Did you know that all rural mailboxes must meet Canada Post’s safety criteria?
Small Farm Canada
The right mailbox may help keep your letters and packages secure while improving your curb appeal.
For those of you who are lucky enough to have rural home delivery, it sometimes comes with the hazards of your mailbox getting knocked down by tractors or other mishaps. When setting up a new mailbox, it’s important to ensure you have met Canada Post’s mailbox criteria.
To ensure safe delivery of mail, here are some specifications to consider:
Choosing a mailbox
- Ensure it is waterproof and strong enough to hold the weight of letters and parcels
- Must have a door located in the front that is able to open with ease and close securely
Installing a mailbox
- Must be upright and securely attached to a fixed post or an arm on a lever
- The bottom of the box should be at least 100cm above the ground (preferably 107-114cm)
- Should be located along the right-hand side of the road in the direction that the delivery agent travels
- Must be free of underground obstructions including power, gas and cable lines
Adding identification
- The civic address of each resident or homeowner should be marked on the right-hand side of the mailbox
- It must be clearly visible to the delivery agent as they approach the mailbox
- Local post offices should also be advised of the names that will receive mail at a rural mailbox
Tip: consider using reflective stickers on your mailbox to increase evening and night visibility to protect against mishaps.
All rural mailboxes must meet Canada Post’s safety criteria to ensure the safety of employees, customers and motorists.
Rural mailboxes should never be placed in lane ways or driveways. Delivery vehicles must have enough space to drive up to the mailbox and continue merging back into traffic.
During the winter, the area in front of the mailbox must be kept clear of snow and ice to ensure the delivery of letters and parcels.
And don’t forget to check your mailbox frequently, if not, every season, to keep it functional and attractive. Rural mailboxes experience a lot of wear and tear so looking for loose hinges, missing screws and rust, and repair or replace any damaged parts.
For further mailbox specifications and road safety criteria, please consult your local post office or visit here.