Winter in the City: Navigating Commercial Snow Removal in Toronto

Shifting Nature of Winter

As Canadian winters become increasingly unpredictable, snow removal has never been more complex. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, bringing more freeze-thaw cycles, heavier snowfall in short bursts, and more frequent ice events. For commercial property owners in urban hubs like Toronto, these shifts demand a strategic, compliant, and responsive approach to winter maintenance.

Toronto presents a unique snow management challenge due to its urban density, proximity to Lake Ontario, and a regulatory environment with high expectations for accessibility and safety. For commercial property managers, understanding these city-specific dynamics is crucial to stay ahead of both operational risks and liability, while ensuring tenants have safe access when the temperature drops.

Lake-Effect Snow: A Toronto-Specific Wild Card

Toronto's position on Lake Ontario means it's regularly affected by lake-effect snow, a natural phenomena where narrow bands of intense snowfall can lead to dramatically different accumulations across short distances. With warming lake temperatures, this adds a level of unpredictability to snow events and requires a dynamic approach to snow readiness, especially for properties spread across multiple areas across the city.

Urban Density and Snow Storage Constraints

With limited green space and tight road allowances, commercial sites in downtown Toronto often face major challenges when it comes to storing plowed snow. This frequently necessitates snow hauling and disposal, which significantly increases operational costs and timelines.

Strathmore regularly works with our Toronto-based commercial clients to plan and manage where snow is stored and how it is removed to minimize disruption while ensuring access and minimizing risks to the property or tenants.  

Toronto’s Regulations: What Commercial Owners Need to Know

Given Toronto’s unique climate and urban density, there are many guidelines and regulations in place that commercial property owners and managers need to be aware of: 

• Municipal Code Chapter 719 requires property owners or managers to clear adjacent sidewalks of snow and ice within 12 hours after a snowfall ends. Fines begin at $135.

• The city clears sidewalks in many areas, but only when accumulation exceeds 2 cm. In lower snowfalls, the obligation shifts entirely to property owners. Strathmore provides our clients with a zero-tolerance snow removal policy. 

• Pushing snow onto city streets or obstructing public walkways is prohibited, with potential liability for damages or injury.

• During major storms, the city may implement full snow removal (loading and hauling), which may impact traffic and access to loading docks, entrances, or parking lots.

Transit and Pedestrian Pressure

Commercial buildings near transit corridors or major pedestrian zones must plan for higher service expectations. Snow and ice accumulation at entrances, curb cuts, bike lanes, and transit stops can pose not only safety issues but brand and tenant satisfaction risks.

Environmental Pressures: Smart Salt Strategies

With mounting concern over salt use and environmental runoff, Toronto is encouraging sustainable salting practices. Overuse of salt can damage landscaping, corrode infrastructure, and attract fines if runoff enters storm systems. That’s why Strathmore applies a scientific approach to salt-use. You can read more about our salt-science in a recent blog post.  

Understanding Your Legal Duty as a Commercial Property Owner

In Toronto, commercial property owners are responsible for keeping walkways, parking lots, and access points safe and clear. Under Ontario law, you have a duty to maintain a safe environment for tenants, customers, and visitors. If someone slips and falls due to inadequate snow or ice removal, you could be held liable for injury-related claims.

Clear documentation and timely maintenance are your first line of defense. This includes tracking when snow and ice are cleared, where salt or brine was applied, and how contractors respond during and after a storm.

Working with a reliable, insured snow contractor who understands the city's bylaws and service level expectations is essential. If your contractor fails to comply, liability still falls on you as the property owner.

How Toronto Commercial Property Owners Can Prepare:

1. Contract Strategically: Ensure snow removal partners understand Toronto’s thresholds and bylaws and that they have the equipment and trained teams to execute effectively.

2. Budget for Hauling: In areas with no snow storage, include hauling in your winter budget.

3. Inspect Liability Zones: Focus on entrances, sidewalks, crosswalks, and parking areas.

4. Document Everything: Keep records of snow clearing, salting, and contractor activity to reduce liability risk.

Don’t Get Left In the Cold

At Strathmore, we understand the unique aspects of Toronto winters. From real-time storm monitoring to responsible salting and full snow hauling services, we help commercial property owners plan so they can be prepared and protected for winter’s unpredictability. 

Ready to build a plan that’s both compliant and cost-effective? Contact Strathmore today and experience the Strathmore Standard for yourself.