When property owners in London, Ontario compare snow removal companies, the equipment behind the service often explains the difference in price and results.
Residential routes typically rely on pickup trucks with plow attachments for driveways, along with snowblowers and shovels for walkways and tight spaces where a truck can't maneuver.
Commercial properties need heavier equipment, like skid steers and larger plow trucks, to move through big parking lots efficiently. Some companies also run dedicated sidewalk machines for long stretches of commercial walkway.
De-icing equipment matters just as much as plows. Spreaders mounted on trucks or handheld units apply salt and ice melt evenly, which prevents the wasted product and uneven coverage that comes from tossing salt by hand.
Why the blade edge matters on decorative driveways
A standard steel plow edge is fine on plain asphalt, but it can scrape, chip or scuff stamped concrete, pavers and sealed decorative surfaces. That is why it is worth asking any company what touches your driveway. Near decorative surfaces we use a raised rubber-edge blade, which follows the surface without gouging it. Leaving a very thin layer of snow on pavers is normal and protects joints and edges; any remaining film melts or is handled with ice control.
Gravel driveways are the opposite problem. The blade has to ride slightly higher so stone stays on the driveway instead of ending up in the lawn by spring.
Hand tools still do the detail work
No machine replaces a shovel on steps, around railings, between parked cars or at a narrow side gate. Good crews carry shovels, push brooms and ice scrapers on every truck. Steps are cleared by hand, and the landing at the door gets attention because that is where people actually slip. Our walkway and steps service starts at $150 plus HST for the season, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps.
Ice control: salt, spreaders and pet-safe options
Spreaders put down an even, measured amount of product instead of heavy piles in some spots and none in others. The product matters too. Ordinary rock salt works well near freezing but slows down badly below about -10°C, and it can be hard on paws, plants and some concrete. Pet-safe de-icers are gentler. Our seasonal salt program is $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits; pet-safe de-icer is $120.
The equipment you cannot see: marking and records
Some of the most useful tools are simple. Before the season, edges, steps and drains are marked so they can be found under a metre of snow. After every visit, a timestamped photo is taken so you can see when your property was done. Insurance belongs on this list too: ask any company for proof of liability coverage. We carry $2,000,000 in liability coverage and are WSIB registered.
Questions to ask a company about its equipment
- What is used on my driveway surface: a truck blade, a blower or hand tools?
- What edge touches pavers, stamped concrete or a sealed driveway?
- How are steps, landings and narrow walkways cleared?
- Which ice control product is used, and is a pet-safe option available?
- What happens to the City windrow at the end of the driveway?
A company that can answer these clearly has usually thought about your property, not just its route. On our routes the City windrow is cleared as part of the visit, so you are not left with a frozen ridge at the end of a cleared driveway.
FAQ
Will a plow damage my interlock or stamped concrete?
It can with a bare steel edge. Ask for a rubber-edge or raised blade and make sure edges are marked before the first snowfall.
Is a snowblower or a plow used on my driveway?
It depends on the layout. Open driveways suit a blade; tight spots, walkways and areas near structures are usually blown or shovelled.
Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. See our stamped and paver driveway service 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.
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