Winter storms and extreme weather fueling heightened concern across Canada

FIRST ONSITE kicks off winter with tips and readiness guides for Canadians

Mississauga, ON (Dec. 3, 2025) – First Onsite Property Restoration, Canada’s leading property restoration company, is marking December — the start of meteorological winter — with the annual release of its winter preparedness guides for commercial and residential property owners, residents, and property managers.

As we enter December, the Farmers’ Almanac forecasts a classic Canadian winter for 2025–2026, featuring deep freezes, frequent snow, and powerful storms, along with occasional mild, rainy periods in Ontario, Quebec and coastal provinces.^[1]
Canadians are increasingly concerned about winter-related risks as revealed in First Onsite’s annual property and weather survey.  Compared to 2024, the results showed a significant increase in concerns with 71 per cent worried about winter storms, 68 per cent about extreme cold and burst pipes, and 66 per cent about severe rains and flooding.

Beyond weather, 75 per cent of Canadians are concerned about climate change, 70 per cent about power outages, 60 per cent about property fires, and 72 per cent about the cost of major renovations and repairs. See findings by region in the table below.^[2]

“Colder temperatures, melting snow and freeze-thaw cycles increase risks to homes and commercial properties,” said Jim Mandeville, Senior Vice President, First Onsite Property Restoration. “That’s why it’s important to take the time now to inspect your property and ensure it’s prepared for severe winter weather.”

Below is a list of winter storm preparedness tips from First Onsite.

Tips For Homeowners:

• Act Quickly After Damage – Early response prevents water damage and mould growth.
• Inspect Your Property – Check roofs, siding, windows, doors, and grading to prevent water intrusion
• Protect Pipes – Insulate exposed pipes, leave interior doors open, and let faucets drip in extreme cold.
• Prevent Drain Backups – Keep gutters clear and consider backflow preventers.
• Avoid Ice Dams – Remove snow safely from roofs and ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation.
• Prepare for Power Outages – Keep generators, flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies on hand.
• Emergency Contacts – Maintain a physical list of plumbers, electricians, restoration services, and insurance providers.

Tips For Businesses / Commercial Properties:

• Assess Building Risks – Check age, construction, insulation, and plumbing; address deferred maintenance issues.
• Exterior Grading & Drainage – Ensure water drains away from the foundation to reduce freeze/thaw damage.
• Roof Safety & Maintenance – Inspect roofs, gutters, and downspouts; clear snow and assess snow load capacity.
• Seal Openings & Manage Unused Spaces – Ensure doors, windows, and utility openings  are sealed; keep unoccupied areas minimally heated and inspected.
• Heating & Power Systems – Test generators, boilers, and HVAC systems; ensure backups are functional.
• Fire Safety – Keep nearby fire hydrants clear of snow for emergency access.

First Onsite also offers free guides for Canadian homeowners and businesses: Residential Winter Storm Restoration and Commercial Winter Storm Preparedness.

Notes

1.  Source: Farmers’ Almanac Winter 2025–2026 Extended Weather Forecast for Canada.

2. The findings are from The Weather and Property Survey conducted First Onsite from February 19 to February 21, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,501 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About First Onsite

First Onsite Property Restoration is one of the largest and fastest-growing emergency response planning, mitigation, and reconstruction service providers in North America. First Onsite employs over 2,500 team members and operates from more than 100 locations across Canada and the U.S. With a culture focused on harnessing the human power of its team members and a commitment to doing what’s right, the First Onsite team helps clients restore, rebuild, and rise. First Onsite is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation. For more information, visit www.firstonsite.ca.

Source: First Onsite Property Restoration via Maverick PR

Tags: FirstOnSite Restoration, Natural Catastrophes, severe weather, storm surge damage, tips, winter