Slip and Fall on Municipal Property in Ontario (10-Day Notice Rule)

If you slip and fall on a municipal sidewalk, pathway, park, or other public area in Ontario, the rules are very different from falls on private property. Municipal slip and fall cases have some of the strictest deadlines in the province — including the 10-day notice rule.

This guide explains your rights, how municipal liability works, and the exact steps you must take after a fall on city property.

The 10-Day Notice Rule: What It Means

Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, you must give the municipality written notice within 10 days of your slip and fall.

This deadline applies to:

• City sidewalks
• Municipal walkways
• Public pathways
• Public parking lots
• City-owned stairs
• Parks and recreational areas

What Must Be Included in the 10-Day Notice?

Your written notice must include:

• The date and time of the fall
• The exact location (street name, nearest address, GPS if possible)
• A description of the hazard (ice, snow, broken pavement, hole, debris, poor lighting)
• Your contact information

Why a 10-Day Deadline Exists

Ontario requires early reporting so municipalities can:

• Investigate the area quickly
• Document the conditions
• Review maintenance logs
• Preserve evidence before weather or public use changes the scene

For you, this means acting fast is crucial.

When Is a Municipality Responsible for a Slip and Fall?

Ontario municipalities must keep public areas reasonably safe, but they are not held to a standard of perfection.

A city may be liable if it:

• Failed to inspect the area regularly
• Didn’t repair a known hazard
• Didn’t sand, salt, or clear snow within a reasonable time
• Ignored complaints or maintenance reports
• Failed to comply with its own road and sidewalk standards

Your lawyer will obtain:

• Weather data
• Maintenance logs
• Inspection schedules
• City standards and bylaws
• Any prior complaints
• Photos and measurements of the hazard

This evidence helps determine whether the municipality was negligent.

Common Municipal Hazards That Cause Slip and Falls

You may be able to bring a claim if your fall was caused by:

• Unplowed snow
• Untreated or unsalted ice
• Icy sidewalks after freezing rain
• Deep cracks or uneven slabs
• Potholes
• Heaved concrete
• Missing handrails
• Poor lighting
• Debris or obstructions

What If the Municipality Blames You?

Cities often argue contributory negligence.
They may claim you:

• Wore improper footwear
• Walked while distracted
• Should have seen the hazard
• Ignored a marked construction area
• Didn’t walk on a “safer route”

Even if you’re found partly responsible, you can still receive compensation — the amount is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Municipal Slip and Fall Claims Differ From Private Property Claims

Municipal cases typically involve:

• Higher evidentiary standards
• More complex maintenance records
• Strict notice rules (10 days)
• Short investigation windows
• Heavier defenses from city insurers

This makes early legal advice essential.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall on Municipal Property

Take these steps as soon as possible:

1. Seek medical attention
2. Take photos and videos of the hazard
3. Note weather conditions (snow, rain, ice, temperature)
4. Document the exact location (street name, address, nearby landmarks)
5. Collect witness information
6. Report the fall to the city if possible
7. Keep your footwear and clothing
8. Write down what happened while fresh
9. Contact a lawyer quickly to send the 10-day notice

What Compensation Can You Receive After a Municipal Slip and Fall?

Municipal cases can include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Future loss of income
• Medical and rehab expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Housekeeping or home support
• Long-term disability benefits (if you can’t return to work)

Special Note: Winter Falls on Municipal Sidewalks Often Overlap With Snow and Ice Claims

If your fall involved snow or ice, your situation may also fall under the 60-day notice rule for private and commercial properties.

When to Contact a Lawyer

You should reach out right away if:

• You slipped on a municipal sidewalk
• You’re injured
• You missed work
• The city denies responsibility
• Winter weather was a factor
• You’re close to the 10-day deadline
• You’re unsure who is at fault

Early advice ensures the notice is filed correctly and your evidence is protected.

Free Consultation: Municipal Slip and Fall Claims in Ontario

A fall on public property can feel overwhelming — especially with strict deadlines.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we can help you understand your rights and take the next steps before important deadlines pass.

• ✅ Free consultation
• ✅ No upfront fees
• ✅ Millions recovered for injured Canadians
• ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed personal injury and disability law firm

Speak to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Ontario Today.