As winter weather arrives earlier than expected across Canada, a new survey commissioned by First Onsite Property Restoration highlights concerns among Canadians regarding the season’s impact on property and safety. The survey findings accompany First Onsite’s release of its winter preparedness guides, designed to help residential and commercial property owners mitigate seasonal risks.
The report comes amid a challenging year for weather-related damage across Canada. Record-breaking summer temperatures and severe weather events in 2024 resulted in over $7 billion in insured losses, according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. With winter now underway, Canadians are preparing for the challenges ahead, driven by forecasts of cold temperatures and heavy precipitation.
The nationwide survey, conducted among 1,506 Canadians, found that 63% fear winter storms, while 58% worry about extreme cold, freezing, and burst pipes. Severe rain and flooding are also top concerns for 60% of respondents.
Climate change remains a dominant issue, with 73% expressing concerns about its role in extreme weather patterns. Regionally, these fears are even higher in British Columbia (77%) and Quebec (79%).
“Colder temperatures bring a greater need for awareness surrounding potential property damage and the challenges winter can present,” said Jim Mandeville, SVP large loss, North America of First Onsite Property Restoration. “It’s never too late to inspect and prepare your property to withstand the harshest weather conditions.”
The survey also explored Canadians’ views on the top risks severe weather poses to property and personal well-being. A majority (79%) cited personal or family safety as their greatest concern, followed closely by the cost of major repairs (72%) and loss of valuables (69%).
Preparedness remains an issue, with 64% saying they are concerned about their readiness in the event of a disaster. Other key concerns include the development of mold (61%) and the adequacy of insurance coverage (60%).
The data underscores regional differences in weather-related anxieties. For instance:
First Onsite’s winter preparedness guides emphasize proactive measures to reduce damage from winter storms. The Residential Winter Storm Restoration Guide advises homeowners to focus on insulation, roof inspections, and preventing water damage. For commercial properties, the Commercial Winter Storm Restoration Guide highlights routine checks on building access, pipes, roofs, and emergency systems.
Water damage, ice accumulation, and power outages remain the leading causes of property damage during winter storms.
The survey findings also reflect an ongoing challenge for regions unaccustomed to heavy snow or freezing conditions. “Places with warmer temperatures that don’t historically get hit by snowfall are now faced with unpredictable weather and building materials that cannot withstand the events that occur,” the report noted.
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