Plowing vs. Shoveling: What's the Difference?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Snow removal services in London, Ontario usually come down to two methods: plowing and shoveling. They're often used together, but they're not interchangeable, and knowing the difference helps you pick the right service.

Plowing uses a truck-mounted or ATV-mounted blade to push snow off a driveway or parking area quickly. It's the standard method for most residential and commercial snow removal because it clears large areas fast, which matters when a company is servicing dozens of properties during a single storm.

Shoveling is manual clearing, typically used for sidewalks, walkways, porches, and tight spaces a plow can't reach, like narrow paths between a driveway and a front door. It's slower per square foot but necessary for areas plows simply can't access.

Most full-service snow removal companies combine both: a plow truck clears the driveway while a crew member shovels walkways and entryways by hand. Relying on plowing alone often leaves sidewalks and porches untouched, which becomes a safety and bylaw issue.

At Thames Valley Snow, driveway clearing and walkway and steps clearing are both available, so you can make sure every surface you use is covered.

Which Areas Need Which Method

Think of your property as two zones. The vehicle zone is the driveway and, on many homes, the apron where the City plow leaves its windrow. This is where a blade earns its keep, moving a large volume of snow quickly. The pedestrian zone is the walkway to the front door, steps, porch, side path to the backyard and the public sidewalk in front of the house. These areas are narrow, have edges and railings, and usually need to be cleared by hand or with small equipment.

Many standard driveway contracts only cover the vehicle zone. If you want your front walk and steps done too, make sure they are listed in the agreement.

What Walkway Clearing Costs

Our walkway and steps service starts from $150 + HST for the season. A walk plus up to 6 steps is $175, and a public sidewalk is $90. Seasonal driveway plans are $650 to $725 for a single or 1.5-car drive, $815 for a double, and $1,050 for a 3-car, paver or stamped drive, all plus HST. Learn more about walkway and steps clearing.

Surface Matters

Decorative surfaces like pavers and stamped concrete need care with any method. On 3-car, paver and stamped drives we use a raised rubber-edge blade near decorative surfaces. On steps, a metal shovel edge can chip concrete or loosen stone caps, so take care when clearing yourself.

Do Not Forget the Ice

Neither a plow nor a shovel removes bonded ice. After clearing, the thin layer left behind can glaze over, especially on shaded steps. That is where de-icing comes in. Rock salt works poorly below about -10°C, and a pet-safe de-icer ($120 + HST) is available for homes with dogs. Seasonal salt is $175 + HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits.

What to Expect From a Seasonal Plan

Every seasonal customer gets the same basics: service from December 1 to March 31, automatic visits at 5 cm or more, return visits in long storms, the City windrow cleared, and a timestamped photo after each visit. Quotes are prepared from City of London maps and aerial imagery within 1 business day, and we carry $2,000,000 liability coverage, are WSIB registered and are LPMA members.

Plowing and Shoveling FAQ

Is shoveling included with driveway clearing?

Walkways and steps are a separate add-on so you only pay for the areas you need.

When does a visit happen?

Seasonal clearing is automatic every snowfall of 5 cm or more, with a timestamped photo after each visit.

Get both zones covered with a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. Seniors can also see our seniors snow removal page.

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.