Are Homeowners Responsible for Clearing City Sidewalks?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A common point of confusion for homeowners in London, Ontario is whether the sidewalk in front of their house is their responsibility or the city's to clear after it snows.

The City of London plows most municipal sidewalks after significant snowfall, but plowing follows a priority order and can take time after a big storm. Rules can change, so it is worth checking the City's current snow clearing information and bylaws for your street rather than assuming either way.

Even where the City does plow, a sidewalk left icy in front of a home is still a hazard for neighbours, kids walking to school and delivery drivers. Depending on the circumstances, a homeowner may face questions if someone slips near their property, which is one reason many people choose to keep the stretch out front clear themselves.

For homeowners who travel often, have mobility limitations, or simply don't want another winter chore, adding sidewalk clearing to a snow removal contract solves both the bylaw and safety concerns in one step.

City Plowing vs. Your Own Walkways

It helps to separate three areas. The municipal sidewalk along the street is part of the City program. The walkway from the sidewalk to your front door, plus your steps and porch, is entirely yours to maintain. And the windrow, the ridge of heavy snow City plows leave across the bottom of your driveway, is also left for the homeowner to clear. Those last two are where most falls and frustrations happen.

Timing After a Storm

Because municipal plowing runs in priority order, the sidewalk in front of your home may not be done for a while after a large storm. If you have someone in the household with a mobility issue, or you rely on the sidewalk to get to a bus stop, clearing a path yourself or having your contractor do it avoids waiting.

Ice Is the Bigger Problem Than Snow

Packed snow that thaws in the afternoon and refreezes overnight creates the slickest surfaces of the winter. A light application of de-icer on a cleared surface works far better than heavy salting on top of snow. Remember that rock salt works poorly below about -10°C, so keep a small amount of a colder-rated product for deep freezes.

Adding the Sidewalk to Your Plan

At Thames Valley Snow, the City windrow is cleared on every driveway visit. Sidewalk clearing in front of the home is an add-on at $90 + HST for the season, walkway and steps service starts at $150 + HST, and seasonal salt is $175 + HST including freezing rain and refreeze visits. Visits are automatic at 5 cm or more, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit.

Helping Out Neighbours

Many London streets have older residents who cannot safely shovel. If you are already clearing your own stretch, extending a few metres to a neighbour's walk is a small kindness that makes the whole block safer. For older homeowners who would rather not rely on favours, a seasonal plan is a dependable alternative, and seniors receive 5% off seasonal service with us. Front-line workers receive the same 5% discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to clear the windrow the City plow leaves?

Yes, the windrow across your driveway is the homeowner's to clear. Seasonal clients have it cleared every visit.

What if I am away for the winter?

A seasonal plan with sidewalk and walkway service keeps everything handled, and the photo after each visit shows it was done.

Want it handled every time it snows? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. See walkway and steps service or seniors snow removal.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.