If you’re a property manager in Ottawa, winter means more than snowflakes — it means responsibility. One of the most common questions we hear at VS Landscape Group is: “Who’s responsible for clearing the sidewalks?”
In this guide, we’ll break down the City of Ottawa’s rules vs. property owner responsibilities and how to stay compliant — while protecting your property from liability, snow accumulation overages, and ice-related risks.
What the City of Ottawa Clears
The City of Ottawa provides snow removal and salting for priority sidewalks on a fixed schedule. These are usually:
- Downtown core sidewalks
- Transit corridors and school routes
- Arterial and collector roads
City crews aim to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall ends, depending on accumulation and priority.
But here’s the kicker: The majority of sidewalks in front of private properties — especially in commercial and suburban areas — are the responsibility of the property owner.
What You Must Clear as a Property Manager
As a commercial or residential property manager in Ottawa, you’re typically responsible for:
- Sidewalks adjacent to your property
- Internal walkways and entrances
- Accessible parking spaces
- Fire routes and hydrant access
City by-laws state that sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice within 6 hours of the end of a snowfall — failure to comply could result in:
- City crews doing it and billing you
- Fines or penalties
- Increased liability if an accident occurs
For more on the risk of winter liability, see our blog:
“Why Insurance Matters in Ottawa Snow Removal Contracts”
Salting is Just as Important as Plowing
Clearing snow is one thing. Preventing ice buildup is another.
As we cover in our Commercial Salting Services blog, properly calibrated salt application reduces slip-and-fall risks and can help ensure compliance with insurance and city standards.
At VS Landscape Group, we use calibrated salters and offer real-time tracking and proof-of-service reports — especially critical if you’re ever asked to verify sidewalk maintenance.
What About Snowfall Limits?
Don’t forget about the seasonal snowfall limit built into most snow contracts. In Ottawa, it’s common to set a cap at 254cm — beyond which overage charges apply. If you’re managing large frontages with public sidewalks, this could become a surprise cost.
We break this down in our blog:
“Why 254cm is the Snowfall Limit in Ottawa”
How VS Landscape Group Helps You Stay Covered
At VS Landscape Group, we make sidewalk maintenance seamless. When we partner with property managers, we:
- Provide 24/7 coverage with automatic dispatch
- Include sidewalk snow removal and salting in our commercial snow plans
- Carry $5 million in liability insurance and list you on the Certificate of Insurance
- Help you avoid non-compliance with municipal snow clearing by-laws
Final Thoughts: Know Your Responsibility, Stay Protected
Ottawa winters can be harsh — but your compliance and safety strategy doesn’t have to be.
If you’re an Ottawa property manager, make sure your sidewalks, hydrant access, and accessible routes are included in your snow removal scope of work. Don’t rely on the city. And don’t risk an injury claim or fine by being caught off guard.
Reach out to VS Landscape Group today to learn how we can help you create a reliable, safe, and fully documented snow and ice control plan this winter.
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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