Condo Snow Removal in Toronto: 5 Mistakes to Avoid This Winter
Winter in Toronto is no stranger to heavy snow, icy sidewalks, and unpredictable weather. For condominium boards and property managers, the season comes with added responsibilities: keeping residents safe, maintaining compliance with city bylaws, and ensuring that snow removal services are effective and reliable.
A poorly managed snow plan can lead to costly mistakes. These missteps often result in liability claims, frustrated residents, and damage to the property. To help you prepare, here are five common mistakes to avoid when arranging condo snow removal in Toronto this winter.
Related Article: Top 7 Mistakes Businesses Make with Snow and Ice Management
Mistake 1: Hiring a Snow Removal Contractor Without Proper Screening
One of the most significant errors condo boards make is rushing into a contract without thoroughly vetting the commercial snow removal provider. While choosing the cheapest bid might look appealing, it often comes at the expense of service quality, compliance, and reliability.
Why This Matters
A contractor without proper insurance or certification can put your condo corporation at serious financial risk. If a resident slips and falls on an untreated walkway, the liability may fall back on the condo board if the contractor was not adequately insured.
How to Avoid It
Before hiring, request:
- A valid Certificate of Insurance with at least $5 million in commercial general liability coverage.
- Proof of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) clearance.
- References from other condominium properties of similar size and complexity.
- An outline of their equipment, including backup machines for unexpected breakdowns.
In Toronto, where snowfall can vary dramatically week to week, reliability is key. A reputable snow removal company, such as Green Side Up Contracting, provides full documentation upfront and operates with clear service standards.
Mistake 2: Failing to Define Service Levels and Response Times
Another major oversight is leaving expectations vague. Snow removal is more than simply plowing a driveway; condos require tailored services for sidewalks, visitor parking, loading docks, and rooftop terraces. Without clearly defined service levels, disputes are almost guaranteed.
Why This Matters
Snow and ice buildup can create dangerous slip-and-fall conditions within hours. If your contractor doesn’t commit to a specific estimated time of arrival after a storm, delays can leave residents stranded and increase liability risks.
How to Avoid It
- Define trigger depths (for example, plowing after 5 cm of snow accumulation).
- Set service timelines (e.g., clearing to begin within 2 hours of snowfall ending).
- Establish priority zones: entrances, fire routes, and sidewalks cleared first.
- Ensure 24/7 availability, including overnight storms and statutory holidays.
By outlining precise service expectations in your contract, you eliminate confusion and help keep your property consistently safe during the winter months.
Related Article: How to Audit Your Property for Winter Safety Before the First Snowfall
Mistake 3: Ignoring Ice Management and De-Icing Strategies
Many condo boards mistakenly believe that snow removal alone is enough. In reality, most slip-and-fall claims arise not from uncleared snow, but from hidden ice patches that form after melting and refreezing.
Why This Matters
In Toronto, temperatures often fluctuate between thaw and freeze cycles. Without proactive de-icing, black ice can form quickly, creating invisible hazards. Relying solely on reactive salting after an incident occurs is both risky and costly.
How to Avoid It
- Confirm what de-icing materials will be used (rock salt, sand, liquid brine, or eco-friendly alternatives).
- Ask where and how these materials are stored. Under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, salt must be stored safely to prevent runoff.
- Schedule pre-treatment applications before forecasted storms to prevent ice from bonding to pavement.
- Keep logs of all applications and weather conditions.
By addressing ice proactively, you extend pavement life, reduce insurance claims, and keep residents safe.
Mistake 4: Overlooking Communication With Residents
Even the best snow removal plan can cause frustration if residents don’t know what to expect. Many condos fail to communicate their snow policies effectively, leading to misunderstandings and avoidable complaints.
Why This Matters
Snow operations often require temporary parking bans, balcony drain checks, or rerouted foot traffic during heavy clearing. Without clear communication, residents may unknowingly block plows or pile snow in the wrong areas.
How to Avoid It
- Share your snow policy every October through email, lobby notices, and your property app.
- Provide a hotline or designated contact for icy spots so issues are logged and addressed quickly.
- Review weekly reports from the snow removal contractor and share key updates with residents.
- Encourage residents to report problem areas early, reducing the chance of systemic issues.
Open communication builds trust and helps residents feel confident that their safety is being prioritized.
Mistake 5: Forgetting About Long-Term Documentation and Compliance
Finally, one of the most overlooked mistakes is failing to keep proper records. Snow logs, invoices, and weather reports may seem tedious, but they are essential when defending against liability claims.
Why This Matters
Toronto’s winter liability laws require property owners and managers to demonstrate due diligence. If a slip-and-fall lawsuit arises, the first request will be for maintenance logs. Without documentation, courts often side against the property.
How to Avoid It
- Require contractors to provide detailed service logs, including time, date, conditions, and actions taken.
- Archive records for at least three years, a sensible minimum in case claims surface later.
- Ensure photos are taken of cleared areas, particularly after significant storms.
- Verify compliance with Toronto municipal bylaws on snow removal timelines, which require sidewalks to be cleared within 12 hours after snowfall ends.
By keeping thorough records, your condo board protects itself against disputes and demonstrates full compliance with city requirements.
Beyond Avoiding Mistakes: Building a Proactive Snow Removal Plan
Avoiding these five mistakes is a strong start, but proactive planning takes things further. A comprehensive condo snow removal plan should:
- Incorporate annual reviews of contractor performance.
- Budget for equipment upgrades and eco-friendly de-icing alternatives.
- Align with reserve fund studies, ensuring that snow management costs are properly forecasted.
- Include safety audits of the property before the first snowfall.
Investing in a long-term strategy improves safety, preserves the property’s value and reduces unexpected costs.
Related Article: Is De-Icing Enough? When You Need Full-Service Ice Management
Key Takeaways for Toronto Condo Boards
Condo snow removal is more than a seasonal service; it’s a liability safeguard and an investment in resident well-being. The five mistakes to avoid this winter are:
- Hiring contractors without proper vetting.
- Failing to define service levels and timelines.
- Ignoring ice management.
- Overlooking resident communication.
- Neglecting documentation and compliance.
By steering clear of these pitfalls and implementing a proactive plan, condo boards in Toronto can face the winter season with confidence.
Why Choose Professional Snow Removal Services
Partnering with an experienced provider ensures you’re not left scrambling in the middle of a storm. Companies like Green Side Up Contracting, serving the Greater Toronto Area and York Region, deliver comprehensive snow and ice management services backed by proper insurance, trained staff, and reliable equipment. Their proactive approach to snow removal helps condo boards meet both safety and compliance requirements all winter long.
Moving Forward Confidently
Winter doesn’t have to be a headache for Toronto condo boards. By avoiding common mistakes, setting clear expectations, and working with qualified professionals, you can ensure safe walkways, happy residents, and peace of mind all season.
Ready to prepare your condo for the Toronto winter? Contact Green Side Up Contracting today for a free consultation and tailored snow removal plan.