In Vancouver, snowfall might not seem as intense as in other parts of Canada—but the freeze-thaw cycle here is dangerous. Parking lots that aren’t cleared and de-iced properly become liability traps, and the financial risk can be higher than most property owners realize.

If you manage or own commercial property, here’s why a single patch of untreated ice can cost you far more than the price of proper snow service.

Slips and Falls Aren’t Minor Incidents

A single fall can result in:

• Tens of thousands in medical claims
• Lost wages lawsuits
• Legal action against the property owner and manager
• Spikes in insurance premiums
• Public records of negligence

In British Columbia, occupiers’ liability law places a clear responsibility on property owners to maintain safe walking conditions. If your lot isn’t salted and cleared—especially in high-traffic areas—you could be found negligent.

Insurance Won’t Cover Everything

Many property owners assume their liability policy will protect them fully. It won’t.

If your insurer finds out there was no documentation of snow clearing or ice control, or that you used an unlicensed contractor without proper coverage, you may be on the hook for some—or all—of the damages.

You’re also likely to see future premium increases, loss of coverage, or added policy conditions.

Reputation Damage Is Just as Costly

Beyond the legal risk, there’s the reputational impact:

• Tenants lose trust in your ability to manage the property
• Visitors or customers stop returning
• Internal teams or building staff lose confidence
• Your name shows up in public case searches

Professional property managers don’t just think about this year—they think about resale value, long-term relationships, and tenant retention. A serious slip claim can damage all of the above.

Prevention Is Cheaper Than Reaction

Hiring a snow removal company that handles both clearing and de-icing isn’t an expense—it’s insurance against everything listed above.

A proper snow and ice service includes:

• Pre-storm salting
• Post-snowfall plowing and melt management
• Walkway and curb treatments
• Documentation and time-stamped service logs
• Full commercial insurance coverage

If your current provider doesn’t offer these, or you’re managing snow reactively, you’re exposed.

Make Winter Safety a Policy, Not a Hope

Whether you manage an office park, retail plaza, condo complex, or industrial site—slippery conditions aren’t just a weather issue. They’re a professional risk.

At Vancouver Snow Plowing, we specialize in keeping commercial lots safe, clear, and fully documented. Our salt and ice control services are built for liability prevention—not guesswork.

Let us show you what proactive winter risk management actually looks like.

Contact us today to get a quote or schedule a free site review.