OK Squamites, let’s vow to clear that darn snow and ice this winter!
For the lucky among us, the holiday season brings friends and family to our homes and visitors to our local shops and attractions.
While making sure the snow and ice is cleared off the walkways and stairs may not be top of mind when thinking about the coming months, it should be, at least if you don’t want someone to get hurt or yourself to get sued.
With temperatures dropping below zero and snow in the Squamish forecast — not to mention many opportunities for people to be out and about after a drink or two or in precarious high heels — it is worth reviewing whose responsibility it is to make sure snow is shoveled and ice cleared.
In previous years, some Squamish homes and businesses were practically inaccessible, especially for anyone with mobility challenges or those pushing a stroller.
The District of Squamish received 47 complaints between Dec. 13, 2016 and March 7, 2017 about the lack of snow removal from business and residential properties in Squamish.
We can do better.
The District’s Traffic Bylaw requires owners and occupiers (that means you too, renters) of properties to clear snow and ice from sidewalks. District crews are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to municipal and vacant Crown properties.
The bylaw states that if you are the “occupier” of a home or owner of a business, you must ensure that any ice on the sidewalk or footpath is promptly removed or treated with material designed to reduce the risk of injury caused by slipping or falling.
You must also remove any accumulation of snow promptly so it is safe and convenient for pedestrians, including Santa and his reindeer — sometimes they have to go out the door when there isn’t a chimney, you know.
On the flip side, if you slip and fall due to a walkway not being cleared or because of ice on stairs, you may be eligible for court-awarded damages, according to personal injury law firm, John Mickelson Law Corporation.
Damages for personal injury can include for pain and suffering, lost wages or income, out of pocket expenses, cost of future care, diminished capacity for work and even damages for loss of enjoyment or amenities of life.
An injury, or being sued because of one, isn’t the way anyone wants to remember the holiday season.
The credit card bills and the hangovers are bad enough.
Tips for snow and ice clearing (Courtesy the District of Squamish)
*Pile snow to the right side of your driveway, when facing the road, to prevent it from being pushed back onto your driveway by snow plows.
*Don’t shovel snow onto the roadway or into bike lanes; Clear snow soon after it falls. It is more difficult to remove after it has been packed down. For ice, sugar beat juice is also an effective green option.
