When the first snowfall hits Chilliwack, the difference between a well-managed property and a neglected one becomes obvious fast. Snow-covered entrances, icy walkways, and blocked access points don’t just look bad — they create real financial, legal, and reputational risks for property managers.
It’s tempting to view snow removal as just another seasonal expense. But as many local businesses and stratas have learned, cutting corners on winter maintenance often costs far more in the long run.
1. Liability Costs: Slips, Falls, and Legal Claims
Snow and ice are leading causes of slip-and-fall injuries in Canada each year. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, winter-related liability claims can cost property owners thousands [sometimes tens of thousands] in damages, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums.
When snow removal is delayed or incomplete, the property manager is the one held responsible. Stairways, loading docks, and parking lots that remain icy after a storm can quickly become high-risk zones for both employees and the public.
Fraser Valley Contracting (FVC) helps minimize those risks with proactive, around-the-clock snow and ice management, ensuring your site remains compliant and safe even during extended snow events.
2. Operational Disruptions and Lost Revenue
For commercial and industrial properties, snow accumulation doesn’t just slow things down, it can shut operations down completely. When customers can’t access your parking lot or trucks can’t reach your loading bays, every hour translates into lost productivity and revenue.
Poor or inconsistent service often stems from under-resourced contractors. A single plow truck or part-time crew simply can’t manage multiple properties across the Fraser Valley during back-to-back storms.
That’s why Fraser Valley Contracting employs over 90 snow professionals, including 40 equipment operators and 50 shovelers, ready to mobilize across Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Abbotsford. This ensures every property receives full attention, even during the most severe conditions.
3. Property Damage from Improper Snow Handling
Inexperienced or rushed operators can cause just as much damage as the snow itself. Scraped curbs, torn asphalt, or crushed landscaping are all common outcomes of poor technique or inadequate equipment.
FVC’s approach is built on site mapping, operator training, and modern equipment. Before each winter season, crews mark hazards such as drains, speed bumps, and curbs to minimize impact during plowing. With a fleet of loaders, skid steers, and truck-mounted plows, FVC adapts its equipment to fit each site, from tight condo complexes to expansive industrial lots.
4. Hidden Environmental and Maintenance Costs
Improper salting and de-icing practices can harm pavement, landscaping, and drainage systems. Over-application of salt increases long-term repair costs and contributes to environmental runoff concerns in local waterways.
Fraser Valley Contracting integrates brine-based de-icing into its snow management plans to reduce overall salt usage. Liquid brine prevents ice from bonding to the surface, meaning less material is required later. It’s a safer, more cost-effective approach that extends the life of your property’s pavement while maintaining traction and safety.
5. Communication Breakdowns and Lack of Accountability
Few things are more frustrating for a property manager than wondering whether their contractor showed up. Missed visits or unclear reporting lead to uncertainty — and potential liability if an accident occurs.
That’s why FVC uses the Yeti Snow Management System for real-time monitoring and transparent reporting. Every service is logged with timestamps, GPS data, and before-and-after photos. Clients can verify work instantly and have a digital record to back up their compliance documentation.
Transparency builds trust. It’s one of the biggest differences between Fraser Valley Contracting and less-established providers.
6. The Importance of Insurance and Compliance
Even the best crews face unpredictable conditions, which is why proper insurance coverage is non-negotiable. Many low-cost operators in Chilliwack don’t carry enough liability insurance to protect themselves, or their clients, if something goes wrong.
FVC carries over $5 million in liability coverage, meeting the requirements of commercial and strata contracts across the region. It’s one more layer of assurance that property managers won’t be left exposed if an incident occurs on-site.
7. A Smarter Investment in Winter Safety
At first glance, choosing a low-cost provider might seem like a way to save money. But when you factor in liability risks, downtime, and long-term property damage, it’s clear that professional snow management is an investment in stability.
With a fully equipped fleet, a 90+ member team, and in-house equipment maintenance, Fraser Valley Contracting delivers both reliability and peace of mind. Their proactive planning, digital reporting, and transparent communication ensure every property is maintained to the highest standard — no shortcuts, no uncertainty.
Protect Your Property Before It’s Too Late
Poor snow removal costs money, trust, safety, and operational continuity. Partnering with a professional, insured, and fully equipped team ensures your property stays open, accessible, and risk-free through every storm.
Contact Fraser Valley Contracting today to discuss a snow and ice management plan that keeps your business protected all winter long.
