Surrey is one of BC's largest cities by area, with residential neighbourhoods, town centres and industrial lands spread from Whalley to South Surrey and Cloverdale. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the nearby Vancouver International Airport station record an average of about 37 cm of snowfall a year, with about 3 days a year bringing 5 cm or more of new snow. Plowing moves the snow. Ice control is what keeps people from falling after it is gone, and it is the part of the job most often examined after a slip and fall claim.
We connect Surrey salting, sanding and ice management contractors with licensed BC brokers who understand this work.
What Salting and Ice Management Insurance Involves
Contractors who salt, sand or apply liquid de-icers generally want their liability coverage to clearly include that work. Brokers look at:
- Whether ice control is covered under your general liability policy, and on what terms. See salting and sanding insurance.
- Your contracts. Some require application within set times or at set trigger conditions, and some are written as zero tolerance. Tell your broker exactly what you promise.
- Spreaders and storage. Spreaders can be covered under equipment insurance, and salt domes or yards under business property coverage.
- Records. Application logs with times, materials and locations are central to defending a claim.
Ice Control in British Columbia
Salt, sand and liquid anti icing each carry different risks for slips, vehicle damage and property damage. Whatever materials you use, write down what you applied, where and when. Insurers and lawyers look for those records first after an injury claim. The Snow and Ice Management Association also publishes safety training and best practices for the industry. Read snow logs and site documentation.
Local Rules for Ice and Sidewalks in Surrey
Sidewalks. 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. on the day following a snowfall. Highway and Traffic By-law No. 13007 sets the same deadline for commercial, industrial and multi-family properties (s. 80(1)) and for single family and duplex residences (s. 80(2)).
For contractors. The City lists fines for unshovelled sidewalks of $55 per day for residential and $80 per day for business properties, issued after a notice is not complied with. Residents are asked to park off street during snow events.
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Related Coverage in Surrey
- Snow removal liability insurance in Surrey
- Plow truck insurance in Surrey
- Insurance for ice management contractors
- Insurance for salt spreaders
General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy wording; a licensed broker can review your operation.
Sources: City of Surrey: Winter snow and ice control; City of Surrey: Highway and Traffic By-law No. 13007; 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
Is salting covered by a snow plow insurance policy?
Not automatically. Contractors typically confirm that their liability policy clearly includes salting, sanding and ice control, and tell their broker how they apply materials and what their contracts require.
Do zero tolerance contracts affect insurance in Surrey?
They can, because they set a high standard you are promising to meet. Share the contract terms with your broker. See zero tolerance contracts.
What records should I keep for salting in Surrey?
Log the date, time, location, material and amount for every application, with weather notes and photos where you can. See our snow removal log template.