Two snow falls of 3cm or more into the season and I can report that all is going well. Current speculations state that between now and April we can expect at least another ten snow falls. Due to the delayed start to the winter and it being an El Nino year, we can expect an extended winter this year, good on you for everyone who has a contract ending in April rather than March. Snow removal is like insurance, you pay for the peace of mind because Mother Nature is unpredictable.

Dear customers and readers, this post is intended to clear up a few questions posed, and to inform of some things you can do to ensure the best possible service.

Home Owners Q & A

Q1. Why is my driveway sometimes not plowed by the time I am ready to go to work?

A1. There are two main factors that contribute to the timing of snow plowing.

a. Time of day a snow fall of +3cm occurs. Examples of very broad average:

Reminder: The above references only the initial snowfall not the secondary touch up and windrow clearing after. Also, this does not apply to continual snowfalls or heavy snow storms (see below).

b. Type of snow fall. Examples of varying types of precipitation.

Q2. Why was my driveway only partially cleared of snow?

A2. There are two possible answers; a. obstruction or b. precipitation type.

a.  If you leave a car in your driveway during the winter, make sure to park it as close as possible to the garage and as tight as possible off to one side of the driveway. Remember that a standard plow blade is about 8ft wide and the contractor must have enough room to get into your driveway and maneuver to remove the snow. If it snows overnight, he will not call you and wake you up to move your car over. So, if you wake in the morning and see that only part of the driveway was cleared, don’t hesitate to give him a call, let him know you’ve moved your car and find out when he will come around again to finish the work.

b.  If it is a heavy snow fall or snow storm, as mentioned above, the contractor will likely come by your property to make it passable and then return again to finish the clearing towards the end of the storm.

Q3. What is the best way to contact my snow removal contractor?

A3. My recommendation would be via text message or email. It’s important to consider that your contractor is either on the road driving in very hazardous conditions trying to complete his route, or he is outside physically shoveling snow. Even if he is simply plowing, maneuvering a large pick-up truck and 8ft plow is tricky business and he needs his full concentration. If it is an emergency, then certainly do give him a phone call. But in general a text message or an email will offer prompt and recorded responses with everyone’s safety in mind.

I hope this has answered a few questions, and remember to get in touch if you have any others I can help with!

STAY WARM, STAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN!