How should my Strata handle snow removal?

This subject seems to come up every December or January, when we get our first snowfall of the year! Sure, it may only last a week or two, but it seems to cause instant chaos regardless!

Most strata corporations throughout the lower mainland decide what to do about snow when they set their budget for the AGM, then will sign a contract if they decide to go that route in August or September.

The options for snow removal are as follows:

1. Hire a snow removal company on a contract for salting and snow removal. They will charge you a fee every time in hits 2 degrees to come out and salt, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind! Depending on the snow volume that year, this option can run you for $3000 to $10,000.  
2. Pay as you go, meaning that you call someone to come out and shovel if and when the snow flies. This option can be great IF you have a personal connection, but generally speaking you will be the back of the line as first priority will always go to the strata buildings with signed contracts.
3. Volunteers. You can have someone or multiple people volunteer to be on call when needed. The problem with this one is that your insurer MAY not love it, and people can be pretty unreliable. What if they’re away, at work, etc? Then who fills in?
4. Building manager. If you’re large enough to have a building manager, this can be a great option. But what about for those smaller buildings with no one on duty?

As you can see, if you’re on Council and thinking about your snow plans for the year, there are a few options. Just be sure to plan in advance, and don’t leave it up to chance or you’ll be receiving tickets and fines from the municipalities, trust us! They hate it when buildings leave their sidewalks covered in snow and ice.

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