Snow Removal Tips for Arva Country Properties

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Long driveways take planning

A country driveway can be several times longer than a typical city one, and every metre has to be cleared before you can get out. Snow storage is usually easier, since there is more room on each side, but the time involved is much greater. For many Arva homeowners, that is the main reason to have the driveway cleared rather than doing it with a snowblower before work.

Walkways matter here too. Country homes often have a path from the driveway to a side or back door that is used more than the front entrance. Our walkway and steps service starts at $150; tell us which door your household actually uses so the right path is cleared.

Longer driveways are measured from aerial imagery and quoted at a fixed price within 1 business day. Mention any turnaround areas, parking pads or paths to outbuildings you want included.

Ditches, culverts and soft edges

Country driveways often cross a ditch at the road on a culvert, and the edges may drop off sharply into the ditch or soft shoulder. Under snow, these become invisible and easy to drive into. Before the season we mark edges, steps and drains, and on country lots that includes the culvert and the edges of the driveway along any ditch.

• Point out where the driveway crosses a ditch.
• Mark mailbox posts and any reflectors at the road.
• Note where the driveway edge drops off.
• Mention any septic or well components near the driveway.

Gravel versus paved driveways

Gravel driveways need a different touch than asphalt. The blade has to be kept slightly higher so the stone stays where it is instead of ending up on the lawn in spring. That leaves a thin layer of packed snow on top, which actually helps on gravel by giving a firmer driving surface. Paved and decorative driveways are cleared closer to the surface, and near decorative surfaces we use a raised rubber-edge blade.

Drifting from open fields

Open land around Arva means wind can carry snow across a driveway long after the snowfall stops. Drifts often form in the same places every storm, typically where the driveway passes a gap in trees or a building. Service is automatic every snowfall of 5 cm or more, with return visits in long storms, which helps keep drifts from building up.

If drifting is a recurring problem, a snow fence or a row of shrubs on the windward side can make a noticeable difference over time.

Windrows and ice

Rural roads are plowed by the municipality, and the plow leaves a windrow across the driveway entrance. We clear it as part of every visit. Ice is the other concern: freeze-thaw cycles and freezing rain can glaze the slope at the road. Seasonal salt is $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and pet-safe de-icer is $120 for properties with animals.

How the season works

Service runs December 1 to March 31, with a timestamped photo after every visit. Seasonal tiers start at $650 to $725 plus HST for single or 1.5-car driveways, $815 for doubles and $1,050 for three-car, paver or stamped driveways, with longer country driveways quoted after measurement. Seniors and front-line workers save 5 percent on seasonal plans, and a 30 percent deposit holds your spot.

Get a fixed price for your Arva property

A country property near Arva is a great place to spend the winter, especially when the long driveway is already cleared. Request a free quote and we will measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed price within 1 business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. Read about residential snow removal or how it works.

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.