Calgary's winters bring repeated snowfalls broken up by chinook thaws, and contractors serve everything from downtown towers to suburban communities and industrial parks. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Calgary Airport station record an average of about 139 cm of snowfall a year, with about 8 days a year bringing 5 cm or more of new snow. On every one of those properties, the biggest risk is usually not the truck. It is the person who slips on the lot or walkway you were hired to maintain.
We connect Calgary snow removal contractors with licensed Alberta brokers who write liability coverage for snow and ice work.
What Snow Removal Liability Insurance Covers
Snow removal liability insurance usually means a commercial general liability policy written for snow and ice work. Brokers look closely at:
- Slip and fall wording. Some general liability policies exclude or limit snow and ice operations. A policy for a snow contractor needs to fit the work. See slip and fall liability.
- Completed operations. Many claims arise after your crew has left the site. See completed operations coverage.
- Property damage to curbs, lawns, fences, garage doors and landscaping. See does snow removal insurance cover damaged lawns and curbs.
- Contract requirements such as specific limits, additional insured status and notice of cancellation. See insurance requirements for commercial snow contracts.
Alberta Law and Snow and Ice Claims
Alberta's Occupiers' Liability Act sets the duty of care owed to people on a property, and the Limitations Act generally gives two years from discovery to start a claim, with a 10 year ultimate limit. For municipal sidewalks, the Municipal Government Act limits a municipality's liability for snow and ice to gross negligence and requires notice within 21 days. Read Alberta occupiers' liability and snow contractors.
Sidewalk and Snow Rules in Calgary
Municipal sidewalk rules decide who is expected to clear public walks next to your clients' properties, which can shape both your contracts and your exposure.
Sidewalks. The City of Calgary requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall ends (Street Bylaw, section 67). The City page makes no distinction between residential and commercial properties.
Snow on the road. Shovelling snow from private property, such as driveways, onto public spaces like roads or sidewalks is prohibited under the Street Bylaw. Snow from sidewalks may go onto the road but must not block access, crosswalks or storm drains.
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Protect Yourself With Records
Time stamped logs, photos, weather notes and service records are often the difference between a claim that is defended and one that is paid. Read snow logs and site documentation and use our snow removal log template.
Related Coverage in Calgary
- Plow truck insurance in Calgary
- Salting and ice management insurance in Calgary
- Umbrella liability
- WCB Alberta for snow removal
General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording; a licensed broker can review your operation.
Sources: City of Calgary: Snow shovelling bylaw; City of Calgary: Sanding and plowing priorities; Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals
SnowPlowInsurance.ca is an independent referral service, not an insurance company or broker. We connect you with licensed brokers who provide quotes and advice. How this site works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much liability insurance do snow contractors in Calgary carry?
It varies by contract and property type. Commercial clients and municipalities often set minimum limits in their contracts, so check your contracts and review them with a licensed Alberta broker. See how much liability do snow contractors need.
Does general liability cover slip and fall claims for snow removal?
Not always. Some policies exclude or limit snow and ice work, so the wording matters. A broker who works with snow contractors can check it.
Can I get snow removal liability insurance with a past claim?
Often yes, though it can affect price and options. See insurance with past slip and fall claims.