When's the Best Time to Sign Up for Next Winter?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A lot of London, Ontario homeowners wait until the first snowfall to think about snow removal, but the best time to actually sign up is well before that.

Companies build their routes and crew schedules over late summer and early fall, which means the earlier you commit, the better chance you have of landing a spot with a provider who services your specific neighborhood.

Booking ahead also gives you time to compare written quotes, ask questions and get your property set up properly before it is buried. Waiting until the first storm means competing with everyone else who had the same idea.

How our season is scheduled

Thames Valley Snow seasonal service runs December 1 to March 31. Clearing is automatic for every snowfall of 5 cm or more, so you never need to call, and we return during long storms. If you want earlier or later coverage, the extension from November 1 to April 15 is +$95 plus HST.

Payment is simple: a 30% deposit holds your spot, and the balance is due before December 1. That is why September through November is the natural window to sign up.

What happens after you sign up

• We quote from City of London maps and aerial imagery, usually within 1 business day.
• Before the season, edges, steps and drains are marked so they can be found under snow.
• You tell us about anything unusual: a basketball net, low wall, curb stone or a door your household actually uses.
• From the first 5 cm snowfall on, you get a timestamped photo after every visit.

Choosing the right plan before winter

Seasonal pricing is fixed and depends on driveway size: $650 to $725 plus HST for a single or 1.5-car driveway, $815 for a double, and $1,050 for a 3-car, paver or stamped driveway. If you would rather pay as you go, per-visit clearing is $70 to $85. Seniors and front-line workers get 5% off seasonal plans.

Fall is also the time to decide on add-ons: seasonal salt ($175, including freezing rain and refreeze visits), pet-safe de-icer ($120), walkway and steps (from $150) and priority early-morning clearing ($125).

Signing up late

If winter has already started, it is still worth asking. Mid-season sign-ups depend on route space, and per-visit service may be an option while a seasonal spot is arranged.

A simple fall checklist

• September: request quotes and compare what each one includes.
• October: choose a plan and add-ons, pay the 30% deposit.
• Early November: clear hoses, decorations and loose items from the driveway edges; point out anything hidden that could be hit.
• Before December 1: pay the balance so service starts with the first 5 cm snowfall.

Following this order means your property is measured, marked and on the route before the first real storm, rather than being added in a rush after it.

Why late fall sign-ups can still go wrong

Snow can arrive in November in London, before seasonal service starts on December 1. If you leave booking until the last week, an early storm may catch you without coverage and with stakes and markers still in the garage. Booking in September or October gives time for the quote, deposit, marking and any questions about your layout. If early snow is a worry, add the November 1 to April 15 extension so both shoulder seasons are covered. Seniors and front-line workers should mention it when booking so the 5% seasonal discount is applied from the start.

FAQ

When is the balance due?

Before December 1. The 30% deposit is paid when you book.

Do I need to call when it snows?

No. Service is automatic for every snowfall of 5 cm or more.

Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. Read how it works or compare snow removal 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 $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.