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Snow clearance in Metro Vancouver

Snow removal firms and roofers.

25 pros in Metro Vancouver

Snow clearance in Vancouver is mostly about the sidewalk. The City says property owners and occupants must clear all snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalk in front of the property, and alongside it on a corner lot, by 10am each day when there is snow or freezing temperatures. Missing that deadline can bring a fine. The City also says its by-laws contain no requirement to clear snow from private property, so a driveway or roof is your choice, not a legal duty. City crews focus on major roads, bus routes, emergency access routes, bridges, viaducts and school routes, and they do not cover residential side streets except on priority routes, or most laneways. That means you may need to arrange your own clearing. Before you hire, ask whether the crew will clear the full sidewalk width, including the side of a corner lot, and whether they can arrive early enough to meet the 10am deadline. Ask what the service covers: driveway, sidewalk, roof, or all three. Also ask whether they will keep nearby storm drains clear of snow.

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What to know in Metro Vancouver

  • BC Hydro says connecting a generator to house wiring requires a CSA-approved transfer switch installed under an electrical permit. The transfer switch and generator must then be inspected and approved by the local authority.

    BC Hydro (source, opens in a new tab)

Before you hire

  1. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Metro Vancouver

Do I have to clear snow from my driveway in Vancouver?

The City of Vancouver says its by-laws contain no requirement to clear snow from private property, residential or commercial. The legal duty applies to the public sidewalk in front of your property. Clearing a driveway is your choice, so decide what you want covered before you ask for a quote. City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

When does my sidewalk need to be cleared?

In Vancouver, owners and occupants must clear snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalk in front of their property, and alongside it on a corner lot, each day by 10am when there is snow or freezing temperatures. If you hire help, confirm they can finish before that time. City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

Will the City plow my residential street or lane?

Not usually. The City's snow response does not include residential side streets, except on priority routes, or laneways unless needed for City collection. Its priorities are major roads, bus routes, emergency access routes, bridges, viaducts and school routes. Ask a contractor whether they can reach your driveway when the street is unplowed. City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow clearing quote include?

Ask for the areas covered, such as driveway, sidewalk or roof, and when the crew will arrive after snowfall. Ask how they charge, whether they are insured, and how they handle ice. Get it in writing so you can compare quotes on the same terms.

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