With significant snowfall finally accumulating in Montreal, many people want to know who is responsible when something goes wrong in getting rid of snow.
According to lawyer Christopher Dimakos, it depends on who owns the property, and who was doing the work.
City-operated or contracted snow removal crews have to be careful but are under "a lot of pressure from the city to get the snow removed as quickly as possible.
"Sometimes this causes damage to your car mirror, or paver stones in your driveway. So if you have any damage to your property, you have 15 days from the incident to file a complaint at the city," said Dimakos.
He suggests people with claims take pictures, write down what happened, and file a claim within 15 days.
"If you get a negative response you can always take the city to small claims court."
When it comes to homes, everyone is responsible for clearing their own property, but it cannot be deposited just anywhere.
"What the law does say, though, is you cannot take snow from your private property and put it on to somebody else's property or public property," said Dimakos.
So that neighbour who is throwing snow into the street?
"That can earn them a citation from the city," said Dimakos.
Watch the interview for more legal advice, including what to do with a neighbour putting snow on your property.
