Business owners comparing snow removal quotes often see a wide price range and assume something is off with the higher bids. Usually, the difference comes down to whether you're comparing plowing alone against full snow and ice management.
Plowing-only service covers exactly what it sounds like, clearing accumulated snow from drive lanes and parking areas. It's the lower-cost option because it's the narrowest scope of service, addressing only the snow itself and leaving everything else to the property owner.
Full snow management typically bundles plowing with salting, sidewalk clearing, ice monitoring, and often snow pile management as the season progresses. This costs more because it's covering more ground, both literally and in terms of liability protection, but it also removes the gaps that plowing-only leaves behind.
The real cost comparison isn't just the invoice total, it's what happens in the gaps. A property with plowing-only service still needs someone to handle salting and sidewalks, whether that's in-house staff or a second contractor, and those costs add up even if they're not on the same invoice.
At Thames Valley Snow, every commercial quote is written per site, so you can see the scope you are paying for. When comparing quotes from different companies, make sure you are comparing the same scope of service, not just the bottom-line number.
What Our Commercial Quotes Are Built On
Commercial pricing is set per site. Three things drive it: the paved area, the length of walkway, and your opening time. A large lot with short walkways and a late opening costs differently from a small plaza with long sidewalks that opens at dawn. A written quote usually arrives within 2 business days.
The Scope Questions to Ask
- Are sidewalks, entrances and ramps included, and are they hand-cleared?
- Is salting included, and does it cover freezing rain and refreeze, not only snow?
- What depth triggers service? Ours is 5 cm.
- Are there return visits during long storms?
- Where will snow be piled? We keep it away from doors and drains.
- Is each visit documented? We take a timestamped photo after every visit.
Pricing Structures
Once the scope is clear, choose how you want to pay. A fixed seasonal price gives certainty for the budget. Per-visit pricing follows the actual winter. An event cap limits how much a heavy winter can cost. Monthly billing is available on request.
For homes, prices are published: seasonal plans run $650 to $725 for a single or 1.5-car driveway, $815 for a double, and $1,050 for 3-car, interlock, paver or stamped drives, plus HST. Per-visit service is $70 to $85, and seasonal salt is a $175 add-on.
Insurance Is Part of the Comparison
A cheaper quote from an uninsured operator can cost more in the end. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 in liability coverage, offers certificates and additional insured status, is WSIB registered and is an LPMA member.
Why the Gaps Cost Money
A plowing-only contract leaves the walkways, entrances and ramps to someone else. If that someone is your own staff, you are paying wages for shovelling and salting, and you are relying on people who also have their regular jobs to do. If it is a second contractor, you now have two schedules, two invoices and two sets of records to keep straight.
Full management puts the lot, the walkways and the salting under one plan, with one photo log showing when each visit happened. When you compare quotes, add up what the gaps would cost you before deciding the plowing-only price is the cheaper one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is one snow quote double another?
Usually the scope is different. Check whether salting, walkways and return visits are included before comparing prices.
Can I pay monthly?
For commercial clients, monthly billing is available on request.
Want a fixed price for your property? Request a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about our commercial 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.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
Get my free quote