Keep your property free from risks and injuries this winter.

Without a winter maintenance plan in place, property owners will find themselves on thin ice. Strata and condominium corporations are responsible for having well-maintained properties that are free from hazards. This duty of care ensures the safety of everyone, including owners, tenants and visitors, who are on the premises.

However, those who sustain injuries on the property may pursue a liability claim against the corporation and seek compensation. That’s why it is crucial to the corporation’s defense that they can show they have met the duty of care regarding maintenance of the property.

This is imperative, especially during the winter when snow and ice become additional hazards for the corporation. Among the safeguards is developing a proper snow and ice removal plan.

To do so is as simple as 1-2-3.

  1. Reputable and Reliable: If contracting with a snow removal company, the corporation must do its due diligence to make sure they are working with a business that is reputable, reliable and insured. The contracted company should carry liability insurance that ideally would extend to defend and indemnify the corporation as well.

  2. Snow Tracker: The company must complete a snow and ice removal logbook that will keep a record of important details such as dates, times, locations and weather conditions.

  3. Backup Plan: Keep in mind that during snowstorms or extended periods of inclement weather, the snow removal company may be backlogged, causing delays in clearing your properties. To ensure there is minimal risk of hazardous buildup, it is prudent to retain a list of residents who may be willing to help clear snow and ice.

    Whether the corporation uses residents for snow and ice removal as a backup or as a normal procedure, it is still critical to complete a logbook and retain for your records.

Download our Snow Removal Logbook to keep track of wintry weather work and ensure the safety of your residents this season.