Who Is Responsible for Clearing Snow from Sidewalks?

Snow and ice on sidewalks create a serious safety hazard for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and anyone pushing a stroller. Despite the sidewalk being public property, the responsibility for clearing it often falls on the adjacent property owner or occupier—not the municipality. Understanding who must clear, when, and how thoroughly is essential to avoid fines and reduce slip-and-fall risks.

Most local bylaws set a specific deadline after a snowfall ends, typically between 10 a.m. and noon the following day. The exact details vary by municipality, so the first step is always to check your local bylaw. In the meantime, this guide explains the general principles that apply across many areas, including definitions, property-type differences, and enforcement.

a homeowner clearing a full-width sidewalk with a snow shovel, piling snow onto the lawn, not the road

Owner and Occupier Responsibilities

Definition of Owner or Occupier

Under most snow and ice clearing bylaws, the person responsible is referred to as the “owner or occupier” of the property. The owner is the registered property holder, but responsibility can also fall on the occupier—the person who has possession and control of the premises. This could be a tenant, a business operator, or a property manager, depending on the arrangement.

If you rent, the exact obligation often depends on the type of rental. For a single-family home, the tenant is usually responsible unless the lease states otherwise. In multi-unit buildings, the landlord typically handles exterior maintenance including snow clearing. We strongly recommend reviewing your lease or rental agreement to confirm who is assigned this duty.

Clearing Requirements: Full Width, Snow and Ice Removal

Bylaws generally require that the full width of the sidewalk be cleared—not just a narrow walking path. This means removing snow and ice from edge to edge, including any slush that may refreeze. A partially cleared sidewalk can still block wheelchair access and force pedestrians onto the road.

Ice removal is equally important. After shovelling, apply sand or a suitable de-icer to improve traction. If ice is packed and cannot be removed, break it up or treat it so it is safe for foot traffic. Failure to clear the full width or address ice can result in a bylaw violation.

a close-up of a cleared sidewalk with bare concrete, showing a path wide enough for a wheelchair and no ice patches

Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw Requirements

Deadline for Clearing After Snowfall

The most common deadline across municipalities is to clear sidewalks by a set time the morning after a snowfall ends. This is often 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., though some areas allow up to 12 hours for residential properties. The clock usually starts when the snow has stopped falling, not when it begins.

For example, if snow ends at 9 p.m., you may have until 10 a.m. the next day. If it snows overnight and stops at 6 a.m., you likely have until 10 a.m. the same morning. Always verify the exact deadline in your local bylaw, as some areas require clearing “as soon as possible” after accumulation.

Prohibited Practices: Avoiding Obstruction

When clearing snow, never push or shovel it onto the roadway. This creates a hazard for vehicles and can block catch basins, leading to flooding when the snow melts. Most bylaws specifically prohibit depositing snow on streets or public sidewalks.

You also must avoid covering fire hydrants, utility boxes, or catch basins with snow. Keep the area around these features clear so emergency crews and drainage systems can function properly. Additionally, do not block pedestrian access with piled snow—create a clear, continuous path along the sidewalk.

Responsibilities by Property Type

Single-Family Homes: Homeowners and Tenants

In a single-family home, the owner is usually responsible for clearing the sidewalk adjacent to the property. However, if the home is rented, the tenant may become the “occupier” and assume this duty, especially if they rent the entire house. Check the lease: if it does not mention snow clearing, provincial residential tenancy guidelines often state that the tenant is generally responsible for a whole-house rental.

If you are a tenant and your landlord expects you to clear snow, confirm this in writing. If you are a landlord, you cannot simply assume the tenant will do it—you may still be liable if the sidewalk is not cleared and someone is injured. Clear communication and a written agreement protect both parties.

Multi-Unit Buildings: Landlords vs. Tenants

In buildings with multiple rental units, the landlord is almost always responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, and other common areas. This is because these areas are considered common property maintained by the landlord. Tenants in multi-unit buildings should not be expected to clear snow unless there is a separate, compensated agreement.

Landlords who fail to clear common areas can face bylaw fines and potential liability if a tenant or visitor slips and falls. We recommend that landlords arrange for snow clearing services in advance of winter weather to ensure deadlines are met.

Strata and Condominium Complexes

For strata and condominium properties, the strata corporation is responsible for clearing sidewalks and all common property. This is one of the services covered by strata fees. The strata council may hire a contractor or assign the task to a caretaker, but the legal obligation rests with the corporation.

Individual unit owners are not responsible for clearing sidewalks outside the strata’s common property. However, if you own a townhouse with a private walkway that is not common property, you may have your own clearing duty. Check your strata’s bylaws and maintenance plan.

