Snow Removal Contract Checklist: 9 Terms to Check Before You Sign

Most residential snow removal contracts look alike on the first page. The differences sit in a few lines further down, and those lines decide what actually gets cleared after a storm. Here is what to check, with PWW's seasonal plans as the worked example.

1. The trigger depth, and how it is measured

The trigger is the depth of snow that sends a crew out. Ask two questions: how deep, and is it measured per snowfall or as a running total? PWW uses a 5 cm trigger, per snowfall. Each snowfall is measured on its own, so any single snowfall of 5 cm or more gets a clearing. Two 3 cm snowfalls on Monday and Thursday do not.

2. The season dates

A season contract should state when it starts and ends, and what happens to snow outside those dates. PWW plans run October 15 to April 15.

3. Unlimited visits, or a cap

Some contracts include a set number of clearings and charge extra after that. Check for a cap. PWW season plans have no cap: every snowfall over the trigger is cleared for the one season price.

4. The windrow

The windrow is the ridge of hard-packed snow the City plow leaves across the end of your driveway. The City does not clear it, so it is on you or your contractor. Make sure the contract says who. It is included in every PWW season plan. More on why the plow leaves a windrow.

5. The public sidewalk

City of Grande Prairie Traffic Bylaw C-1166 s. 38.1 makes the owner or occupant clear the sidewalk beside the property within 24 hours of the most recent snowfall. Check that the contract covers the public sidewalk, not only the walk to your door. PWW clears the front public sidewalk every visit. See the 24-hour sidewalk rule.

6. How full the clearing is

A crew in a hurry clears a lane down the middle and leaves the edges. Over a winter the banks creep in and a double driveway turns into a single. Ask whether the driveway is cleared to full width and the banks pushed back. PWW clears full width every visit.

7. How your surfaces are protected

Ask what touches pavers, sealcoat, stamped concrete and decks. Composite and front-entry decks on PWW plans are hand-cleared with poly-edged shovels, so nothing metal touches composite. More on snowblowers vs plows. Ask any contractor how they handle damage, and get the answer in writing.

8. Payment terms

Check when payment is due, whether monthly payments are allowed, and whether there is a discount for paying early. PWW: Pay in full by October 31 and save 5%, or split it into six monthly payments. All prices are plus GST.

9. Add-ons and the per-visit fallback

Extras should be priced up front, not quoted after the first storm. PWW's add-ons:

• Pet-safe de-icing: $249/season or $45/visit, plus GST.
• Extra path: $175/season or $25/visit, plus GST, for example, a back deck to the garage.

If you would rather pay as you go, per-visit prices are $75 (single), $95 (double) and $115 (triple), plus GST.

Season plan or per visit?

Season plans are $849 for a single driveway, $999 for a double and $1,199 for a triple, plus GST, each with the front walk. The season plan pays for itself by about the 11th clearing (12th on a single). Grande Prairie averages 162.2 cm of snow a year across about 56 days with measurable snowfall (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1991–2020 climate normals). The full numbers are in the residential snow removal price guide.

Acreages and long driveways

Long, circular and acreage driveways do not fit a single, double or triple price. They should be quoted after someone has looked at the length, surface and turnaround room. See how acreage snow removal is quoted.

Want your number? Price your driveway in the cost calculator. Pet-safe de-icing can be added for $249 a season.

Related: commercial snow removal contracts: how they work and what they cost