Winter has officially settled into Northern Ontario, and with it comes the familiar challenges we face every year. Last year’s excessive snowfall was a reminder of how quickly conditions can escalate—roofs overloaded with snow, icy roads forming overnight, and walkways disappearing under sudden storms.

Now that winter is fully here, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the cold, protect your property, and keep your home, vehicle, and camp safe through the long season ahead.

Below is your complete winter maintenance and Northern Protection checklist to help you stay prepared and avoid unnecessary headaches in the months to come.

Outside Your Home & Camp

1. Keep Your Yard Clear and Safe

Even though the snow has already arrived, maintaining a clean and safe yard is still essential throughout the winter.

Continue to:

• • Keep walkways, decks, and steps clear of snow and ice.
  • Watch for branches sagging under the weight of snow or ice and trim them if they pose a risk.
  • Remove or store any loose items that may still be exposed or shifting around under the snowpack.

Winter storms in Northern Ontario can come out of nowhere—staying on top of these tasks helps protect your home and prevent injuries.

2. Monitor Gutters and Downspouts

Ice buildup can happen throughout the winter season. Check your gutters after major temperature swings to ensure:

• • Ice isn’t blocking drainage
  • Water is flowing away from your home
  • Downspouts remain clear

Freeze–thaw cycles are common here and can quickly lead to ice damming if gutters become clogged.

3. Watch Your Roof and Windows

Winter weather puts stress on your home. Throughout the season, inspect for:

• • Heavy snow accumulation on your roof
  • Ice forming along the edges or around vents
  • Drafts or frost buildup inside window frames
  • Any new gaps or cracks that appear

Addressing problems as they arise can prevent costly damage and heat loss during the coldest stretches of the season.

4. Protect Your Plumbing

If you haven’t already shut off and drained exterior water lines, do so immediately. Through the winter, continue to monitor:

• • Outdoor taps for ice buildup
  • Pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, garages, etc.)
  • Any signs of reduced water flow

Preventing frozen pipes at this stage is still possible—and far cheaper than dealing with a burst.

Prepare your Auto

1. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Winter-Ready

Winter roads in Northern Ontario can change by the hour. If you haven’t switched to winter tires yet, it’s critical to do so now. Winter-rated tires (with the mountain & snowflake symbol) perform much better in cold temperatures and on slippery roads.

Also check:

• • Tire pressure (cold weather lowers it)
  • Battery strength
  • Wiper blade performance
  • Antifreeze levels
  • Washer fluid rated for –40°C or colder

A quick vehicle check now can prevent breakdowns or dangerous situations later.

2. Keep Your Winter Emergency Kit Stocked

With storms, long distances between towns, and unpredictable conditions, a well-stocked winter emergency kit is essential.

Your vehicle should have:

• • Warm blanket
  • Shovel
  • Sand or salt
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper cables
  • Snacks & water
  • First-aid kit
  • Backup batteries or a power bank

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze-ups and stay prepared for unexpected delays.

Northern Ontario Protection

1. Clean and Maintain Your Wood Stove and Chimney

Some Northern Ontario households rely on wood heat through the winter.

If you didn’t clean your chimney before the season, it’s not too late—winter-long buildup can still be reduced.

Check for:

• • Creosote buildup
  • Cracked door seals
  • Blocked vents
  • Smoke backdrafting

A clean, well-maintained chimney burns safer and more efficiently.

2. Secure Your Summer Toys

If any recreational vehicles weren’t fully winterized before the snow arrived, take time now to ensure they’re properly stored and protected.

This may include:

• • Adding fuel stabilizer
  • Disconnecting or removing batteries
  • Covering exposed equipment
  • Checking storage areas for moisture

It’s also a good time to revisit your insurance protection for stored seasonal items.

3. Make Sure Your Camp Is Properly Closed

For those with a camp or cottage, mid-winter is a great time to confirm everything is secure.

Your winter check-in should include:

• • Verifying water lines remain drained
  • Ensuring all windows and doors are tightly sealed
  • Checking for animal activity
  • Reviewing your insurance for unoccupied property requirements

Preventing mid-winter damage is much easier than dealing with surprises in the spring.

Stay Ahead of the Cold

Winter in Northern Ontario is long, demanding, and unpredictable—but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From keeping walkways clear to monitoring your roof, vehicle, and seasonal property, every small step adds up to better protection and peace of mind.

If you have questions about your home, auto, or seasonal property coverage, contact us to ensure you’re protected for the rest of the winter.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season with confidence.