Commercial Properties and Businesses

For commercial properties, the owner or business operator who occupies the space must ensure sidewalks are cleared. If a business leases its premises, the lease may assign snow clearing to either the landlord or the tenant. Many small businesses negotiate this clause, but regardless of the lease, it is in the business’s best interest to keep its entrance and adjacent sidewalk safe for customers.

A slippery sidewalk or icy entrance can deter customers and expose the business to liability. Even if the landlord is technically responsible, a business should not wait for them—take action to maintain a safe, accessible storefront.

a city worker operating a small sidewalk plow on a public sidewalk, with a residential sidewalk in the background still covered in snow

Municipal Role and Enforcement

City Clearing of Public Sidewalks

Municipalities are generally responsible for clearing sidewalks on primary roads, in front of city-owned properties, and along major transit routes. Residential sidewalks are usually not cleared by the city; that responsibility falls on the adjacent property owner or occupier. This is a common point of confusion: the sidewalk is public, but the duty to clear it is private.

After a snowfall, municipal crews prioritize arterial roads, bus routes, and emergency access. Residential side streets and their sidewalks may not be plowed at all unless snow accumulation exceeds a certain threshold. Do not assume the city will clear your sidewalk—check your local service standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If a complaint is made about an uncleared sidewalk, a bylaw enforcement officer will investigate. They may issue an order to comply, giving the property owner or occupier a short window (often 8 hours) to clear the sidewalk. If the work is still not done, the city may hire a contractor to clear it and add the cost plus administrative fees to the property owner’s tax bill.

Municipalities can also issue fines for non-compliance. The amount varies, but repeated offences can lead to higher penalties. Beyond fines, failure to clear snow can expose you to civil liability if someone is injured, which can be far more costly.

Liability and Reporting

Slip and Fall Liability: Who May Be Held Responsible

When someone slips and falls on an uncleared sidewalk, determining liability can be complex. In many jurisdictions, municipalities are not liable for snow or ice on sidewalks unless they were grossly negligent in their maintenance. However, the adjacent property owner or occupier may be held liable if they failed to meet the bylaw deadline or created a hazard, such as draining water onto the sidewalk that freezes.

Businesses are particularly at risk: courts have held them responsible for unsafe conditions on sidewalks that provide access to their premises. The key is to act reasonably—clear the sidewalk within the required time and address ice to prevent foreseeable injuries.

With more than 30 years of combined experience in exterior property maintenance, our team understands how quickly snow and ice can create hazards on walkways.

How to Report an Uncleared Sidewalk

If you encounter a sidewalk that has not been cleared after the bylaw deadline, you can report it to your local municipality. Most cities accept complaints online, by phone, or through a mobile app. Provide the exact address and a description of the issue, including whether it is snow, ice, or both.

For injury claims against a municipality, there may be a short written notice period—often 10 days from the incident—so act quickly if you are injured. For property owners, being proactive and clearing before the deadline is the best way to avoid complaints and liability.

Additional Snow Clearing Considerations

Clearing Around Fire Hydrants and Catch Basins

Many snow clearing bylaws require property owners to keep fire hydrants and catch basins clear of snow. A buried hydrant can delay emergency response, and a blocked catch basin can cause flooding when snow melts. Clear a reasonable area around these features so they remain visible and functional.

For catch basins, shovel snow away from the grate and keep the path of water flow open. This is especially important during freeze-thaw cycles. If the catch basin is on your property, you are likely responsible for this maintenance.

a fire hydrant surrounded by cleared snow, with a three-foot clear area accessible from the sidewalk

Safety and Accessibility

Preventing Injuries and Ensuring Pedestrian Access

A cleared sidewalk is not just a legal requirement—it is a matter of public safety and accessibility. Wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, parents with strollers, and elderly pedestrians all rely on clear, full-width sidewalks. A partially cleared path can force them into the road, which is dangerous.

Use salt or sand to provide traction on icy patches, and re-check the sidewalk after the sun melts snow that may refreeze overnight. If you cannot clear the sidewalk yourself, arrange for someone to do it for you well before the deadline. The goal is to ensure anyone can pass safely at any time.

Conclusion: Know Your Duties and Act Responsibly

Sidewalk snow clearing is rarely the city’s job in residential areas—it is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner or occupier. Understanding the specific bylaw deadline, clearing the full width, and avoiding prohibited practices like pushing snow onto the road are essential. Responsibilities vary by property type, with landlords, stratas, and businesses each having distinct duties.

We encourage you to check your local bylaw today, confirm who is responsible at your property, and make a plan before the next snowfall. A safe, accessible sidewalk protects everyone. If you see an uncleared sidewalk after the deadline, report it to your municipality—and if you need professional exterior maintenance, we are here to help.