Slip and Fall on Municipal Property in BC (Cities + Deadlines)
If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk, crosswalk, park pathway, public staircase, or any city-maintained area in British Columbia, your claim may involve a municipality. These cases work differently from slip and falls on private property.
Most importantly, BC has strict notice deadlines for municipal claims — and missing them can affect your ability to seek compensation.
This guide explains how municipal liability works, which cities have their own rules, and the deadlines injured people must follow after a fall on public property.
When Is a Municipality Responsible for a Slip and Fall?
A municipality may be responsible when unsafe conditions exist on public property, including:
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks
- Boulevards
- Public pathways
- Park trails
- City-owned staircases
- Bus stops and transit areas
- Community centres and public facilities
To succeed in a claim, you must show that the city:
- Created the hazard, or knew/should’ve known about the hazard
- Failed to take reasonable steps to repair/warn about the danger
ℹ️ Municipal liability often turns on maintenance schedules, inspection records, and weather response practices.
Common Hazards on Municipal Property in BC
Slip and falls on city property often involve:
- Snow and ice buildup
- Slippery moss on sidewalks
- Uneven or broken pavement
- Tree-root heaving
- Poor drainage causing ice patches
- Cracked or sunken concrete
- Poor lighting on public walkways
- Potholes or depressions
- Slippery metal utility covers
Strict Notice Requirements for Municipal Claims in BC
Under the Local Government Act, you must provide written notice to the municipality within:
📌 2 months (60 days) of the date of your slip and fall.
This notice must include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date, time, and location of the fall
- A brief description of what happened
- The injuries you suffered
BC Cities With Municipal Notice Requirements
Every municipality must receive notice within 2 months, including:
Metro Vancouver
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Surrey
- Richmond
- North Vancouver (City + District)
- West Vancouver
- Coquitlam
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Delta
- New Westminster
Vancouver Island
- Victoria
- Saanich
- Langford
- Nanaimo
Interior & Northern BC
- Kelowna
- Kamloops
- Prince George
- Vernon
- Penticton
ℹ️ Some cities also publish their own claim instructions or forms. Your lawyer can file notice on your behalf to avoid mistakes.
Why Municipal Slip and Fall Claims Are More Complicated
Municipal claims can be more challenging because:
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Weather changes fast
- Cities rely on contractors
- Responsibility may be shared between public and private owners
- Municipalities have legal protections not available to private businesses
- Strict deadlines apply
What Compensation Can You Claim After a Fall on Municipal Property?
If a municipality is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Housekeeping or home support
- Long-term disability benefits (if you cannot work)
Your injuries, medical evidence, and how the accident affects your daily life all help determine your settlement.
👉 To learn what you may be owed, read our full guide: Slip and Fall Compensation in BC.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall on Municipal Property in BC
To protect your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos/videos of the hazard and surrounding area
- Include weather conditions
- Get witness information
- Write down what happened
- Keep your footwear
- Report the fall to the city if possible
- Speak to a lawyer quickly — before the 2-month deadline
Why You Should Speak to a Lawyer Quickly
A lawyer can:
- File municipal notice for you
- Obtain weather data and maintenance logs
- Identify whether the city, a contractor, or both are responsible
- Collect surveillance footage (often deleted quickly)
- Calculate your compensation
- Protect you from lowball offers or claim denials
Time is a major factor in municipal cases.
Free Consultation: Slip and Fall on Municipal Property in BC
If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk, walkway, or public area, you don’t have to handle the process alone. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our team can explain the notice requirements, identify who is responsible, and help you pursue fair compensation.
- ✅ 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 BC today.
About the Author
Sivan Tumarkin
Sivan Tumarkin is a Founding Partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and Practice Leader for the firm's Long-term Disability & Personal Injury Law Group. His previous experience working for insurance companies has given him unique insight into the long-term disability claim denial and appeals process, allowing him to secure strong results for his clients.
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