Understanding Burnaby's Snow Removal & Deicing Bylaws: What Property Managers Need to Know
If you manage a commercial, industrial, or strata property in Burnaby, staying compliant with the city’s snow removal bylaw is more than a good practice — it’s legally required. Failing to meet Burnaby’s rules on sidewalk clearing and de-icing can lead to fines, legal liability, and safety hazards.
This guide breaks down what’s in the Burnaby snow removal bylaw, how it applies to property managers, and what you need in your winter service contract to stay protected.
What the Burnaby Snow Removal Bylaw Requires
According to Burnaby’s Street and Traffic Bylaw, property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and adjacent walkways. The most important rules include:
Sidewalks must be cleared by 10 AM the day after a snowfall — even on holidays and weekends.
You must clear to a minimum width of 1.2 meters to allow for safe pedestrian and wheelchair access.
You're also responsible for clearing boulevards and access paths that border your property.
See Burnaby’s official Boulevard Treatment & Maintenance Policy (PDF)
Fines for Non-Compliance
If you fail to meet these sidewalk snow removal standards, the City of Burnaby may issue fines:
| Property Type | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Residential | $100 |
| Multi-unit / Strata | $250 |
| Commercial / Industrial | $400 |
Fines are issued after inspections or complaints. Repeat violations could escalate enforcement — especially in high-traffic areas like Metrotown, Brentwood, or near transit stations.
Why Hire a Snow Removal Contractor in Burnaby
Managing snow removal in-house might seem cost-effective at first, but it comes with significant risk, especially under Burnaby’s strict bylaws. Here’s why most property managers and strata councils in Burnaby choose to hire a professional snow removal company:
1. Guaranteed Bylaw Compliance
A professional contractor understands and follows the City of Burnaby’s Street and Traffic Bylaw, which outlines your legal snow and ice removal responsibilities as a property manager or strata.
Key requirements include:
Clearing sidewalks by 10 AM
Maintaining a 1.2-meter clearance width
Managing adjacent boulevards and public walkways
Applying salt or de-icer before refreezing occurs
2. Reduced Legal Liability
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common winter-related insurance claims. A contractor provides:
Timestamped service logs
Optional photo documentation
GPS-tracked reports and visit history
These records prove that service was performed, giving you strong protection in the event of a claim or lawsuit.
3. 24/7 Weather Monitoring & Dispatch
Snow doesn’t follow a 9–5 schedule. SnowMasters monitor real-time Burnaby forecasts and dispatch crews before storms hit — including overnight and on holidays.
This proactive approach ensures your walkways, parking lots, and ramps are cleared before your tenants or customers arrive.
4. Professional Equipment & Crew
Most properties don’t have access to:
Skid steers, plow trucks, or salt spreaders
Trained crews for hand-shoveling stairs and tight access areas
Eco-friendly de-icing materials
A licensed contractor has the equipment, materials, and manpower to handle anything from light frost to full snowstorms — fast.
5. WorkSafeBC & Insurance Coverage
Snowmasters carries:
$5 million+ in commercial liability insurance
This removes the risk of injuries to employees or tenants, and saves you from having to manage your own team and liability.
SnowMasters — Burnaby’s Snow & Ice Control Experts
At SnowMasters, we specialize in helping property managers and strata councils manage winter responsibilities in Burnaby. Our snow and ice services include:
Scheduled and on-demand snow removal
Sidewalk and boulevard clearing
Salting and de-icing
24/7 dispatch and emergency coverage
Digital service logs and reports
