Ottawa's contractors work a huge area, from downtown and Centretown to suburbs like Kanata, Orleans and Barrhaven and the rural wards beyond. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Ottawa (City) station record an average of about 184 cm of snowfall a year, with about 13 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 Ottawa salting, sanding and ice management contractors with licensed Ontario 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 Ontario
In Ontario, the not for profit Smart About Salt Council offers Certified Contractor and Certified Site programs built around training, a self assessment and annual reporting. The Council and Landscape Ontario say certification can help with insurance, but no insurer has confirmed a standard discount, so ask your broker how your insurer views it. Read Smart About Salt and other certifications.
Local Rules for Ice and Sidewalks in Ottawa
Sidewalks. The City of Ottawa clears and treats sidewalks as part of its winter operations.
For contractors. A City of Ottawa brochure says snow plow contractors must hold a City business licence, display an orange plate with a valid annual sticker and carry at least $2 million in insurance, and that depositing snow on public roadways, sidewalks or non-client private property is an offence. Snow plow driveway markers are regulated under s. 4(4) of the Use and Care of Roads By-law.
Municipal rules change. Confirm the current bylaw with the City before relying on it.
Related Coverage in Ottawa
- Snow removal liability insurance in Ottawa
- Plow truck insurance in Ottawa
- 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 Ottawa: Use and Care of Roads By-law; City of Ottawa: Snow plow contractor brochure; City of Ottawa: Snow plowing and clearing; 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa?
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.