Your First Winter in a Hyde Park New Build

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

New driveways need gentle handling

Many new homes are finished with a gravel base for a while before final paving, while others get fresh asphalt, concrete or interlocking pavers. Each surface behaves differently in winter. A gravel base can be scraped up by a blade set too low. Fresh asphalt can be marked by sharp edges. Pavers and stamped concrete need a careful approach so edges and sealer are not chipped.

When you request a quote, tell us what surface you have. For paver and stamped driveways we use a raised rubber-edge blade near decorative surfaces, and that work falls into our $1,050 plus HST tier. Standard single or 1.5-car asphalt driveways are $650 to $725, and doubles are $815.

If your builder has not yet installed the final surface, let us know that too. A gravel base is cleared with the blade held higher so the stone stays in place, and the crew will treat the area carefully until the finished driveway goes in.

Protect new sod and young trees

Builders often lay sod and plant small trees right up to the edge of the driveway. Under a blanket of snow, the line between driveway and lawn vanishes. Snow piled on young trees can break branches, and a plow catching the edge of new sod can tear it up. Before the season we mark edges, steps and drains so the crew can see where the hard surface ends.

• Point out any newly planted trees or shrubs near the driveway.
• Mention curb stops, utility boxes or cleanouts close to the edge.
• Tell us if part of the lot is still unfinished grading.

Where will the snow go?

Newer subdivisions often have wide garages but narrower front yards than older neighbourhoods, and the driveway may sit right next to the neighbour's. That leaves limited room for snow storage. Choosing a spot early, away from the walkway, side door and neighbour's driveway, keeps piles from creeping into your parking space by late winter.

Corner lots deserve special attention. Snow piled near the corner can block the view of drivers and pedestrians at the intersection. Keeping piles low and set back from the sidewalk helps everyone, especially children walking to school or the bus stop.

Expect the City windrow

Hyde Park streets are plowed by the City, and like everywhere in London, plows leave a windrow of heavy snow across the end of each driveway. On a new street with many driveways close together, this happens to every home after every plow pass. We clear the City windrow as part of every visit so you can get out in the morning.

If you have just moved in, do not be surprised if the first big snowfall leaves a windrow that is heavier than the snow on your driveway. It is plowed street snow, often wet and compacted, and it can freeze solid if left overnight. Clearing it promptly is far easier than chipping at it the next morning.

Book before December

Seasonal service runs December 1 to March 31 and is automatic every snowfall of 5 cm or more, with return visits in long storms and a timestamped photo after every visit. Booking takes a 30 percent deposit, with the balance due before December 1. If you would like coverage for early or late snow, an extension from November 1 to April 15 is $95. Front-line workers, including nurses, firefighters, police, paramedics and teachers, and seniors save 5 percent on seasonal plans.

Prefer to try a season before committing? Per-visit clearing is $70 to $85 plus HST, and you can always move to a seasonal plan next year once you know how much snow your property really gets. Quotes are measured from City of London maps and aerial imagery, so we can give you a fixed price within 1 business day without a site visit.

Get a fixed price for your Hyde Park property

A new home deserves a careful first winter. Getting your edges marked and your surface type noted before the snow arrives saves a lot of spring repair. 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. Visit our Hyde Park snow removal page or read how our service 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 $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.