How to Read a Snow Removal Quote — 7 Things Every Council Should Verify

Not all snow-removal quotes are equal. Some look detailed but hide major gaps that can expose your strata to mid-season surprises or liability risks.

At Only Strata Snow Removal, we’ve reviewed thousands of proposals across Metro Vancouver and the North Shore. Whether your property is in North Vancouver,West Vancouver, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland BC, understanding what’s really inside a quote helps you secure dependable, legally protected winter coverage — not just plowing on paper.

snow removal contract what to watch for in British Columbia and Lower Mainland

1️⃣ Define the Scope Clearly

Your quote should list every service included: plowing, walkway shoveling, salting, de-icing, and parkade coverage. Missing any one of these can leave unsafe areas untreated.

2️⃣ Confirm Response Time & Weather Triggers

Professional contracts specify exactly when service begins — for example, “automatic dispatch after 1 cm of snow or ice forecast.”
Without defined triggers, councils risk delayed or skipped service when conditions worsen overnight.

3️⃣ Ask About Pre-Salting and Proactive Service

Preventive salting is one of the strongest defenses against black-ice liability.
If your quote only mentions “snow removal after accumulation,” it’s reactive — not protective.

4️⃣ Check for Documentation and Proof of Service

Every visit should generate time-stamped GPS logs and before/after photos.
These records become your legal defense in the event of a slip-and-fall claim.

5️⃣ Review Material Supply and Salt Reserves

Many general providers depend on regional depots that can run out mid-winter.
Your quote should state whether salt and de-icer supplies are guaranteed.
A lack of reserves can lead to service delays when temperatures drop the most.

snow-removal-contract-lower-mainland-metro-vancouver-bc_what to look for

6️⃣ Evaluate Insurance and Liability Coverage

Always confirm that the contractor carries at least $5 million in liability insurance — and that it specifically covers snow and ice management, not just general landscaping.

A missing clause here could leave your strata exposed to full claim costs.

7️⃣ Understand Pricing Structure and Billing

Quotes may offer:

Seasonal Contracts – fixed budget, unlimited events
Per-Service – pay per push or salting
Hybrid Models – base rate + per-event extras

Review which model aligns with your site’s snowfall history and council preferences before signing.

📸 Real Results You Can See

Why Transparency Matters

At Only Strata, transparency is built into every proposal. We provide:

GPS-verified service logs and photos with each visit
Clear response triggers and storm thresholds
Guaranteed 1,000 tonnes of salt and 500 tonnes of eco de-icer in reserve
Full liability coverage tailored for strata properties

Strata councils in Snow Removal North Vancouver and Snow Removal West Vancouver rely on these details to protect residents and budgets alike.

Conclusion: Clarity Before the Contract

A snow-removal quote is more than a number — it’s a commitment to safety, speed, and accountability.

Before you sign, confirm that every clause protects your community.
Partnering with Only Strata Snow Removal means you get full visibility into pricing, service timelines, and liability coverage — no fine print, no surprises.

Because when winter arrives, clarity is your strongest contract.