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Ontario · Educational guide

Occupiers’ Liability Act (s. 6.1): Snow and Ice Incident Records

A source-linked starting point for a conversation with a qualified professional. Not a coverage determination or legal opinion.

01

The context

This guide concerns an existing Ontario statutory notice provision, not a newly announced rule. Section 6.1 of the Occupiers’ Liability Act addresses written notice for certain personal-injury claims caused by snow or ice.

02

Who should read this

Occupiers and independent contractors responsible for snow or ice removal from premises in Ontario.

03

What is known—and what depends on your situation

Section 6.1 provides a 60-day written-notice requirement and exceptions, including death and a judicial finding of reasonable excuse without prejudice to the defence. Notice rules are not an absolute defence or a substitute for prompt reporting to an insurer. Legal application depends on the facts.

04

Questions to bring to your broker

Keep the service contract, service logs, weather observations, photographs and communications. Check incident-notification duties in your contract and insurance policy; these are separate from a claimant’s statutory notice obligations.

05

A practical next step

After an incident, preserve relevant records and promptly notify the appropriate insurer or broker. Obtain legal advice before relying on a notice defence or responding to a claim.

Sources and scope

Read the current source and its applicable edition. A linked form or statute does not establish the terms of your policy. Publication here is not evidence of an individual broker sign-off.

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