Let’s start with professionalism. Landscape Ontario has developed a professionalism and training guideline (Snow and Ice Accreditation and Curriculum draft) for the snow and ice industry. The intent is to improve safety, establish industry practices and ensure environmental concerns are part of the training. This is exciting and more to come as it progresses.
The biggest challenge for the snow and ice industry is the high insurance costs. Landscape Ontario has hired consultants to lobby the government making great progress thus far. A meeting is scheduled with the Minister of Transport and Minister of Environment in the coming weeks but it’s just a start.
To make a change, to make a real difference in the industry, we need all snow contractors to help. Contractors need to speak out.
Contractors are encouraged to contact their MPP (this summer – when they aren’t in the legislature) and tell your stories, voice your concerns so when they resume in the fall, they will have no choice but to discuss. Be the squeaky wheel and collectively our voices will be heard.
What does this have to do with the non-contractors – the Clients, Condo Managers, Commercial and Industrial properties? Everything. You hear us say it all the time, the increase in your contract is due to the insurance costs. They are astronomical and the deductibles are the highest they’ve ever been. The cost is part of doing business and are passed on to the customer. That’s you! If this industry continues going the way it’s going, your contract costs will continue to increase exponentially and the days of “we’ll get someone who costs less” are over.
We see it happening, small business contractors doing away with snow removal and businesses closing because the insurance is too expensive.
Again, how does that effect the client?
You have no choice; you have to hire a snow removal company BUT there will be less competitive options to choose from. The smaller properties that benefit from the “little guy” will have no choice but to hire the larger companies – who have no choice but to charge the fees that compensate for the insurance costs – and around and around and around we go.
You can help too! You can reach out to your MPP and let them know you’d like to see something done about the high insurance costs you are subsequently having to pay for.
For more information
Professionalism in the Snow and Ice Industry – Click Here
Share your story – Click Here
Review the CSA Snow and Ice Workshop Agreement – Click Here
Donate – Click Here