Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Claims in Alberta: Who Pays?

If you slipped and fell on snow or ice in Alberta, one of the first questions you may have is: Who is responsible for paying for your injuries and losses?

In many cases, the answer isn’t obvious. Alberta has strict winter maintenance expectations, and responsibility can fall on homeowners, landlords, businesses, contractors, or municipalities, depending on where the accident happened and how the property was maintained.

This guide explains who may be at fault, how liability works, and what injured people in Alberta should do next.

Who Is Responsible for Snow and Ice Accidents in Alberta?

Liability depends on the exact location of your fall and who was responsible for clearing the snow and ice.

Here’s how it works.

1. Homeowners (Residential Properties)

Homeowners in Alberta must keep their sidewalks and walkways safe. Most cities — including Calgary and Edmonton — require homeowners to clear snow and ice within 24 to 48 hours after snowfall.

2. Landlords and Property Managers

Apartment buildings, townhouse complexes, and rental properties must:

• Clear walkways, entrances, and parking areas
• Use sand or ice melt
• Inspect the property regularly
• Fix ongoing drainage or icing issues

3. Businesses & Commercial Property Owners

Stores, malls, plazas, and office buildings must keep their premises reasonably safe for customers and visitors.

They may be liable if:

• Entrances are icy
• Parking lots aren’t sanded
• Sidewalks aren’t maintained
• Snow piles cause unsafe runoff
• They ignore weather changes or freeze-thaw cycles

4. Snow Removal Contractors

Contractors can be liable if they:

• Fail to sand or salt on schedule
• Ignore weather alerts
• Miss icy patches
• Do incomplete or negligent work

5. Municipalities

Falls on public sidewalks or city-maintained walkways may involve municipal responsibility — but Alberta has strict rules:

• Cities often shift sidewalk clearing to homeowners (e.g., Calgary, Edmonton)
• Municipal liability is limited
• Notice periods or specific claim procedures may apply

What Makes Snow and Ice Claims Complicated in Alberta?

Alberta’s freeze-thaw cycles, chinooks, and sudden temperature swings make winter hazards unpredictable.
Liability often depends on:

• How recent the snowfall was
• Whether the area had been cleared
• Whether the owner followed city bylaws
• Whether sand, salt, or ice melt was used
• The type of surface (sidewalk, parking lot, stairway, ramp)
• Weather conditions at the time of the fall

These factors determine who should have acted — and whether they did.

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Snow or Ice Fall in Alberta?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Medical and rehab treatments
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Housekeeping or home supports
• Long-term disability benefits if you can’t work

Your injuries, medical evidence, and how the accident affects your life all influence your settlement.

What Should You Do After a Snow or Ice Slip and Fall in Alberta?

Act quickly — winter hazards change fast.

1. Get medical care right away
2. Take photos of the ice, snow, or hazard
3. Capture weather conditions
4. Get witness information
5. Report the fall to the property owner or city
6. Keep your footwear
7. Write down what happened
8. Speak to a lawyer before dealing with insurance

This evidence helps prove the property wasn’t maintained properly.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A lawyer can:

• Identify who is legally responsible
• Collect weather data, maintenance logs, and video footage
• Handle communication with insurers
• Calculate your compensation
• Protect your claim from lowball settlements
• Help you access income replacement or disability benefits

Free Consultation: Snow & Ice Slip and Fall Claims in Alberta

If you slipped on snow or ice in Alberta, you don’t have to deal with the process alone. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our team can explain your rights and determine who is responsible for your injuries.

• ✅ 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 Alberta today.