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Why Every Strata in BC Needs a Snow Removal Contract

When winter blankets British Columbia with snow and ice, the stakes rise dramatically for strata-managed properties. At Only Strata Snow Removal, we specialize exclusively in strata, offices, and mixed-use residential/retail properties, serving 26 cities across Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, the North Shore, Greater Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities.

Whether you’re on a strata council or a property manager, securing a snow removal contract before the first snowfall is more than just preparation — it’s a legal, safety, and operational imperative.

Safely salted road in Metro Vancouver ensuring winter safety for strata residents

Legal Responsibilities Under BC Law

British Columbia’s Strata Property Act and Occupiers Liability Act place a clear duty on strata corporations to ensure that common areas are safe and accessible year-round, including in winter.

A strata can be held legally and financially responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions like snow and ice. Hiring a professional snow removal company is a critical step in demonstrating due diligence.

Failing to properly maintain walkways, driveways, or entryways could result in:

  • Personal injury claims

  • Lawsuits from residents or visitors

  • Higher insurance premiums

  • Damage to the strata’s reputation

Legal gavel and strata property documents showing liability responsibilities in BC

Safety First: Protecting Residents and Guests

Snow and ice are more than inconveniences — they’re safety hazards that can cause real harm. Without consistent, professional removal, common areas quickly become accident zones.

Typical safety risks include:

  • Slip-and-fall incidents

  • Blocked access for emergency vehicles

  • Car accidents in slippery parking lots

Strata councils are responsible for annual planning, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with provincial and local regulations. Relying on volunteers or residents to shovel snow may seem cost-effective, but it doesn’t meet insurance standards and significantly increases liability risk. Only insured professionals should handle this responsibility.

Why BC Stratas Can’t Rely on General Providers

General landscaping or commercial snow companies often:

  • Take on unlimited contracts and oversell their capacity

  • Prioritize big-box stores, malls, or warehouses first

  • Subcontract strata work to unknown operators

  • Lack GPS-stamped documentation and liability insurance

For high-density areas like Maple Ridge snow removal, and White Rock snow removal, this creates unacceptable risks: delayed service, missed sidewalks, and unsafe conditions.

At Only Strata, we avoid these pitfalls by serving strata and multi-unit residential exclusively — no commercial malls or warehouses — and by capping our client base to ensure consistent, reliable coverage.

Snow removal crew performing proactive road salting at a strata complex in Langley BC

Benefits of a Professional Snow Removal Contract

A proper contract doesn’t just clear snow — it delivers:

  • 🧊 Predictability → Set service schedules and costs

  • 🧊 Documentation → Proof of service for insurance and legal defense

  • 🧊 24/7 Support → Weather-based dispatch and emergency response

  • 🧊 Liability Protection → Licensed, insured, and WCB-compliant teams

In addition, Only Strata guarantees:

  • Dedicated equipment for your site

  • Strict capacity caps — never oversold routes

  • Reserved salt supply (1,000+ tonnes)

  • Full digital reporting after every service

Timing Is Everything

Most snow removal companies prioritize existing contracts. Waiting until winter means:

  • Higher rates

  • Limited availability

  • Service delays

The best time to book is August through late October, when providers are building site plans, reserving salt supply, and allocating equipment. By November, most reputable companies are already at full capacity.

Child playing safely in snow at a strata property after professional snow clearing

Final Thoughts: A Contract Is Peace of Mind

A snow removal contract isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your community, meeting legal obligations, and showing responsible management.

✔️ Protects residents
✔️ Reduces legal and insurance risk
✔️ Demonstrates proactive leadership

Every strata in BC needs a snow removal contract. Without one, councils gamble with safety and liability. With one, they gain guaranteed coverage, salt reserves, and peace of mind.

👉 Secure your strata today — Get a Quick Quote Now

📸 Real Results You Can See

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