Victoria sees snow only occasionally, and the city is not built for it. Steep residential streets, older homes, government buildings, stratas and a busy downtown can all become hazardous quickly when snow or ice arrives.
We connect Victoria snow plow operators and snow removal companies with licensed BC brokers who write this business.
Snow Removal Risks in Victoria
Rare but disruptive events. Contractors must scale up fast. See seasonal snow plow insurance.
Government and institutional sites. Formal requirements and certificates. See institutional snow contractors.
Hills and older properties. Steep driveways and stairs. See slip and fall liability.
Coverage Victoria Contractors Ask About
- General liability with slip and fall coverage
- Plow truck insurance
- Seasonal snow plow insurance
- Salting and sanding insurance
- Sidewalk snow clearing insurance
- ICBC and plow trucks
Who We Help in Victoria
- Landscapers adding snow removal
- Institutional snow contractors
- Condo and strata snow contractors
- Residential snow plow contractors
Nearby Areas
We also connect contractors in Nanaimo, Courtenay and across Vancouver Island.
Local Snow Facts: Victoria
Snowfall. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the nearby Victoria Airport station record an average of about 39 cm of snowfall a year, with about 3 days a year bringing 5 cm or more of new snow.
Sidewalks. The City of Victoria requires owners or occupiers, both businesses and residents, to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk bordering their property by 10 a.m. each day (Streets and Traffic Bylaw). The City lists a fine of $125 per ticketed offence, per day, for not clearing.
Snow on the road. The City directs residents not to place snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways into the roadway or onto neighbours' sidewalks or driveways.
City plowing. First priority is emergency routes, hospital, fire and police access, major arterials, hills and bridge decks. Second priority is streets with senior care and shelter facilities, secondary and collector roads and sensor left turn lanes, and third priority is residential roads, City parking lots, downtown parking spaces and protected bike lanes.
For contractors. On-street parking bays may be used for temporary snow storage after a snowfall.
Municipal rules and service levels change. Confirm the current bylaw with the municipality before relying on it.
Sources: City of Victoria: Snow clearing; City of Victoria: Snow clearance for residents; 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
Do Victoria landscapers need special insurance to clear snow?
Some landscaping policies exclude snow and ice work. Check with a broker before winter.
How much is snow plow insurance in Victoria?
It depends on your property types, services, vehicles, revenue and claims history. A licensed BC broker can quote your specific operation. See how much snow plow insurance costs in BC.