As a temperate city on the West Coast, Vancouver and its surrounding communities don’t usually have to deal with heavy snowfall conditions to the same degree as our fellow Canucks to the north and east of us.
However, when those polar winds and icy temps pass through, and the snow starts to fall, even a dusting of a few centimetres is enough to send communities throughout the Lower Mainland tailspinning into chaos.
The sight of Vancouver residents shovelling their sidewalks may be amusing to the rest of Canada, but those icey, snowpack conditions are no laughing matter for local pedestrians, motorists, and business operators. Snowstorms in southern B.C. can be incredibly stressful for people commuting to work or who depend on access to schools and healthcare facilities.
One thing we can all agree on about Canadian weather is its unpredictability, which can significantly impact retail businesses.
As responsible B.C. citizens, all we can do is stay prepared.
Understanding the Impact of Snow on Retail Properties
Major snowfall can lead to significant economic losses for businesses, especially in areas where the public is hesitant to venture out in slippery conditions.
Icey hills, snow-filled parking lots, and treacherous roads and walkways prevent people from even attempting to visit your business. This customer reduction is made worse when you factor in the absence of staff who call in sick, are tardy, or otherwise can’t make it in.
In other words, proactive snow removal for retail businesses in the Lower Mainland should be at the top of business owners’ minds come November, if not before!
Snow days are great for kids looking to go tobogganing, but for adults with things to do and places to be, that extra precipitation can be problematic.
No matter the severity of the snow, the same mentality applies: nobody wants to risk getting stuck or involved in a fender bender or subjecting themselves to sloppy, slippery walkways that could lead to a nasty slip and fall.
With a reliable snow removal contractor already lined up, your business can rest easy, knowing you’re not at the mercy of the weather forecast or waiting for the next available snowplow to clean up the mess outside your front doors.
Safety First: Reducing Liability Risks
Although each municipality across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley has plans in place for dealing with excess snowfall, it is the responsibility of homeowners and property owners to ensure that all snow and ice is removed in a timely manner.
In Vancouver, that means “property owners and occupants” are responsible for clearing the snow and ice from their sidewalks by 10 am the day after it snows.
All it takes is one complaint to be hit with a $250 fine. If the same snow and ice remain after 24 hours, you could face a $750 penalty. Should someone slip outside your place of business, the potential legal expenses in defending yourself against accusations of negligence could prove far more costly.
Interestingly, private property owners, whether commercial or residential, are exempt from the bylaws concerning snow removal.
No matter the extent of your legal obligations, when it comes to the prevention of slip and fall injuries, traffic accidents (or the hassle of dealing with abandoned vehicles stuck on your property), it’s best to stay proactive and have a proactive snow removal plan in place.
As a responsible business owner or manager, it’s your duty to ensure the safety of your customers and staff. This involves employing the services of a reliable property maintenance team to keep your sidewalks and parking lots safe and free of obstructions.
From de-icing all nearby walking and driving surfaces to making sure your storm drains are clear—so they won’t contribute to flooding during the melt—responsible snow removal contractors remain a godsend for businesses throughout the coldest months.
You may not necessarily require a snow removal service should the weather stay mild, but when the first flakes start to fall, you’ll be glad you decided to make your arrangements beforehand. Planning ahead will help you avoid the stress of scrambling for snow plow contractors in desperation after it’s too late.
Enhancing Accessibility for Customers
The old expression, “the more, the merrier” always applies when talking about retail customers.
In the same way you cater to the wants of your customer base to keep them happy, your ability to keep up with the essential care of your physical property during the coldest months speaks volumes about your commitment to everyone entering your establishment.
If your retail establishment makes it difficult for people to access the premises, you have a real problem. Especially when other nearby businesses are doing their part to keep their locations free of snow, ice, and slush, and you’re not. It’s all about perception.
Does your business cater to an older demographic? Do you have clients with mobility issues? Customers value and appreciate businesses that offer the products they want, and they reward companies that make their shopping trips more pleasant, no matter the weather conditions outside.
Consider snow removal for retail in the same way you would basic hygiene or politeness in your staff. Not only is it expected, it is appreciated. Wise retailers everywhere understand the importance of drawing repeat business.
Retailers must prioritize attracting repeat customers for many reasons:
- Returning customers are inclined to shop more often
- Consumer habits indicate they are likely to spend more with every subsequent trip
- People who are comfortable with your store are more accessible to sell to
- Consumers who enjoy their experience will share their positive reviews with others
Accessibility is a basic feature that is essential for any retailer’s reputation. Your job is to make your business as appealing an experience as possible. Maintaining access in the worst conditions is just one of a long list of items that will keep people coming back.
Never forget that it’s the little things that count. And when the temperatures suddenly drop, and the snow starts to pile up, snow removal can be a very big job.
Maintaining Aesthetic Appeal
Protecting people and property and preventing accidents around your business should always be a top concern, but maintaining appearances is also critical.
It’s never a good look when your business stands out for all the wrong reasons.
In the summer, you have more options for improving the curb appeal of your exterior property, which may include impeccable landscaping or freshly painted exteriors. When winter hits with all its frosty might, your options aren’t strictly limited to Christmas decorations. Keeping your sidewalks, driveways, and lots clear of snow buildup becomes one of the critical things you can do to present a welcoming and accessible exterior.
Just because the city is experiencing a cold snap, it doesn’t mean people don’t want to spend their money, as illustrated by the “Cold Weather Effect.” Unfortunately for retail operators in Greater Vancouver, communities not as used to being hit by snow storms may take longer to return to their old shopping habits. Brick-and-mortar locations need to do everything possible to welcome people back into their stores. The appearance of a freshly plowed parking lot is a great way to communicate that your store is open for business.
Cost-Effectiveness of Proactive Snow Removal
Given the importance of proactive snow removal and de-icing services before and after a major blizzard, having a professional contractor on standby who will prioritize your property’s needs is wise.
Like all things retail, time is money.
Rather than relying on your staff to step outside their regular duties to take on the job of shovelling, an accredited snow removal service will arrive promptly with the appropriate tools and experience to remove the snow and ice swiftly and safely.
Cost-effective snow removal means having the right plows, blowers, salt spreaders, deicers, chemical ice melt products, skid steers, trucks, and other tools necessary for your property size.
A professional snow removal company will know how to deal with any special considerations around your lot and be insured to carry out the work.
When you think about the worst-case scenarios that snow squalls can bring, can you afford not to have a plan in place?
Choosing the Right Snow Removal Service
Having established just how important appearances can be to the success of a business, you might want to consider the services of a company that specializes in property upkeep throughout the year.
A reputable snow removal company should put your mind at ease. Some of the best snow removal vendors in the Lower Mainland offer the following:
- A versatile fleet of heavy equipment
- Trained operators and years of experience in the business
- A proper initial assessment of your property
- Resources that include storage yards, salt sheds, and multiple dispatch points
- Positive reviews
- Good relationships with local suppliers
- Comprehensive documentation of the work performed
- Customized portfolio pricing
- Accurate GPS tracking for transparency at each job site
- A range of potential de-icing options: sand, brine, rock salt, and more
CanWest Property Services has been eliminating snow and ice from commercial properties from Chilliwack to Vancouver for over two decades!
CanWest offers a wide range of services to keep your property looking its best in all seasons. From de-icing and snow removal for retail chains to landscaping and pressure washing, our expertise is evident from the moment we arrive. Contact us today for a complimentary estimate on any of our recommended services.