What to Ask Before Signing a Multi-Year Snow Contract

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A multi-year snow removal contract can lock in a good rate and a reliable relationship, but it also commits your business for longer than a single season. A few key questions before signing can save real headaches down the road.

Ask how pricing changes over the life of the contract. Some multi-year deals lock in a flat rate for the full term, while others include annual escalation tied to inflation or fuel costs. Understand which structure you're agreeing to, since a contract that looks cheap in year one can look very different by year three.

Ask what happens if the property changes hands or your business needs shrink or grow significantly. A multi-year contract written only for your current situation may not account for a change in ownership, a reduction in serviced area, or an expansion that changes your actual needs partway through the term.

Ask about the exit terms specifically. Every long-term contract should spell out what happens if either side wants out early, what notice is required, and whether there are penalties. A contractor unwilling to discuss this clearly before you sign is a signal worth paying attention to.

At Thames Valley Snow, every commercial agreement starts with a written per-site quote, so the scope and price are clear before you sign. A longer-term relationship can be a good fit for the right property, as long as the terms are clear from the start.

Make Sure the Scope Is in Writing

Before you look at the term, check exactly what is covered each visit. Useful questions include:

• What depth triggers service? Ours is 5 cm, and it is automatic.
• Are there return visits during long storms?
• Are sidewalks, entrances and ramps hand-cleared and salted?
• Does salting include freezing rain and refreeze?
• Where will snow be piled? It should be kept away from doors and drains.
• Is every visit documented? We take a timestamped photo after each one.

Understand the Pricing Structure

Commercial pricing can be a fixed seasonal price, per-visit, or an event cap. A fixed price is easy to budget for. Per-visit follows the actual winter. An event cap limits how much a heavy season can cost. Monthly billing is available on request. Ask which structure applies in each year of a longer agreement.

Insurance for Every Year of the Term

Ask for a current certificate of insurance at the start of each season, not only when you sign. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 in liability insurance, certificates are available on request and additional insured status is available. We are WSIB registered and an LPMA member.

Get the Quote in Writing

Each site is priced from its paved area, walkway length and opening time. A written quote usually arrives within 2 business days, which gives you time to compare it against your current costs before committing.

Plan for Changes on the Property

A lot can change over a few years. You might add a building, repave, change your hours or sell the property. Because commercial pricing is based on paved area, walkway length and opening time, any of these changes can affect the price. Ask how the agreement handles changes, and make sure there is a clear way to update the scope in writing. Also ask what notice is needed to end the agreement early, and whether any fees apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a multi-year contract have exit terms?

Yes. Any longer agreement should spell out notice and early exit terms before you sign.

Can billing be monthly?

Monthly billing is available on request for commercial clients.

Want a fixed price for your property? Request a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about our commercial snow removal and property manager services.

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.