Victoria isn’t known for harsh winters, but anyone who’s lived here long enough knows the truth: when winter hits the Island, it hits hard and fast. You get a stretch of mild weather, then overnight the city turns into an ice rink. That’s the part people forget until they’re sliding down their driveway at 6 a.m. or their strata walkway turns into a lawsuit.
So let’s talk honestly about what the 2025/26 winter season is expected to look like — and what that means for you, your property, and your snow and ice management plan.
2025/26 Winter Forecast: The Short Version
All early indicators point to one thing:
A colder, longer, and more unpredictable season than average.
Not record-breaking, not the apocalypse — but enough to cause real issues if you’re not ready.
Here’s what the current models and weather trends show:
1. Early Season Freezes (Late November – Early December)
This is becoming the new normal. Overnight dips, black ice on shaded roads, and the kind of cold snaps that catch people off guard. Not much snow at first — but dangerous ice.
2. Two Major Snow Events (December – February)
Forecasting models are showing a high probability that the South Island sees at least two heavy snowfall events, similar to what we had in past years when the city shut down and everybody scrambled for help at the same time.
3. More Freeze-Thaw Cycles
This is the real problem.
Snow is manageable.
But snow that melts at noon, then freezes solid by nightfall? That’s what creates the sheet ice that keeps ERs busy.
Expect:
- Overnight refreeze
- Black ice in shaded parking lots
- Slippery walkways every morning
- Repeated icing after rainfalls
4. Late-Season Punch (February – Early March)
Victoria’s biggest storms often happen when everyone thinks winter is over.
Don’t predict spring before it shows up. The 2025/26 models show a strong chance of one late-season snowfall.
What This Means for Property Owners and Managers
1. If you don’t have a contract, you’re gambling
Every year, the phones blow up during the first snowfall — and every company is already booked. If you wait for the snow to hit before you call around, you’re one of 500 people doing the same thing.
2. Salting will matter more than plowing
With more freeze-thaw cycles predicted, ice control will be the real issue this winter. You want a crew that understands timing, coverage, and the difference between proper ice management and just throwing salt around.
3. Liability will spike this winter
More ice = more slips.
More slips = more claims.
For stratas, commercial sites, and HOAs, documentation and reliable service matter more this year than ever.
4. Overnight response will separate pros from amateurs
If your contractor “doesn’t work nights,” you don’t have a contractor — you have a problem waiting to happen.
How Island Edge Is Preparing for the 2025/26 Season
We’re taking the forecast seriously. Here’s how we’re gearing up:
- Routes expanded and reorganized for faster coverage
- Additional equipment staged in multiple locations
- Increased salt supply (secured early — no last-minute shortages)
- New sensors and monitoring systems to track temperature drops
- Expanding overnight operators for freeze-thaw windows
- Real-time communication for property managers
We’re not winging it. We’re planning ahead.
If You Need Snow & Ice Services This Season
We’re taking on a limited number of new contracts for 2025/26.
Once the routes are full, they’re full.
If you want:
- Priority service
- 24/7 storm response
- Proper insurance and documentation
- Reliable contractors who don’t disappear
- Fast turnaround and no excuses
Reach out now, not after the weather hits.
Final Word
Victoria winters are tricky, unpredictable, and getting more aggressive each year. The 2025/26 forecast isn’t looking mild, and the properties that prepare early will be the ones that avoid headaches, shutdowns, and liability issues.
We’ll be posting more updates as the season gets closer, including real-time forecasts, operational notices, and behind-the-scenes info on how we run our routes.
If you want in, reach out.
— Kenton, Island Edge Snow & Ice