Snow Removal Tips for Komoka Homeowners

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Open land and drifting snow

Communities on the edge of the city often have open fields nearby, and wind across open land can drift snow back onto a driveway that was cleared an hour earlier. On exposed lots, a 5 cm snowfall with strong wind can leave deeper drifts in some spots and bare pavement in others.

If your property is exposed, a snow fence or a row of shrubs on the windward side can reduce how much snow drifts across the driveway. It is worth noticing in your first winter where the drifts form, since they tend to build in the same places storm after storm.

This is one reason return visits during long storms matter. Service is automatic every snowfall of 5 cm or more from December 1 to March 31, and in long storms we come back so the driveway does not fill in again before evening.

The road plow windrow

Roads in Komoka are plowed by the municipality, and like in the city, plows leave a windrow of compacted snow across the end of each driveway. We clear the windrow at the end of the driveway as part of every visit, so you are not facing a frozen ridge on your way out.

Rural and village roads are not always plowed on the same timing as busy city streets, so the windrow may arrive later in the day, after your driveway has already been cleared. Return visits in long storms help catch that second layer.

Newer homes and fresh landscaping

Many Komoka homes are newer builds with fresh sod, young trees and driveways that may be asphalt, concrete or pavers. Under snow the edges disappear. Before the season we mark edges, steps and drains so the crew knows exactly where the hard surface ends.

• Point out young trees and shrubs near the driveway.
• Mention any utility boxes or curb stops close to the edge.
• Tell us if your driveway is pavers or stamped concrete.
• Note downspouts that drain toward the driveway.

For paver or stamped driveways, we use a raised rubber-edge blade near decorative surfaces; those are priced at $1,050 plus HST for the season.

Ice on exposed driveways

Wind and sun work together on open lots. Snow melts on a sunny afternoon and refreezes at night, sometimes as a thin, hard-to-see glaze. Seasonal salt is $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits. If you have pets, pet-safe de-icer is $120 for the season.

Pay attention to the spot where the driveway meets the road. Water often collects there, and it is where cars brake and turn, so it is the most important place to keep salted.

Pricing and booking

Seasonal pricing is fixed: $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. Longer driveways are measured from aerial imagery and quoted at a fixed price within 1 business day. Walkway and steps start at $150, and priority early-morning clearing is $125, useful for commuters heading into London.

Seniors and front-line workers, including nurses, firefighters, police, paramedics and teachers, save 5 percent. A 30 percent deposit holds your spot, with the balance due before December 1. Every visit ends with a timestamped photo.

If you would rather try a season on a pay-as-you-go basis, per-visit clearing runs $70 to $85 plus HST. An extension from November 1 to April 15 is $95 for those who want coverage for early or late snow.

Get a fixed price for your Komoka property

Komoka winters reward a plan that accounts for wind, drifting and the road windrow. 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 our residential snow removal and salting and ice control.

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.