The Lower Mainland includes Vancouver and the surrounding Metro Vancouver cities. Snow is less frequent here than in most of Canada, so storms can catch properties unprepared and create sudden demand.
We connect snow plow operators and snow removal companies across the Lower Mainland with licensed BC brokers who write this business.
Communities We Serve in the Lower Mainland
- Snow plow insurance in Vancouver
- Snow plow insurance in Surrey
- Snow plow insurance in Burnaby
- Snow plow insurance in Richmond
- Snow plow insurance in Coquitlam
- Snow plow insurance in Langley
- Snow plow insurance in Maple Ridge
Snowfall Across the Lower Mainland
Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals show how much snow varies within the region: about 37 cm a year at the Vancouver International Airport station (for Richmond), compared with about 56 cm at the Abbotsford station (for Langley). More snow generally means more events, more hours on the road and more exposure for contractors.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals.
Sidewalk Rules Differ Across the Lower Mainland
Municipal sidewalk clearing rules are set city by city, which affects what property owners hire contractors to do. A few examples:
- Vancouver: The City of Vancouver requires residential and commercial property owners and occupants to remove all snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalk in front of their property, and alongside it on corner lots, by 10 a.m.
- Surrey: The City of Surrey requires owners and occupiers to remove all snow and ice from sidewalks and walkways bordering their premises no later than 10 a.m.
- Burnaby: The City of Burnaby requires owners or occupiers of single family, two family, multi-family, industrial, commercial and institutional properties to remove snow and ice from all sidewalks surrounding their property no later than 10 a.m.
- Richmond: The City of Richmond requires residents, business owners and developers to clear sidewalks by 10:00 a.m.
Each city page lists the rules and sources for that municipality. Rules change, so confirm with the municipality.
Winter Road and Weather Resources
Contractors running routes across the Lower Mainland often check DriveBC, the Province's road conditions, closures and highway webcam service, before and during storms, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada weather warnings for their area. Keeping a note of the warnings in effect when you worked is also useful for your snow logs.
Coverage Contractors in the Lower Mainland Ask About
- General liability and slip and fall coverage
- Plow truck insurance and commercial fleet coverage
- Salting and sanding insurance
- Snow removal equipment insurance
- Umbrella liability for contracts with higher limits
Provincial Rules to Know
Read about BC occupiers liability and snow plow insurance in British Columbia. For pricing factors, see how much snow plow insurance costs in BC.
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
Do you connect contractors everywhere in the Lower Mainland?
Yes. We work with licensed BC brokers who serve snow contractors across the region, including smaller towns and rural areas.
Does snow plow insurance cost the same across the Lower Mainland?
No. Price depends on your properties, services, vehicles, revenue and claims history, and local conditions can play a part. A broker can quote your operation.
Is there a charge to be matched with a broker?
No. Matching is free and there is no obligation to buy.