catches everyone off guard. Roads freeze, walkways ice over, and strata councils that didn’t lock in a contract early find themselves calling around to contractors who are already fully booked.
The better time to think about this is now. Here are six crucial questions to ask before signing.
1. What Triggers a Response, and How Fast?
A vague promise to come when it snows isn’t a plan. Ask the contractor exactly what depth of snowfall triggers a visit, and how quickly they commit to arriving once it does.
For a strata building, entrances, walkways, and any wheelchair-accessible routes need to be cleared early in the morning, before residents start heading out for work or school. Your snow removal contract should state response times in writing.
2. Is Ice Management Included, or Extra?
Snow and ice are two different problems. A contract that only covers plowing or shoveling snow might leave you without coverage for black ice on ramps and stairs, which is often the bigger safety risk.
Confirm whether de-icing is included, what product they use, and whether it’s applied proactively before a freeze or only after ice has already formed. Our guide to de-icing options compares the main products.
3. What Areas Are Covered?
Be specific. Does the contract cover the main entrance only, or also secondary exits, parkade ramps, visitor parking, and walkways connecting to the street?
Strata buildings often assume more is covered than actually is, and that gap usually surfaces during the first storm, not before it. Attach a simple site map to your snow removal contract showing every area included.
4. Who’s on the Hook if Someone Gets Hurt?
Under BC’s Occupiers Liability Act, occupiers owe a duty to take reasonable care that people on the property are reasonably safe, and that includes winter conditions. Hiring a contractor doesn’t automatically transfer all of that responsibility away.
At minimum, confirm your contractor carries adequate liability insurance and that the contract clearly states what they’re responsible for. We cover this in more depth in our guide to snow and ice removal liability.
5. Is There a Pre-Season Option?
Some contractors offer a flat pre-season rate that guarantees priority response through the winter, rather than a pay-per-visit arrangement. This usually costs more upfront but can be worth it for buildings that can’t afford to be low on the priority list during a major storm.
We compare the trade-offs in our piece on pre-season snow removal programs.
6. What Happens After the Snow Melts?
Winter leaves behind more than snow. Salt, sand, and gravel get tracked into lobbies and left on parkade floors long after the storm has passed. Ask whether your snow removal contract includes any post-winter cleanup, or whether that’s a separate conversation you’ll need to have in spring.
Tips for Reviewing Your Snow Removal Contract
- Get everything in writing, including response times, coverage areas, and triggers
- Ask for proof of insurance and service records from previous winters
- Confirm how visits will be documented, since records help with liability
- Keep an eye on Environment Canada weather alerts so you know when to expect service
For a full seasonal plan, see our winter maintenance checklist.
Lock It In Before the First Storm
EcoPlanet Property Services runs a Winter Service Priority Program for Greater Vancouver strata and commercial buildings, covering snow removal, ice management, and a free lobby cleaning for councils who book before October 30. Get in touch now and we’ll build a snow removal contract around your building’s layout and access points. You can also see our full range of coverage on our snow removal services page.
