Slip and Fall on Snow and Ice: Your Rights Under Ontario’s 60-Day Rule

Winter in Ontario brings snow, freezing rain, slush, ice, and dangerous walking conditions. If you slip and fall because a property owner didn’t clear snow or ice properly, you may be entitled to compensation. But these cases have strict deadlines — including the 60-day notice rule.

This guide explains your rights, your obligations, and the steps to take after a snow and ice fall in Ontario.

Ontario’s 60-Day Rule: What It Means

Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, if you slip and fall on snow or ice on private or commercial property, you must give the responsible parties written notice within 60 days.

This rule applies to:

• Homes
• Plazas and strip malls
• Grocery stores
• Parking lots
• Apartment buildings
• Condominiums
• Commercial properties
• Business entrances
• Private walkways

What Must Be Included in the 60-Day Notice?

Your notice must:

• Be in writing
• Include the date, time, and exact location of the fall
• Describe the hazard (snow, ice, slush, poor maintenance)
• Be delivered to the property owner and the snow removal contractor (if one exists)

A lawyer can send this notice on your behalf to ensure it’s completed correctly and on time.

Why Ontario Introduced the 60-Day Rule

The provincial government added the 60-day requirement to reduce late or unsubstantiated claims by:

• Encouraging early reporting
• Preserving evidence
• Allowing property owners and insurers to investigate quickly
• Ensuring snow and ice conditions are documented before weather changes

For injured people, it means acting quickly is essential.

Who Is Responsible for Snow and Ice Maintenance?

Liability depends on how the property is managed. The responsible party may be:

• A property owner
• A commercial business
• A landlord or condo corporation
• A property management company
• A snow removal contractor

Contracts often shift responsibility to the contractor — but owners may still share liability if they failed to monitor the area.

What If You Slip and Fall on a Municipal Sidewalk? (10-Day Rule)

If you slipped on a city sidewalk or municipal walkway, a different deadline applies.

You must give the municipality:

• Written notice within 10 days

This applies to:

• City of Toronto
• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Ottawa
• Hamilton
• London
• All other Ontario municipalities

What to Do After Slipping on Snow or Ice in Ontario

Your steps after the fall can protect your claim:

1. Get medical attention immediately
2. Take photos of the ice, snow, or hazard
3. Note weather conditions (snowfall, freezing rain, temperature)
4. Report the fall to the property owner or manager
5. Collect witness information
6. Keep your footwear and clothing
7. Write down exactly what happened
8. Speak to a lawyer quickly to meet the 60-day deadline

The sooner you document everything, the stronger your case.

What Compensation Can You Receive for a Snow and Ice Fall?

Slip and fall injuries on snow and ice can lead to a wide range of losses, and Ontario law allows you to claim compensation for those impacts.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

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

Your lawyer will calculate the full value of your case based on your injury and recovery.

Does Fault Matter in Snow and Ice Claims?

Insurers may argue you were partly responsible due to:

• Footwear choice
• Walking too fast
• Not noticing a visible hazard

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

How Strong Evidence Helps Your Claim

Snow and ice conditions change fast. Photos taken minutes after the fall can make a major difference.

Strong evidence includes:

• Pictures of the hazard
• Weather reports
• Video footage
• Maintenance logs
• Witness statements
• Medical records

A lawyer will gather, preserve, and analyze this evidence on your behalf.

When to Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer

You should contact a lawyer immediately if:

• You fell on snow or ice
• You were injured
• You can’t work
• You don’t know who is responsible
• You’re worried about missing the 60-day deadline
• The property owner or insurer is blaming you

Free Consultation: Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Claims in Ontario

If you slipped on snow or ice in Ontario, you don’t have much time to act. 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.