Winter conditions in Chilliwack affect every type of property, but strata complexes face a very different set of challenges than commercial lots. While businesses may prioritize vehicle access, loading zones, and large parking areas, strata councils must think about resident safety, walkability, and year-round liability across much tighter, more complex spaces.
Understanding the difference between commercial and strata snow removal helps councils choose a provider that keeps residents safe and prevents costly risk.
Why Strata Snow Removal Is More Complex
1. More Walkways, Stairs & High-Traffic Pedestrian Routes
Strata sites have a web of:
- sidewalks
- staircases
- pathways between units
- ramps and entry points
These require hands-on clearing, not just plowing. They also need hand-applied salt or ice melt to prevent slips, especially in shaded or high-traffic pedestrian zones.
2. Higher Accessibility Expectations
Residents expect:
- safe access to front doors
- clear routes to mailboxes and parking stalls
- well-maintained stairs and common areas
Any untreated ice can pose risks, especially for seniors or individuals with mobility challenges. Strata snow removal must prioritize walkability and accessibility, not just vehicle flow.
3. Limited Snow Storage Areas
Unlike large commercial lots, strata complexes often have:
- small parking areas
- landscaped sections
- tight curbs
- narrow drive aisles
This makes snow pile placement far more strategic. Snowbanks can easily block sightlines, parking, drainage routes, or visitor stalls if not managed properly.
How Strata Snow Removal Differs from Commercial Contracts
| Category | Commercial Properties | Strata Properties |
| Primary Focus | Vehicle access, traffic flow, business continuity | Resident safety, walkability, accessibility |
| Equipment | Plow trucks, skid steers, loaders | ATVs, compact blowers, shovel teams |
| Service Frequency | Typically storm-based | Multi-pass clearing to match resident traffic |
| Liability Focus | Vehicle damage & customer access | Slip-and-fall prevention & residential safety |
| Required Documentation | Basic service logs | Detailed reporting for strata records & liability protection |
Best Practices for Strata Councils Preparing for Winter
1. Map Your Site Before Snow Arrives
Identify:
- stairs
- curbs
- ramps
- mailbox areas
- shaded zones prone to black ice
This ensures crews treat the right areas first.
2. Use Brine or Salt Proactively
Pre-storm brine application prevents ice from bonding to the pavement—especially effective on:
- walkways
- building entrances
- frequently used pathways
- strata parking stalls
We offer liquid brine, rock salt, and ice melt based on surface type.
3. Ensure Snow Pile Placement Is Pre-Planned
Poor snow storage can:
- block parking
- overload landscaping
- block drains and cause refreeze
- reduce visibility
Work with your contractor to designate approved pile zones ahead of time.
4. Hire a Team With Proper Coverage
Stratas require higher insurance limits—many mandate $5M liability, which FVC carries. This protects the council from slip-and-fall claims and property damage risk.
5. Require Documentation After Every Service
This is essential for:
- resident complaints
- insurance claims
- maintenance accountability
We use the Yeti Snow Removal system, providing time-stamped logs and service transparency.
Why Fraser Valley Contracting Is a Strong Fit for Strata Snow Removal
Strata properties benefit from our mix of scale, equipment, and hands-on detail work.
A Team Built for Multi-Pass Strata Sites
- 40 equipment operators
- 50 shovelers dedicated to walkways, stairs, ramps, and entrances
- 90+ snow professionals total, on call throughout the season
This ensures strata complexes get the coverage and frequency they need, even during severe storms.
Equipment Built for Tight Spaces
- ATVs with plow attachments
- Compact blowers
- Shovel teams for detailed clearing
- Brine and salt spreaders for ice control
Strata sites require precision—not just heavy machinery.
Reliable, Locally Based Service
We are a Chilliwack-based, family-run operation with 10+ years of snow and ice management experience across:
- Chilliwack
- Agassiz
- Abbotsford
- Hope
We understand the freeze–thaw patterns and microclimates that affect residential complexes.
Full Transparency Through Yeti
Every service is tracked with:
- logs
- timestamps
- location verification
- before/after documentation
Strata councils get clear records for every storm.
Create a Safer Winter for Your Residents
Strata snow removal isn’t just about clearing snow—it’s about protecting people, reducing risk, and keeping your community moving safely.
With the right equipment, the right crew, and the right level of care, Fraser Valley Contracting ensures your strata property stays safe, accessible, and winter-ready.
Contact us today to request a strata snow removal plan tailored to your property.
