Why Your Walkways Need Snow Removal as Much as Your Driveway

Most homeowners prioritize the driveway when it snows, and understandably so. But statistically, slip-and-fall injuries happen most frequently on walkways, steps, and front paths. These narrow, heavily-trafficked areas are often overlooked until someone takes a dangerous fall.

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Walkway vs. Driveway Risk

Driveways are wide and generally flat. Walkways involve transitions, from driveway to path, path to steps, steps to door, each of which is a potential hazard. Foot traffic compacts snow into ice more quickly in these areas, and they're often shaded longer than driveways, meaning ice persists well after the main driveway has cleared.

Ontario Occupiers' Liability

Under the Occupiers' Liability Act, Ontario homeowners have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. This includes mail carriers, delivery drivers, and guests. If someone slips on your icy walkway, you could be held liable for their injuries, even if you cleared your driveway. Courts have awarded significant damages in winter slip-and-fall cases against homeowners who didn't maintain safe paths.

Clearing Steps Safely

Steps are the highest-risk area. Clear them after every snowfall using a small shovel or hand scraper, working from the top step down. Never leave even a thin layer of packed snow, it becomes glass-smooth ice overnight. Apply sand or salt immediately after clearing.

Salt and Traction Aids

On steps and narrow walkways, coarse sand or traction grit provides grip without the corrosive effects of excess salt on concrete and stonework. For ice, calcium chloride works at temperatures as low as -25°C, better than rock salt in severe cold. Avoid using road salt near gardens or grass, as it damages plant roots and lawn edges.

Professional Snow Removal Includes Walkways

D&D Home Services' residential snow removal packages include complete walkway, step, and path clearing, not just driveways. We treat every access point to your home so you, your family, and your guests can move safely all winter. Request a seasonal quote today.

Devon Moore, Operations Lead Co-Founder & Operations Lead, D&D Home Services

Devon Moore is the co-founder and Operations Lead at D&D Home Services, with hands-on experience cleaning hundreds of homes across Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph.