Liability for Businesses Who Don’t Clear Snow in a Timely Manner in Edmonton, Alberta: A Guide by Gateway Builders

Winter in Edmonton brings snow, ice, and cold temperatures that create beautiful winter landscapes but also pose significant risks for businesses. As snow accumulates and ice forms on walkways, the responsibility of keeping commercial properties safe falls on business owners. Failing to clear snow and ice in a timely manner not only puts the public at risk but also exposes businesses to legal liabilities and financial penalties.

At Gateway Builders, we specialize in commercial snow removal and understand the importance of maintaining clear and safe walkways. In this blog, we’ll outline the legal obligations for businesses in Edmonton regarding snow removal and the potential consequences of neglecting these duties.

Why Timely Snow Removal is Crucial

In Edmonton, snow and ice can accumulate quickly, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and motorists. Slippery sidewalks and icy parking lots increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which can lead to serious injuries. When this happens on a commercial property, the business owner may be held legally liable for any resulting damages.

Moreover, under Edmonton’s Community Standards Bylaw (Bylaw 14600), property owners are required to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks bordering their properties within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling. This means that businesses must act quickly to keep their sidewalks and entrances clear, or they risk facing fines, lawsuits, or insurance claims.

Legal Responsibilities for Snow Removal

In Edmonton, both residential and commercial property owners have legal obligations when it comes to snow removal. For businesses, these responsibilities are even more significant, as failure to comply can result in costly legal consequences.

Here’s what businesses need to know:

Clear Snow Within 24 Hours: According to the city’s bylaws, businesses must remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. This applies to both the main entrance and any additional access points, including side or rear entrances that are used by employees or customers.
Maintain Parking Lots and Walkways: In addition to public sidewalks, businesses are responsible for ensuring their private parking lots and walkways are clear of snow and ice. Keeping these areas safe reduces the risk of accidents and liability claims.
De-Icing and Sanding: In particularly icy conditions, businesses should take extra measures to reduce the risk of slips and falls by applying salt, sand, or other de-icing products. These products provide better traction and prevent ice from forming or bonding to the pavement.

The Risks of Failing to Clear Snow

When businesses fail to remove snow in a timely manner, they open themselves up to a range of legal and financial risks, including:

Personal Injury Claims: If someone slips and falls on an icy or snow-covered sidewalk outside your business, you could be held liable for any injuries they sustain. This could lead to costly personal injury claims, which may involve medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Alberta’s laws allow injured parties to sue property owners for negligence if they believe the business did not take reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment.
Fines from the City: In Edmonton, failure to comply with the 24-hour snow removal rule can result in fines. The city may issue warnings first, but continued neglect could lead to penalties. The city may also clear the snow and ice for you and send you the bill for the service.
Insurance Premium Increases: Failing to clear snow can increase the risk of accidents, leading to higher insurance claims. This can result in rising insurance premiums for your business. Additionally, repeated claims may cause your insurer to reconsider your coverage terms or even deny future claims related to snow removal.
Damage to Reputation: In today’s highly competitive business environment, reputation matters. Failing to provide a safe environment for your customers and employees can harm your reputation, leading to negative reviews and a potential loss of business.

Key Cases of Liability for Snow Neglect

Several court cases in Alberta have highlighted the importance of timely snow removal. Businesses that fail to clear snow and ice have been successfully sued by individuals who were injured as a result of unsafe conditions. In these cases, courts have consistently ruled that property owners have a duty to take reasonable care in maintaining their premises. Businesses that are found negligent in their snow removal efforts often face costly legal settlements.

For example, in the case of Ford v. Weber (2018), a pedestrian sued a business after slipping on an icy sidewalk that had not been properly cleared. The court ruled in favor of the injured party, citing the business’s failure to comply with local snow removal regulations. The settlement included compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering, which ultimately cost the business thousands of dollars.

Best Practices for Snow and Ice Removal

To avoid the risks and liabilities associated with snow removal, businesses should implement the following best practices:

Hire a Professional Snow Removal Service: Partnering with a professional snow removal service, like Gateway Builders, ensures that your property is maintained throughout the winter. Our team will clear your sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with Edmonton’s bylaws and reducing the risk of accidents.
Develop a Snow Removal Plan: Have a clear plan in place for snow removal, including designated areas for snow storage, application of de-icing agents, and regular inspections of walkways and parking lots.
Monitor Weather Forecasts: Keep an eye on the weather to anticipate snowstorms and prepare accordingly. Being proactive ensures that your business is ready to clear snow as soon as it falls.
Document Snow Removal Efforts: Keep records of when snow removal is performed, what steps are taken, and any issues that arise. In the event of an injury claim, these records can serve as proof that you took reasonable steps to maintain the safety of your property.

Gateway Builders: Your Snow Removal Experts

At Gateway Builders, we understand that keeping up with snow removal during Edmonton’s harsh winters can be challenging. That’s why we offer reliable and comprehensive commercial snow removal services to ensure your business remains compliant, safe, and accessible.

Our team is equipped with the right tools and expertise to handle even the toughest winter conditions, and we’re dedicated to keeping your property clear of snow and ice all season long. Whether you need regular snow removal or one-time service, Gateway Builders is here to help.

Conclusion

The risks associated with not clearing snow and ice in a timely manner are significant, but they are avoidable. By staying proactive, adhering to local bylaws, and working with a trusted snow removal service like Gateway Builders, your business can stay safe and protected from the liabilities that winter weather can bring.

Contact us today to learn more about our snow removal services and how we can help your business maintain a safe and snow-free environment this winter.