If you’ve recently slipped and fallen on an icy city sidewalk, municipal parking lot, or public pathway in Ontario, it’s important to understand your legal rights—and the strict deadlines involved. Unlike falls on private property, municipal slip and fall claims require you to provide written notice within just 10 days of the incident.

In this blog, we explain the 10-day municipal notice requirement under the Municipal Act, how it differs from private property claims, and what steps you must take to protect your right to compensation.

What Is the 10-Day Municipal Notice Rule?

Under Section 44(10) of the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001, anyone injured in a slip and fall on municipal property—such as city-owned sidewalks, roads, parks, or parking lots—must give the municipality written notice within 10 days of the accident.

Failing to do so can prevent you from bringing a successful lawsuit against the city or municipality, even if their negligence caused your injury.

What Counts as Municipal Property?

Municipal property includes:

  • City-owned sidewalks and crosswalks
  • Municipal parking lots and garages
  • Public parks, trails, and pathways
  • Municipal roads and boulevards

How to Serve Notice to the Municipality

Your written notice should include:

  • The date, time, and precise location of your slip and fall
  • A brief description of the circumstances of the accident
  • Your name and contact information
  • The name of any witnesses, if available

You can deliver the notice in person or by registered mail to the municipality’s clerk or legal department—often the City Clerk’s Office.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day Deadline?

Missing the 10-day notice period can be fatal to your claim. However, the law allows exceptions if you can show:

  • A reasonable excuse for the delay (e.g., serious injury or hospitalization)
  • That the municipality was not prejudiced by the late notice (i.e., they were not unfairly harmed in defending the claim)

Because courts strictly enforce this deadline, it’s critical to act quickly.

Why Timely Legal Advice Is Crucial

The 10-day notice period is short and strictly enforced. If you’re unsure how or where to serve notice, or if you missed the deadline, a qualified personal injury lawyer can evaluate whether an exception applies and help preserve your rights.

Don’t Let a Missed Notice Deadline Cost You Your Claim

Slip and fall injuries on municipal property can have serious consequences. But Ontario law demands quick action—just 10 days to give notice. Missing this window can end your claim before it begins.

If you or a loved one slipped on ice on a city sidewalk or municipal area, don’t wait. Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights.