When people think of Canadian winters, they often imagine endless snow and deep freezes. But in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, winters bring a different challenge: unpredictable storms, heavy wet snow, and sudden freeze–thaw cycles. For strata councils and multi-unit communities, these conditions create risks that demand more than a general contractor. That’s why many turn to Only Strata Snow Removal — the region’s first company built exclusively for strata and residential communities.
Why Strata Properties Need Specialized Snow Removal
Most snow removal companies in Metro Vancouver try to serve everyone at once: malls, warehouses, government contracts, and residential complexes. When storms hit, strata properties are often pushed to the bottom of the list, waiting while big commercial sites are cleared first.
The result? Residents navigating icy sidewalks, frozen parkade ramps, and unsafe laneways. Strata councils face mounting liability and rising insurance costs. That’s why specialization matters. A dedicated provider focuses solely on strata communities — ensuring predictable scheduling, tailored site plans, and equal priority for every property. It’s why strata councils seeking reliable snow removal Vancouver services are increasingly choosing specialists over generalists.
The Only Strata Advantage
Only Strata isn’t distracted by landscaping, paving, or one-off jobs. Winter maintenance is the company’s full-time focus — and strata communities are their only clients. This narrow commitment creates clear advantages:
- Specialized Equipment: The largest fleet of ATV plows in BC for narrow laneways and sidewalks, plus compact plow trucks for internal roads.
- Reliable Salt Reserves: Over 1,000 tonnes of road salt and 500 tonnes of eco-friendly de-icer in reserve across multiple storage sites.
- Technology & Reporting: GPS-tracked service logs, time-stamped before-and-after photos, and digital documentation designed to stand up in court.
- Strict Client Caps: Limited contracts each season, guaranteeing fast response during every storm.
This approach delivers consistent, proactive coverage. For growing communities, dependable snow removal Surreymeans crews are ready before ice becomes a problem — not hours after.
Protecting Communities from Liability
Slip-and-fall claims are one of the biggest financial threats facing strata councils. Even unsuccessful claims can cost more than $15,000 in legal fees, while serious injuries may result in settlements exceeding $100,000. Insurance premiums often rise after such claims, multiplying the long-term burden.
Only Strata helps stratas avoid these risks by combining proactive service with airtight documentation. Every visit is logged with GPS tracking, detailed service notes, weather data, and photo proof. These reports not only protect residents but also give councils the evidence they need to demonstrate due diligence.
In coastal cities, where freezing rain is common, proactive snow removal Richmond ensures walkways and entrances remain safe — while councils gain the peace of mind that comes with court-ready service records.

Regional Expertise Across BC
British Columbia’s winter challenges vary dramatically by zone. In the Tri-Cities, steep areas like Burke Mountain and Westwood Plateau often see double the snowfall of lower neighborhoods, demanding specialized plows and careful salting strategies. In the Fraser Valley, open farmland zones face drifting snow and icy rural roads that require strong ATV and truck coverage. On the North Shore, higher elevations keep snow on the ground for weeks after the rest of the region has thawed, creating ongoing safety concerns.
Only Strata adapts to each of these profiles with tailored plans. For example, reliable snow removal Burnaby balances the needs of dense residential towers, busy commuter corridors, and family neighborhoods — all within one community. This adaptability is what makes specialization essential in a region as diverse as BC’s Lower Mainland.
Conclusion: Setting a Higher Standard
General contractors try to be everything to everyone — and too often, strata communities are left waiting. Only Strata Snow Removal takes the opposite approach: focus entirely on strata clients, invest in the right equipment, guarantee salt supply, and back every service with real-time documentation.
For strata councils across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Tri-Cities, the North Shore, and the Lower Mainland, the choice is clear. Specialized snow removal delivers safer properties, stronger liability protection, and dependable service when it matters most.

