The Costly Risk of Leaving Your Property Unprotected by Bollards
When you think about protecting your commercial property, bollards might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the absence of these simple yet effective barriers can lead to devastating financial consequences that extend far beyond the initial impact.
The Real Price of Car Accidents
A single vehicle collision with your storefront can result in costs that spiral quickly out of control. Just look at recent incidents across the GTA that made headlines:
In October 2024, a car crashed into a Midtown Toronto Tim Hortons near Yonge Street and Sheldrake Boulevard. The vehicle was partially inside the coffee shop, with the building’s facade bent and damaged. City engineers had to be called to assess the structural integrity, and the location was forced to close during repairs.
Earlier in November 2024, another vehicle crashed into a building in Toronto’s east end, resulting in an impaired driving arrest. These incidents highlight how common storefront crashes have become.
In a particularly dangerous 2016 incident, a vehicle crashed into an Etobicoke storefront, rupturing a gas line and forcing an area evacuation. The safety risks extended far beyond property damage.
While specific damage costs aren’t always publicly reported, industry experts estimate that a typical storefront collision can result in $50,000-100,000 in total costs when you factor in structural repairs, lost inventory, business interruption, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Hidden Expenses You Haven’t Considered
Insurance Premium Increases: After a vehicle collision, many commercial property owners see their insurance premiums rise by 15-30%. For a typical GTA storefront, this translates to an additional $2,000-5,000 annually in insurance costs that continue year after year.
Customer Confidence and Reputation: News of accidents spreads quickly in the digital age. When storefronts make headlines for vehicle crashes, customer perception of safety can be significantly impacted. The repeated nature of these incidents across the GTA demonstrates how vulnerable unprotected properties really are.
Employee Safety Liability: When employees are injured during vehicle collisions, workers’ compensation claims can reach into the hundreds of thousands. The risk is real; these crashes often happen during business hours when staff and customers are present.
Regulatory Compliance Issues: Following accidents, city inspectors often require additional safety measures that can be far more expensive than proactive bollard installation. As seen in the Etobicoke incident where a gas line was ruptured, crashes can create serious safety hazards that require immediate and costly remediation.
The Smart Investment Perspective
Quality bollards typically cost between $200-800 per unit installed, depending on your specific needs. Even a comprehensive bollard system for most commercial properties ranges from $3,000-8,000, which is a fraction of the potential costs from a single vehicle accident.
Modern commercial bollards also offer aesthetic benefits, enhancing your property’s professional appearance while providing peace of mind. Many GTA business owners report that bollards have become a selling point, demonstrating their commitment to safety and professionalism.
Don’t Wait for an Accident to Act
The question isn’t whether you can afford to install bollards, but whether you can afford not to. Every day without proper protection is a day of unnecessary risk to your investment, your employees, and your customers.
Ready to protect your commercial property? Contact Bollard Boys GTA today for a free site assessment and quote. Our team of experts will help you choose the right bollard solution for your specific needs and budget. Don’t let the hidden costs of inaction impact your bottom line.