Vancouver does not get snow often, but when it does, the city struggles. Snow tends to be wet and heavy, temperatures hover around freezing, and slush turns to ice overnight on sloped streets and sidewalks. Demand for snow removal spikes suddenly, and many contractors are landscapers or property maintenance companies who switch to snow on short notice.
We connect Vancouver snow plow operators and snow removal companies with licensed BC brokers who write this business.
What Snow Contractors in Vancouver Deal With
Surge demand. Few events, but intense ones. Contractors often take on extra sites or subcontractors during a storm. Make sure your coverage and your subcontractors' coverage keep up. See hiring subcontractors safely.
Ice on hills. Slush that refreezes on sloped streets and walkways is a major slip and fall hazard. See salting and sanding insurance and completed operations.
Sidewalk obligations. Vancouver requires property owners and occupants to clear adjacent sidewalks by a set time after snowfall, and many strata and commercial properties hire contractors to do it. See sidewalk snow clearing insurance.
Strata corporations. Strata buildings are major clients, with formal contracts and certificate requirements. See strata snow removal contracts in BC.
ICBC plus private coverage. See ICBC and plow trucks.
Vancouver Snow Removal Insurance Coverage
- Plow truck insurance in Vancouver
- Snow removal liability insurance in Vancouver
- Salting and ice management insurance in Vancouver
- Seasonal snow plow insurance
- Commercial snow blower coverage
Who We Help in Vancouver
- Landscapers adding snow removal
- Condo and strata snow contractors
- Property management snow contractors
- Retail plaza snow contractors
- Snow removal subcontractors
Nearby Areas
We connect contractors across the Lower Mainland, including Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam and Surrey, and up the Sea to Sky corridor.
Local Snow Facts: Vancouver
Snowfall. 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.
Sidewalks. 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. each day when there is snow on sidewalks or freezing temperatures (Street and Traffic By-law 2849, s. 76). The City states a $250 fine for not clearing by 10 a.m., rising to $750 if snow remains more than 24 hours.
Snow on the road. The City directs residents to shovel snow onto their own property, away from the road and sidewalk.
City plowing. The City prioritizes major roads and bus routes, emergency access routes to hospitals, bridges, viaducts and staircases, school routes, key seawall and greenway paths, the most used bike routes, and arterial bus stops and corner ramps. Residential side streets and laneways are not included.
Municipal rules and service levels change. Confirm the current bylaw with the municipality before relying on it.
Sources: City of Vancouver: Snow removal from city streets; Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals
Plan Ahead for the Season
Strata and commercial clients in Vancouver often arrange winter contracts in the fall, well before any snow is forecast. 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 Vancouver landscapers need extra insurance to do snow removal?
Often, yes. Some landscaping policies exclude or limit snow and ice work. Talk to a broker before the first storm, not during it.
Is snow plow insurance worth it in Vancouver with so little snow?
Snow events are infrequent but can produce serious ice hazards and claims, and strata and commercial clients typically require coverage.