Shovel early, shovel often: Metro Vancouver snow clearing

It might seem like common sense to shovel the sidewalk outside your home after snow falls, but when, how long you have to do it, and the kinds of fines you face if you don’t, all differ depending on where you live in the Lower Mainland.

As more snow is expected to fall in Metro Vancouver this week, we’re compiling a list of what residents are responsible for in their municipalities.

If you’re unable to clear the snow yourself, pre-arranging with a family member, neighbour, or snow removal service is a good idea. It’s best to shovel early, and shovel often.

Snow Angels Canada is also available to help. For folks who may be unable to clear the snow, municipalities and Snow Angels connect neighbours with each other to help with snow removal.

Related Video:

Abbotsford:

Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and footpaths around property in the City of Abbotsford is up to the resident. If you don’t clear the snow within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling, or ice has formed, residents may be looking at a $200 fine.

Burnaby:

Residents and owners of homes and businesses in Burnaby are responsible for clearing sidewalks in the city by 10 a.m. each day, including holidays. Single-family and two-family homes could be fined $100 if they don’t, with a $250 fine for multi-family homes. Commercial buildings face a $400 fine.

Chilliwack:

Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to private buildings is the responsibility of tenants or owners in the City of Chilliwack. Sidewalks must be cleared by 12 p.m. the day after as snowfall.

Coquitlam:

Property owners in the City of Coquitlam are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks around their properties within 10 hours of when the snow stops falling. Snow also needs to be cleared from roofs where it could fall onto a sidewalk. If owners don’t clear their sidewalks, they may face fines added to their property taxes.

Delta:

Commercial property owners are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks around their businesses in Delta, while the city “asks” residential property tenants and owners to clear the snow from adjacent sidewalks.

Langley city and township:

Residents and owners of properties in the city are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and before it reaches 10 centimetres. In the township, removing snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to residential property is required within 24 hours of snowfall. For commercial property, snow and ice need to be cleared by 10 a.m.

Maple Ridge:

Residential and business occupants in the city are required to clear public sidewalks “as soon as possible” after a snowfall, no later than 10 a.m.

New Westminster:

Property owners and occupants are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks touching their property no later than 10 a.m. the day after a snowfall. The full width of the sidewalk should be cleared from all snow and ice. Sodium-based products, including rock salt and table salt, are discouraged as it can damage the sidewalk surface.

Related Video:

North Vancouver:

Residents and business owners in the City of North Vancouver are responsible for clearing walkways around their properties. It is supposed to be done within 24 hours of the snowfall and includes applying de-icer or salt. Residents of homes and businesses in the district must clear snow within 24 hours, and like the city, apply salt or de-icer. Folks who don’t clear sidewalks in front of their home by 10 a.m. face fines of $150.

Pitt Meadows:

All residential and business occupants are required to clear public sidewalks near their properties as soon as possible, and no later than 10 a.m. During heavy snowfalls, residents are asked to consider offering help to neighbours. If you don’t clear your sidewalks, you might be looking at a $100 fine.

Port Coquitlam:

Property owners are expected to clear ice and snow off adjacent public sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall, and no later than 10 a.m. Residents are asked to pile the snow on the left side (facing the home) of their driveways. If you fail to clear the sidewalk of snow, you could receive a $150 fine.

Port Moody:

Residents and businesses in Port Moody must clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snow falling, but if you’re located on a “pedestrian priority route” you must have it cleared by 10 a.m. If you don’t keep your sidewalk clear, you might get a fine of $100. Failure to remove snow or ice from a Priority Pedestrian Route may result in a fine of $100 for the first offence, and up to $500 for any recurrences.

Richmond:

All residential, commercial, and industrial occupiers and owners are required to clear snow around their property by 10 a.m. after a snowfall. If you don’t, you’re looking at a $70 fine.

Surrey:

All Surrey residents and businesses are required to clear snow from their adjacent sidewalks by 10 a.m. after a snowfall. If you don’t, residences might be hit with a $50 fine, while businesses could be on the hook for $75.

Vancouver:

Snow has to be shovelled onto your property, off sidewalks and away from roads by 10 a.m. after a snowfall. Fines in the city can range from $250 up to $800 for failure to clear snow.

West Vancouver:

Tenants and property owners have to clear sidewalks around their homes or businesses of snow and ice within 24 hours in West Vancouver. Not doing so might lead to a $45 fine.

White Rock:

Residents and businesses have to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property by 10 a.m. following a snowfall. If you don’t clear your sidewalk, the city could hand you a fine of $100, escalating up to $2,000. Ouch.

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