When winter arrives in Calgary, snow and ice quickly become more than just seasonal inconveniences — they can turn your driveway or walkway into a serious hazard. Snow-covered driveways and icy conditions often lead to slip-and-fall accidents that result in painful injuries and costly medical bills. But when such incidents happen, one major question arises: what counts as “reasonable” winter maintenance, and who’s legally responsible for keeping these areas safe?
At Grover Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers help Alberta residents understand their rights after winter-related accidents and hold negligent property owners accountable.
Understanding the Duty of Care in Winter Conditions
Under Alberta’s premises liability laws, property owners — whether residential or commercial — have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, tenants, and passersby. This duty extends to winter maintenance, including snow removal, ice management, and de-icing.
Failing to take reasonable steps to maintain your driveway, walkway, or parking lot can expose you to liability if someone slips and suffers an injury. But “reasonable” doesn’t mean perfect; it means taking timely, proactive, and effective action to minimize risks.
What Does “Reasonable” Snow Removal Look Like?
The courts assess winter maintenance based on whether the property owner acted as a reasonable person would under similar conditions. Some examples of reasonable maintenance include:
- Prompt snow shovelling after a storm or heavy snowfall
- Using salt, sand, or de-icing agents to reduce ice buildup
- Ensuring driveways and sidewalks are cleared within the time required by city bylaws
- Inspecting high-traffic areas regularly for re-freezing
- Removing snow piles that block visibility or drain improperly, causing ice patches
For example, the City of Calgary requires residents to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Failing to comply may not only lead to city fines but also potential civil liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
When Is a Property Owner Liable?
A homeowner or property owner may be found liable for a slip-and-fall accident if:
- They failed to clear snow or ice in a timely manner.
- They used unsafe or ineffective methods (like excessive water that later froze).
- They ignored known hazards, such as an icy patch that refreezes daily.
- Their driveway design or drainage contributes to repeated ice formation.
Even if someone is partially at fault (for example, walking carelessly in unsafe footwear), Alberta’s comparative negligence law allows victims to recover compensation, though it may be reduced proportionally to their share of fault.
What About Snow Removal Contractors?
Many homeowners and businesses hire professional snow removal services to handle winter maintenance. However, hiring a contractor doesn’t automatically eliminate your liability.
You may still be responsible if:
- You failed to monitor whether the contractor performed the job properly.
- You knew about dangerous conditions and did nothing.
- The contractor’s negligence caused the hazard but you failed to supervise or verify completion.
In such cases, liability can be shared between the property owner and the snow removal company.
How Courts Evaluate Winter Maintenance Cases
Courts consider several factors when deciding whether a property owner met their duty of care, including:
- Weather reports and timing: Did the owner act promptly after the snowfall?
- Maintenance logs: Are there records of snow removal or salting?
- Location and use: High-traffic areas (like apartment entrances or driveways) require higher care.
- Known hazards: Were icy spots or uneven surfaces ignored despite previous incidents?
The standard is not perfection — it’s reasonableness. For instance, if freezing rain falls immediately after a driveway is cleared, the owner might not be negligent for the temporary hazard, provided they take follow-up steps once conditions allow.
Common Causes of Driveway and Sidewalk Accidents
Even with regular maintenance, several factors can make snow-covered driveways hazardous:
- Uneven pavement or cracks hidden beneath the snow
- Poor drainage leading to ice formation overnight
- Improper snow pile placement causing runoff to freeze
- Failure to use sand or salt on slippery surfaces
- Neglecting front steps or walkways leading to entrances
When these conditions are ignored, serious slip-and-fall injuries can occur — including fractures, concussions, and back injuries that may take months or years to heal.
Shared Responsibility: City vs. Homeowner
Determining who’s responsible for maintaining snowy or icy areas depends on property boundaries and local bylaws.
- Public sidewalks: Usually the homeowner or tenant adjacent to the property must clear them.
- Private driveways and walkways: The property owner bears full responsibility.
- City-maintained streets and curbs: The municipality handles plowing and sanding.
However, if an accident occurs because the city failed to maintain a public area or left a snow pile that redirected meltwater onto private property, the municipality may share liability. In Alberta, lawsuits against government entities require special notice within a short timeframe, so contacting a premises liability lawyer quickly is essential.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall on a Snowy Driveway
If you’re injured in a winter fall accident, these steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even mild pain can indicate a more serious injury.
- Document the scene — take photos of the snow, ice, and any contributing hazards.
- Get witness contact information from anyone who saw the fall.
- Report the incident to the property owner, landlord, or municipality as soon as possible.
- Preserve your footwear and clothing for evidence.
- Contact Grover Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
Acting quickly helps ensure evidence isn’t lost due to melting snow or subsequent clearing.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Grover Law Firm, we understand how devastating a winter fall can be. Our slip and fall lawyers investigate each case thoroughly by:
- Collecting weather records, maintenance logs, and surveillance footage
- Consulting experts in snow removal standards
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Taking the case to court if necessary
We pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses caused by negligence.
Preventing Accidents: Tips for Homeowners and Tenants
Taking proactive steps during the winter season not only keeps your property safe but also reduces legal risk. Best practices include:
- Clearing snow and ice within 24 hours of a storm
- Using calcium chloride or sand for traction
- Avoiding hot water or chemicals that can damage concrete
- Installing heated driveway mats for critical areas
- Performing regular inspections after freeze-thaw cycles
- Keeping snow removal tools accessible before storms
Good maintenance habits can make the difference between a safe property and a costly lawsuit.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or property manager, reasonable winter maintenance isn’t just about following city rules — it’s about protecting your community. Icy driveways and sidewalks can lead to severe injuries, legal disputes, and unnecessary suffering.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s failure to maintain their property, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses.
Speak with Grover Law Firm Today
If you’ve suffered a slip-and-fall injury on a snow-covered driveway or walkway, don’t wait. Call Grover Law Firm today at (403) 253-1029 for a free consultation. Our legal team will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.