What's London's Sidewalk Snow Clearing Bylaw?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Many homeowners and business owners in London, Ontario aren't sure whether the city or the property owner is responsible for clearing snow from the sidewalk in front of their property.

The answer is less obvious in London than in many Ontario cities. The City of London runs its own sidewalk plows on many sidewalks after significant snowfall, working through priority routes first, such as those near schools, transit and busy streets. That does not mean every sidewalk is cleared at the same time, and it never covers anything on your own property.

Rules, priorities and any owner obligations can change and can differ by area, especially downtown and for businesses. Check the City of London’s current winter maintenance page or call 311 for the details that apply to your address.

Businesses tend to face more scrutiny here since a slip and fall on an uncleared commercial sidewalk carries real liability risk, on top of any bylaw fine.

What the City does not do

• Clear your driveway, walkway, porch or steps.
• Remove the windrow its road plow leaves across the end of your driveway.
• Salt your private walkway or landing.
• Return immediately after every snowfall; sidewalk plowing follows its own schedule.

The windrow is the part that catches most people. It is heavy, packed snow that is often harder to move than the snowfall itself. On our routes the City windrow is cleared as part of every visit.

Why many owners clear the sidewalk anyway

Waiting for the sidewalk plow may mean a day or more of packed snow in front of your house, which can turn to ice. Delivery drivers, neighbours and anyone walking to your door use that stretch. If you want the public sidewalk in front of your home included, we offer sidewalk clearing for $90 plus HST for the season as an add-on to a residential plan.

Your walkway, steps and ice

The path from the driveway to your door and the steps up to it are entirely your responsibility. Our walkway and steps service starts at $150 plus HST, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps. Ice is often the bigger risk than snow, especially after freezing rain or a melt and refreeze. Seasonal salt is $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits; pet-safe de-icer is $120. Keep in mind that rock salt works poorly below about -10°C.

Businesses and rental properties

Commercial sites, churches, clinics and rental buildings usually have more foot traffic and more liability exposure, so relying on the City’s schedule is rarely enough. Commercial work is priced per site within 2 business days. We carry $2,000,000 in liability coverage and are WSIB registered.

Practical tips for the sidewalk in front of your home

Pile snow on your own lawn, not on the road or back onto the sidewalk after it has been plowed. Keep the area around fire hydrants and storm drains clear where you can, since a blocked drain turns a thaw into a skating rink. Stakes at the edge of the sidewalk help plow operators, both City and private, avoid lifting turf or clipping curbs. If you are away for part of the winter, arrange for someone to handle your walkway so a refreeze does not build up for weeks. And if a neighbour is older or has mobility issues, a cleared shared sidewalk makes a real difference; seniors also get 5% off our seasonal plans.

FAQ

Will the City plow my driveway end?

No. The City plows roads and many sidewalks, but the windrow across your driveway is left for the owner.

Where do I check current rules?

The City of London website or 311.

Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. See walkway and steps clearing 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.