10/21/2026
B.C. Stratas Prepare for Winter Storms
With winter storms on the horizon, it’s essential for North Vancouver stratas to pay close attention to seasonal maintenance. In my work as a real estate professional in the Lower Mainland, I often see how proper upkeep of common property—balconies, decks, patios, drains, and gutters—plays a major role in protecting owners’ investments and minimizing costly surprises. Typically, owners are responsible for tasks like sweeping and annual surface care on their patios, while the strata manages the more complex drain systems, stacks, and gutters. Annual flushing of exterior drains and parking garages is especially important; debris from storms and trees can build up fast, and preventative maintenance almost always costs less than emergency repairs. If a unit suffers damage, the first step is for strata to reach out to their insurance provider. For losses under the deductible, owners usually rely on their own homeowner policies. It’s also worth noting that if flooding damages patio-facing walls, doors, or exterior cladding, responsibility may shift to the strata. That’s why regular inspections and proactive service agreements are so valuable for limiting winter losses. My experience in the Surrey and North Vancouver markets reinforces the importance of these details—protecting your property starts with understanding your responsibilities and making sure your building is ready for whatever the season brings.
