Boisbriand residents and businesses preparing for winter are being advised to verify that their private snow-removal contractor holds a valid municipal permit before entering into an agreement.
Under municipal regulation RV-1739, contractors using vehicles to remove snow from private driveways, parking areas and parking lots must first obtain authorization from the City. The requirement applies to residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
Boisbriand introduced the permit system for the 2023–2024 winter season. It applies not only to business owners but also to their employees, operators, representatives and subcontractors performing snow-removal work within the city.
Permits are valid annually from October 15 until April 30 of the following year. Contractors were required to submit or renew their applications by October 1 for the 2026–2027 season.
Obtaining a permit involves more than registering a business name. Contractors must provide proof of general civil-liability insurance offering at least $2 million in coverage for damage, injuries or losses connected to their snow-removal operations.
They must also own or hold long-term leases on the vehicles they intend to use and submit valid vehicle-registration certificates. The application requires the complete contact information of two snow-removal representatives who can be reached at any time.
The regulation specifies the types of equipment contractors must have for each work crew. Authorized equipment includes wheel loaders capable of lifting snow to a height of three metres, tractors equipped with snowblowers, self-propelled snowblowers and backhoes with loaders. Pickup trucks with plows may be used when the contractor also has at least one of the other required types of equipment for each crew.
The current application form lists a fee of $200 for an initial permit and $100 for an annual renewal.
The City issues an identification sticker for each authorized vehicle. It must be displayed inside the lower-left portion of the windshield and remain clearly visible from outside. At least one snow marker installed at each property must also display the contractor’s name and telephone number.
The permit does not make the City responsible for the quality of the contractor’s services. Boisbriand explicitly states that problems involving private snow removal must be addressed directly with the company hired by the property owner.
Contractors remain responsible for damage they cause to public property and must immediately notify the Public Works Department. They may be required to complete the necessary repairs or compensate the City.
The regulation also governs where privately removed snow may be placed. Contractors must keep it on the private property being serviced. They cannot push, blow or deposit it on a public road, across the street, on another person’s property, in a ditch, waterway or park, or within 1.5 metres of a fire hydrant.
Snowbanks must not obstruct the visibility of pedestrians or drivers along a public road or near an intersection. Piles are also prohibited within three metres of electrical wires.
The City may suspend or revoke a permit, or refuse to renew it, when a contractor fails to respect the regulation or does not report damage to municipal property. A first offence can result in a fine of up to $300 for an individual or $600 for a company. Maximum fines for repeat offences rise to $600 and $1,200 respectively, and continuing violations can be counted separately for each day they persist.
Boisbriand maintains an online list of contractors authorized for the current winter season. If a company is absent, it must contact the City at 450-435-1954 to begin the permitting process.
For customers, checking that list and looking for the municipal sticker provide two straightforward ways of confirming that a contractor has completed the City’s basic insurance, vehicle and operational requirements.
