How to Choose a Snow Removal Company in London, Ontario

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Every fall, London homeowners and property managers sign snow removal contracts that look similar on paper but play out very differently in January. Here is what to check before you sign, whoever you hire.

1. What snowfall triggers a visit?

Most residential contracts in London use a trigger depth: the contractor comes automatically once a set amount of snow has fallen. Ask for the exact number in writing. At Thames Valley Snow it is 5 cm for residential seasonal contracts, and you never have to call.

2. Is the City windrow included?

After the City of London plows your street, it leaves a heavy ridge of packed snow across the end of your driveway. Some contractors charge extra or skip it. Ask directly whether the windrow is cleared, and whether they come back for it. It is included in every Thames Valley Snow seasonal contract.

3. Do they come back during long storms?

A long storm can drop snow for a day or more. A good contract says the contractor returns during long storms instead of clearing once and leaving you buried by evening.

4. How do you know they came?

Ask how the company proves each visit. We send a timestamped photo after every visit, so you know your driveway was cleared even if you were away or asleep.

5. Are they insured and WSIB registered?

A plow working near your car, garage door or a commercial entrance needs proper coverage. Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB registration. For commercial sites, ask whether they can name you as additional insured. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 commercial general liability and is WSIB registered.

6. Is the price fixed, and what does it include?

Seasonal contracts should give one fixed price for the season. Make sure you know what is included and what is extra: walkways, steps, salting and early-morning priority are often add-ons. Our current residential seasonal prices are $650-$725 + HST for a single or 1.5-car driveway, $815 + HST for a double, and $1,050 + HST for 3-car, paver or stamped driveways. See snow removal prices in London.

7. Is there a written contract?

Whatever you agree on, get it in writing: the season dates, trigger depth, what is included, the price and payment terms. Our season runs December 1 to March 31, with a 30% deposit to hold your spot and the balance before December 1.

Get a fixed price for your property

We measure every property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed price within 1 business day. Get your free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. Businesses can see commercial snow removal, and homeowners residential snow removal.

Questions to ask before you sign

Ask what the trigger depth is, whether return visits are included in long storms, whether the city windrow is cleared, and how you will know a visit happened. Ask for proof of insurance and whether the company is WSIB registered.

Look for a written, fixed price

A written quote that lists exactly what is included and what is extra protects both sides. At Thames Valley Snow, residential quotes are measured from City of London maps and aerial imagery and come back with a fixed seasonal price.

Frequently asked questions

Do you carry insurance?

Yes. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 commercial general liability and is WSIB registered. Certificates are available on request.

Do you cover my neighbourhood?

We serve all of London, including Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, Westmount, Lambeth and Old East. Outside London, ask and the team will confirm.

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 $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $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.