An extreme cold warning changes more about snow removal operations than most people realize, even on days when little or no new snow is actually falling. The cold itself becomes the main factor shaping how and when work gets done.
Crew safety is the top priority during extreme cold. Environment Canada issues extreme cold warnings when temperature or wind chill reaches dangerous levels (around minus 30 or colder in southern Ontario), and exposure at those temperatures can cause frostbite in a matter of minutes on exposed skin. Professional crews adjust by shortening outdoor work stretches, rotating workers more frequently, and ensuring warm-up breaks happen on a strict schedule rather than an as-needed basis.
Equipment performance also changes in extreme cold. Vehicles and machinery can struggle to start or run efficiently at very low temperatures, and hydraulic systems on plow equipment can behave differently than they do in more moderate cold. This sometimes means longer equipment warm-up times before a route can even begin.
Salt and ice melt effectiveness drops significantly in extreme cold too. Most standard salt products lose much of their melting power below about minus 10 to minus 15 degrees, so extreme cold snaps sometimes call for different products or a shift toward focusing on plowing and mechanical clearing rather than relying on de-icer alone.
Why Cold Days Still Need Attention
Even when no new snow is falling, extreme cold can create hazards. Snow that melted on a sunny afternoon refreezes overnight, and packed snow left from an earlier storm turns into hard ice that is slow to break up. Keeping driveways and walkways cleared to the surface before a cold snap arrives makes a big difference, because thin ice on bare pavement is much easier to manage than thick ice on packed snow.
What Homeowners Can Do
During a cold warning, limit time outside and dress in layers if you need to shovel. Keep a small supply of traction material such as sand by the door for steps that ice over. If you have pets, a pet-safe de-icer is gentler on paws than regular rock salt; we offer pet-safe de-icer as a $120 add-on.
Move vehicles off the driveway before a scheduled visit when you can, so the full surface can be cleared. Anything left on the driveway will leave a snowy patch that freezes hard in deep cold.
How Service Works With Our Plans
Our seasonal plan is $650–$725 + HST for a single or 1.5-car driveway ($815 double, $1,050 for 3-car, paver or stamped), and we come automatically whenever 5 cm of snow falls, so you do not need to call. Per-visit service is $70–$85 + HST. Seasonal salt can be added for $175, including freezing rain and refreeze visits, and a walkway with up to 6 steps is a $175 add-on. Each visit is recorded with timestamped photos, so you can see when your property was cleared even if you stayed indoors.
Check on Neighbours and Property
Extreme cold is hard on people as well as pavement. If you have older neighbours, a quick check that their walkway and steps are passable can prevent a fall. Look for ice building up under downspouts and at the bottom of steps, since meltwater collects there and freezes first. Our 5% discount for seniors and front-line workers applies to seasonal plans if someone you know needs regular help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still come out during an extreme cold warning?
Visits are triggered by snowfall of 5 cm or more. Crew safety comes first in severe conditions, and service continues as conditions allow.
Does salt work in extreme cold?
Regular rock salt loses much of its effect in very low temperatures. Clearing snow down to the pavement before a cold snap helps, and sand can add traction on top of ice.
Want a set price for your property? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read about residential snow removal, commercial snow removal and our prices.
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 from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $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.
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