Why Should Your Snow Contractor be Clearing Fire Hydrants?
When it comes to commercial snow removal in Ottawa, it’s easy to focus on the big items—plowing, salting, and sidewalk clearing. But one critical area is often overlooked: fire hydrants.
At VS Landscape Group, we treat hydrant access as non-negotiable, and we include it in every one of our essential site snow removal packages. Here’s why your contractor should too—and what it could cost you if they don’t.
Why Fire Hydrants Matter in Winter
In an emergency, seconds count—and blocked or buried hydrants can delay first responders when it matters most. That’s why the City of Ottawa and local fire departments urge property owners to maintain clear access to all hydrants throughout the winter season.
What does this mean for property managers?
- Hydrants must be cleared to a minimum 1-metre radius
- Direct access paths must be maintained
- They must remain visible and accessible at all times, even after overnight storms
Ignoring this isn’t just risky—it can lead to serious liability, especially if your site is high-traffic, multi-tenant, or classified as an essential facility.
The Risk of “It’s Not in the Contract”
Many snow removal contractors in Ottawa fail to include hydrant clearing in their standard scope of work. And if it’s not clearly outlined in your RFP or contract, it may not get done—leaving you, the property manager, responsible in the eyes of the law.
In our related blog, “Snow Plow Damage in Ottawa: Who Pays and How to Prevent It”, we explain how poor documentation and vague scopes can leave property owners footing the bill when something goes wrong.
What VS Landscape Group Does Differently
At VS Landscape Group, we go beyond the basics. For essential sites like hospitals, multi-unit commercial complexes, and retail plazas, we include:
- Hydrant clearing in all essential property maintenance plans
- Documented proof of service, with time-stamped photos
- $5M in liability insurance and named coverage for every client
- 24/7 response crews for overnight or unexpected accumulations
We understand the demands of essential facilities, which is why we’re proud to service numerous hospitals and 24/7 operations. For more details, check out our post: “Ottawa Emergency Snow Removal: How We Keep Hospitals Clear 24/7”
How to Include Hydrant Clearing in Your RFP
If you’re building out your next winter maintenance tender, make sure hydrant clearing is a mandatory line item. In our blog on How to Structure a Snow Removal RFP in Ottawa, we outline how to properly scope and price all essential services—including hydrants, sidewalks, and accessible parking.
And while you’re reviewing your contract, don’t forget about seasonal snowfall caps and insurance. These are just as critical to managing winter risk. Here are some helpful blogs on the subject;
Don’t Leave Safety Buried Under The Snow
Snow-covered hydrants may seem like a small oversight, but they represent a massive liability—especially when lives and property are on the line. When you work with VS Landscape Group, you get peace of mind knowing we’re handling every detail, including the ones that most contractors skip.
Let’s talk about your property’s needs. Whether you’re running a high-traffic retail site or managing multiple buildings, we’ll build a winter plan that covers everything—from hydrants to heavy snow hauling.
Ready to face this coming season with confidence?
Don’t let winter slow you down. VS Landscape Group provides reliable, responsive, and professional commercial salting in Ottawa designed to keep your property safe and your liability low.
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