Burnaby Snow Removal Bylaws: A Guide for Strata and Commercial Properties

Snow and ice can create serious safety concerns for Burnaby strata buildings, commercial properties, retail plazas, industrial sites, and multi-family complexes. Even when snowfall is limited, freezing temperatures, black ice, wet snow, and overnight refreeze can make sidewalks, entrances, parking lots, ramps, and walkways unsafe.

For property managers, strata councils, business owners, and commercial property operators, winter preparation is not only about clearing snow after it falls. It is about understanding Burnaby’s snow removal bylaws, preparing a winter maintenance plan, and working with a reliable snow removal contractor before winter conditions arrive.

This guide explains what Burnaby property owners and occupiers should know about sidewalk snow removal rules, fines, salting, de-icing, documentation, and winter maintenance planning for strata and commercial properties.

What Burnaby’s Snow Removal Bylaw Requires

In Burnaby, owners and occupiers of single-family, two-family, multi-family, industrial, commercial, and institutional properties are responsible for removing snow and ice from all sidewalks surrounding their property no later than 10:00 a.m. every day, including holidays.

This means that strata buildings, apartment complexes, retail centres, office properties, warehouses, commercial sites, and institutional properties should have a plan in place before the first snowfall.

Burnaby also notes that property owners have until 10:00 a.m. the day following a snowfall to clear snow and ice from sidewalks. If a sidewalk has not been cleared, the City may inspect the property after receiving a complaint.

For property managers and strata councils, this makes early planning important. Waiting until snow is already on the ground can make it harder to arrange reliable service, especially during busy winter weather events.

Burnaby Snow Removal Fines for Non-Compliance

If sidewalks are not cleared, the City of Burnaby may issue fines after inspections or complaints.

Current fine amounts listed by the City include:

• Industrial, commercial, or institutional properties: $400
• Multi-family properties: $250
• Single-family, two-family, and mobile homes: $100

For strata and commercial properties, fines are only one part of the concern. Snow and ice can also create safety risks for residents, tenants, employees, customers, visitors, delivery drivers, contractors, and emergency responders.

A documented winter maintenance plan can help property managers stay ahead of winter conditions, support bylaw compliance, and reduce the risk of unsafe access around the property.

Why Burnaby Strata and Commercial Properties Need a Winter Plan

Burnaby winter conditions can change quickly. A mild rainy day can turn into freezing overnight conditions, and shaded areas may stay icy long after other surfaces have cleared.

This is especially important for properties with:

• Sidewalks surrounding the property
• Building entrances
• Parking lots and drive lanes
• Underground parkade ramps
• Exterior staircases
• Loading zones
• Garbage and recycling areas
• Visitor parking
• High-traffic pedestrian walkways
• North-facing or shaded areas
• Areas with poor drainage
• Sloped vehicle access points

For strata councils and commercial property managers, the goal is not just to clear visible snow. The goal is to maintain safer access, manage ice risk, support Burnaby bylaw requirements, and keep clear records of winter service activity.

A proper plan should be arranged before winter so crews know the property layout, priority areas, access instructions, and service expectations.

Why Salting and De-Icing Matter in Burnaby

Snow removal and ice management should work together. In Burnaby, many winter hazards come from ice rather than deep snow. Wet pavement, compacted snow, black ice, freezing rain, and refreeze can all create slippery conditions.

Salting and de-icing are important for areas such as:

• Sidewalks
• Entrances
• Parkade ramps
• Parking lots
• Drive lanes
• Stairs
• Loading areas
• Garbage and recycling zones
• Walkways used by residents, tenants, customers, and staff

WorkSafeBC identifies ice and water on walking surfaces as common factors that can contribute to slips and falls. For strata and commercial properties, this is why winter maintenance should include both snow clearing and ice management.

For safety and liability reasons, snow removal-only service may not be enough. Clearing snow without addressing ice can leave behind slick surfaces, compacted snow, or refreeze risk after temperatures drop.

What Areas Should Property Managers Review Before Winter?

Before winter begins, property managers and strata councils should review the full property layout and identify which areas need service.

Important areas to review include:

Sidewalks Around the Property

Burnaby’s rules apply to sidewalks surrounding the property, so these should be one of the first areas reviewed. If the property has multiple street frontages, corner lots, long sidewalk sections, or high pedestrian traffic, those areas should be clearly included in the snow removal plan.

Entrances and Common Walkways

Building entrances and common walkways are high-use areas. Snow, ice, and tracked-in moisture can create hazards for residents, tenants, visitors, and staff.

Parking Lots and Drive Lanes

Parking lots and drive lanes need to remain accessible for vehicles, deliveries, garbage collection, emergency access, and daily property use. Snow buildup can reduce parking space, block access, and create icy tire tracks.

Parkade Ramps

Parkade ramps can become dangerous quickly during freezing conditions. Even a thin layer of ice can affect traction on sloped surfaces, especially during early morning or overnight refreeze.

Loading Zones and Garbage Areas

Loading zones, service entrances, and garbage areas are often used by contractors, delivery drivers, building staff, and waste collection vehicles. These areas should not be forgotten in the winter service plan.

Choosing a Contractor for Burnaby Snow and Ice Compliance

Not every contractor is set up for strata and commercial snow removal. Larger properties often require proper equipment, insurance, documentation, communication, and a clear service plan.

Before selecting a winter maintenance contractor, property managers should ask:

• Does the company provide snow removal for strata and commercial properties?
• Do they offer salting and de-icing services?
• Do they use automated dispatch based on winter weather conditions?
• Can they provide before-and-after photos?
• Are service visits time-stamped?
• Can they provide WorkSafeBC clearance?
• Do they carry commercial liability insurance?
• Do they have equipment for sidewalks, parking lots, ramps, and entrances?
• Do they offer monthly or per-push contract options?
• Do they understand Burnaby’s sidewalk clearing requirements?

A professional contractor should help property managers prepare before winter, not just respond after snow becomes a problem.

Why Documentation Matters

Documentation is important for strata councils, commercial property managers, and building owners. If a service question, complaint, or slip-and-fall concern arises, clear records can help show what work was completed and when.

Useful winter service documentation may include:

• Date and time of service
• Weather conditions
• Type of service completed
• Areas serviced
• Before-and-after photos
• Salting or de-icing notes
• Time-stamped service reports
• Contractor invoices
• Property manager communications
• Resident or tenant concerns

For busy strata and commercial properties, proper documentation can help reduce confusion and provide a clearer record of winter maintenance activity.

Need Help Meeting Burnaby Snow and Ice Requirements?

Burnaby strata and commercial properties should have a winter maintenance plan before snow and freezing conditions arrive. SnowMasters provides seasonal snow removal, salting, and de-icing for contracted Burnaby properties that need documented winter service.

For service details, visit our Burnaby snow removal services page for contracted strata and commercial winter maintenance.