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The Importance of Road Salt Supply for Reliable Snow Removal
When winter hits BC’s Lower Mainland, the difference between safe walkways and hazardous black ice often comes down to one factor: road salt supply. While plows can clear surfaces in the moment, it’s road salt and de-icing products that keep surfaces safe long after a snowfall ends.
For stratas, apartments, and multi-unit communities, a secure salt supply isn’t just about convenience — it’s about liability protection, resident safety, and uninterrupted winter coverage.
Why Road Salt Supply Matters in BC’s Lower Mainland
In Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, winter weather doesn’t follow a predictable script. Snow is infrequent but heavy, wet, and disruptive. Freezing rain followed by sudden thaws can quickly turn to black ice overnight.
Without a guaranteed salt supply, many snow removal companies are forced to ration applications or delay service — putting stratas at risk. When walkways, driveways, and parkade ramps are left untreated, liability skyrockets.
This is why the foundation of reliable snow removal services in BC’s Lower Mainland is not just the plow — but the salt behind it.
Common Shortages Faced by Snow Removal Companies
Nearly 85% of snow removal companies in the Lower Mainland rely on third-party salt depots — such as Lafarge Asphalt — to fill their trucks on the day of service. During peak storms, this leads to long lines, unpredictable wait times, and dangerous exposure to supply shortages.
History shows the risks clearly. In 2017, Metro Vancouver experienced a region-wide salt shortage, leaving stratas and businesses waiting weeks for product. The result was thousands of slip-and-fall claims, property damage, and millions in liability costs. More recently, in 2025, Ontario saw a similar crisis when winter demand far outstripped supply.
When a contractor can’t guarantee access to salt, it’s the client that takes on the risk.
CTV News video report on Ontario’s 2025 salt shortage and the risks to snow removal and winter safety services
How Winter Road Salting Services Protect Stratas and Residents
Salt isn’t just an accessory to plowing — it’s a safety and liability shield. Proper salting prevents ice from forming, reduces accidents, and keeps residents safe on driveways, walkways, and parkade ramps.
For stratas, this protection goes beyond convenience:
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Slips and falls are among the leading causes of winter insurance claims.
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Even one untreated icy pathway can trigger lawsuits, insurance hikes, or thousands in repair costs.
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Consistent salting ensures accessibility for seniors, families, and residents of all ages.
When properly stocked, winter road salting services allow crews to apply product before, during, and after storms — ensuring no gap in protection.
Only Strata’s Guarantee: 1,000 Tonnes of Salt + 500 Tonnes of Eco De-Icer
At Only Strata, we’ve built our entire model around reliability. Unlike other snow removal companies, we don’t rely on third-party depots.
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We control our entire supply chain — from procurement to private storage to distribution.
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We maintain multiple salt storage and loading sites strategically located across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
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We guarantee a minimum of 1,000 tonnes of road salt and 500 tonnes of eco-friendly de-icer every season, dedicated exclusively to our strata clients.
This means our clients never run out — even in the harshest winters or when regional shortages hit.
👉Learn more about our guaranteed coverage at Only Strata Snow Removal.
Why Strata Councils Should Ask About Salt Supply Before Signing Contracts
Not every contractor is transparent about their salt reserves. Before signing a winter maintenance agreement, strata councils should always ask:
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How much salt do you reserve per season?
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Do you guarantee availability during regional shortages?
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Do you own storage facilities, or do you rely on public depots?
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Do you use eco-friendly alternatives where appropriate?
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How do you document salting services?
At Only Strata, we invest heavily before the season begins — in insulated storage, modern loading equipment, and proactive procurement. This is how we ensure that every client, from Snow Removal Richmond to Snow Removal Burnaby, receives on-time salting throughout the winter.
ABC News video report on Ontario’s 2025 salt shortage and the risks to snow removal and winter safety services
Conclusion
Salt is the backbone of winter safety in BC’s Lower Mainland. Without it, even the best plowing services fall short. In a region where sudden storms and unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles are the norm, road salt supply is the single biggest factor in whether strata communities stay safe — or face liability.
By controlling the entire supply chain and guaranteeing massive reserves, Only Strata Snow Removal ensures that its 300+ strata clients never run out, no matter how severe the winter. For property managers and councils, it’s the difference between scrambling during a shortage and having peace of mind all season long.
