After a major storm in London, Ontario, all that plowed snow has to go somewhere, and where it ends up depends on the property and the size of the storm.
On most residential driveways, snow gets pushed to the sides in growing banks along the edges. As the winter progresses and more storms hit, these piles get taller and start eating into usable space, which is a normal part of the season.
Commercial lots and larger properties often designate a specific snow storage area, usually a corner of the lot that isn't used for parking, to keep piles from blocking spaces or sightlines. For very large accumulations, some properties arrange to have snow hauled off-site entirely.
Melting piles create their own challenge later in the season, since runoff can refreeze overnight and create ice patches near where the pile sat. Positioning piles away from walkways and entrances during the initial push helps minimize this.
At Thames Valley Snow, edges, steps and drains are marked before the season, which helps us plan where snow can be stacked without causing problems later.
Planning Where the Snow Will Go
A typical London winter brings many separate snow events, and every centimetre that lands on your driveway has to be stacked somewhere until it melts. Early in the season it is tempting to push snow to the closest spot, but by February those first piles have become walls. Good stacking starts in December: push snow as far back along the edges as practical, keep corners near the road low so you can see traffic when backing out, and save space for the storms still to come.
Avoid piling snow on top of drains, against the house foundation, over window wells, or on the high side of a walkway where meltwater will run across the path.
The City Windrow Adds to the Pile
Every time the City plow passes, it leaves a ridge of compacted snow, called the windrow, across the end of your driveway. It is heavier and denser than the snow that fell on the drive, and it has to be stacked too. On our seasonal plans the City windrow is cleared, and during long storms we make return visits so piles and windrows do not build up into something you cannot drive through.
Melt, Runoff and Refreeze
When temperatures rise above zero, piles start to melt from the outside and the base. That meltwater runs downhill, and if it crosses your driveway or walkway it refreezes overnight into black ice. This is one of the main reasons people slip in late winter even when it has not snowed for days. Keeping drains clear and having ice control in place helps; our seasonal salt service ($175 + HST) includes freezing rain and refreeze visits.
Snow Piles on Commercial Sites
On parking lots, piles take away usable spaces and can block sightlines at entrances and exits. Designating a storage area before winter, away from accessible parking and pedestrian routes, keeps the lot functional. Commercial sites are priced individually; see commercial snow removal.
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.
Snow Pile FAQ
Can I pile snow onto the road or sidewalk?
No. Pushing snow onto the road or public sidewalk is generally not allowed in London and creates hazards for others.
Why do piles near my steps cause ice?
Meltwater from the pile runs onto the steps and refreezes. Stacking snow on the low side of walkways helps.
Keep your driveway usable all winter with a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. See residential snow removal or 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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