How Snow Removal Works for Strip Malls and Shared Lots

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Strip malls and shared commercial lots create a unique snow removal situation, since multiple tenants share the same parking area but often don't share the same lease terms or expectations about who's responsible for the cost.

Usually, the property owner or management company holds the master snow removal contract for shared areas, with the cost built into common area maintenance fees that get passed through to tenants. Individual tenants typically don't hire their own contractor for a lot they share with neighbouring businesses, since that would create conflicting service schedules.

Communication between the contractor and multiple tenants matters more in a shared lot setting. If one tenant opens earlier than others, or has specific concerns about their storefront area, that needs to be communicated to whoever manages the contract, since individual tenants generally can't direct the contractor's priorities on their own.

Disputes sometimes arise when one tenant feels their storefront isn't getting adequate attention compared to others in the same plaza. This is usually a communication issue between the tenant and property management rather than something the snow contractor can resolve directly, since they're working from the scope defined by whoever holds the contract.

What a Plaza Lot Needs

A good plan for a shared lot covers the drive lanes and parking stalls, the sidewalk in front of every storefront, entrances and ramps, and any rear doors used for deliveries or staff. It should also name a storage spot for piles that does not block sightlines, accessible spaces or drains.

Opening Times Drive the Schedule

When tenants open at different times, the earliest opening usually sets the deadline for the whole lot. Make sure the person holding the contract knows every tenant's hours so clearing is finished before the first customers and staff arrive.

How Thames Valley Snow Quotes Shared Lots

We price commercial properties per site, based on paved area, walkway length and opening time, and usually provide a written quote within 2 business days. Owners and managers can choose a fixed seasonal price, per-visit pricing or an event cap, and monthly billing is available on request. Lots are cleared before opening, sidewalks, entrances and ramps are hand-cleared and salted, snow is piled away from doors and drains, and every visit is recorded in a photo log. Our commercial clients include plazas, clinics, churches and a 24/7 truck stop on Highway 401.

Insurance and Records

We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, with certificates on request and additional insured available, and we are WSIB registered and a member of the London Property Management Association.

Questions to Settle Before Winter

Before the season starts, shared-lot owners and tenants should agree on who requests and pays for service, which areas are included, where snow can be piled, and how salting is handled. Write down the answers and share them with every tenant. Clear expectations avoid disputes after the first big storm.

Keeping Customers Safe

Entrances, sidewalks and accessible parking spaces see the most foot traffic, so they deserve the most attention. Report icy spots quickly, keep mats at doorways to reduce tracked-in slush, and make sure snow piles never block sightlines at lot exits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a single tenant hire you?

We can quote a tenant's own area, but on a shared lot it works best when the owner or property manager holds one plan for the whole site.

Can tenants see proof of service?

The photo log shows when each visit happened, which the contract holder can share with tenants.

Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read about commercial snow removal and snow removal for property managers.

What's included… and what's extra

Commercial snow service is priced per site from paved area, walkway length and opening time. A typical contract includes plowing at the agreed trigger depth, clearing before opening, hand-cleared entrances, sidewalks and ramps, and a timestamped photo log of every visit.

Common extras are quoted separately so you only pay for what the site needs: salting and de-icing per event, extra sidewalk or ramp coverage, after-hours or priority service, and snow relocation when piles run out of room. See commercial snow removal or request a site quote by calling or texting (548) 888-8702.