Why photos became standard
Snow removal mostly happens when you are asleep, at work or away. You often do not see the crew arrive, and by the time you look outside, more snow may have fallen. Without a record, it can be hard to know whether a visit happened, when it happened, and whether a fresh dusting is new snow or something that was missed.
At Thames Valley Snow we take a timestamped photo after every visit. It takes seconds for the crew, and it answers most of the questions homeowners have during a busy winter.
What the photo shows
- The time of the visit. You can see whether your driveway was cleared before you left in the morning or later in the day.
- The condition left behind. The photo shows the cleared surface, the driveway opening and, where included, walkways and steps.
- The windrow. You can see whether the end of the driveway was open at the time of the visit.
- Weather at the time. If snow was still falling, the photo makes that obvious, which explains why a return visit may follow in a long storm.
What a photo cannot prove
It is just as important to be honest about the limits. A photo captures one moment. Snow that falls after the visit, a City plow pass that drops a new windrow, or refreezing meltwater later in the day are not visible in a photo taken earlier. A photo also does not replace good judgement: a surface can look clear and still have a thin film of ice in cold, damp conditions. That is why ice control is a separate service from plowing.
How it helps you as a homeowner
The photo gives you peace of mind while you are away, whether you are travelling, working a long shift or simply not looking out the window at 5 a.m. If you are caring for a relative's home, you can check that it was cleared without driving over. If a neighbour, landlord or family member asks whether the driveway was done, you have an answer with a time on it.
It also makes conversations simple. If something looks wrong, you can point to the photo and we can look at the same picture, rather than trying to remember a storm from days ago.
Other records worth keeping
- Your signed agreement showing your service type and what is included.
- Any notes about markers, steps and drains set out before the season.
- Your own photos of the property before winter, which help if a question comes up about a pre-existing crack or damaged edge.
Good records protect everyone and keep winter low-stress.
How our seasonal service handles it
Our seasonal plans run from December 1 to March 31. Clearing is automatic every time 5 cm or more falls, so you never need to call or book a visit. In long storms we come back for return visits, and the City windrow at the end of your driveway is cleared as part of the service. Before the season starts we mark your edges, steps and drains so they can be found under snow. After every visit you get a timestamped photo. We are fully insured with $2,000,000 in liability coverage and registered with WSIB. Seasonal salting is available for $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. Prices are fixed for the season: single or 1.5-car driveways are $650 to $725, doubles are $815, and three-car, paver or stamped driveways are $1,050, all plus HST. We measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed quote within one business day. A 30% deposit reserves your spot, with the balance due before December 1.
Want this handled for you this winter? Request a free quote and we will measure your property and send a fixed price within one business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about how it works and our FAQ. See what is included with residential snow removal and our walkway and steps add-on.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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