If you are now formally a part of the encroaching municipality, then you are subject to its bylaws, including its snow removal bylaws. You may also be liable in negligence law for any injuries a visitor to your property suffers. The Supreme Court of Canada dealt with just this situation in the 1991 case of Waldick v. Malcolm. In this case, homeowners did not shovel, sand, or salt their parking area or driveway in front of their farmhouse and they argued that no one else in their area did either. A visitor to their property fell and was injured. The Supreme Court of Canada wrote: “No amount of general community compliance will render negligent conduct reasonable in all the circumstances.” Last updated: January 2015