Around this time of year, we all start thinking the same thing – when will the snow start? Then we shiver at the thought of shovelling.
If you’re tossing your snow shovel this year and hiring a snow plow contractor instead, here are some important details to know before you start looking.
Responsibilities of snow plow contractors
Private contractors removing snow from private property are required to follow the regulations set in Schedule 4 – Snow Plow Contractors of the City’s Licensing By-law (No. 2002-189). Recently, these regulations were reviewed and updated to address concerns related to accessibility, consumer protection, and property damage.
Under the Licensing By-law, snow plow contractors operating in Ottawa are required to:
- Have an active City of Ottawa Business Licence.
- Have a City of Ottawa issued plate with an annual sticker prominently displayed on every registered snow plow vehicle.
- Have the name and telephone number of the business printed on both sides of the snow plow vehicle.
- Have a minimum liability insurance coverage of $2 million.
- Not throw, push, dump or otherwise deposit snow or ice on City property, accessible parking spaces, and on private property (other than at their clients or an authorized snow disposal facility).
- Clear snow dumped onto public property or on an accessible parking space within 4 hours of being requested by By-law and Regulatory Services.
- Follow requirements for installing and maintaining snow plow driveway markers.
- Provide clients with a SNOW KNOWledge brochure.
Getting your driveway ready
Snow plow contractors often use markers to identify the edges of a driveway or other area where snow is to be cleared.
There is a maximum of 2 driveway markers per property. These driveways markers must:
- Be made from metal, plastic, fiberglass or wood and not illuminated.
- Only display the snow plow contractor’s business logo and telephone number.
- Be installed five feet from the sidewalk or seven feet from the edge of roadway with no sidewalk.
- Be installed from October 20 to April 30 each year.
It is the shared responsibility of the snow plow contractor and home owner to:
- Obtain locates for underground utilities, like gas, hydro or cable, before installing driveway markers. Locates can be obtained free of charge from Ontario One Call(link is external).
- Remove damaged markers and clean up debris.
Next, consider where the snow removed from your driveway will go. Cleared snow must:
- Remain on your property or be moved to an authorized snow disposal facility. Be careful not to cover drains or block escape routes from your home with the cleared snow.
- Be blown away from fire hydrants. Always keep fire hydrants clear in case of an emergency.
Finding a snow plow contractor
Keep the above regulations in mind as you begin searching for a private contractor to clear snow from your property this winter.
Be wary of door-to-door scams and high-pressure sales tactics. In these scams, a con artist will take payment for a whole season of snow removal and then never return. Local utility companies, the City of Ottawa and other government agencies don’t send salespeople door-to-door.
To avoid being scammed:
- Ask the salesperson to identify themselves by showing you company issued identification or some other form of photo identification. Make note of their name and the business they represent.
- Never share personal information with the salesperson.
- Never sign a contract without reading it carefully first. Scrutinize the fine print and know your cancellation rights.
- Never pay for a whole season of snow removal unless you have a good relationship with a reputable company.
If you feel threatened or intimidated, ask the salesperson to leave. If they refuse, contact Ottawa Police Service(link is external).
Seek out a reputable snow plow contractor who:
- Has a positive reputation in your neighbourhood and provides references.
- Is registered with the Better Business Bureau(link is external).
- Offers staggered payments using post-dated cheques, which is considered an industry best practice.
- Is willing to give you time to make up your mind.
- Provides you with a detailed contract in writing before the work begins.
The list of snow plow contractors licensed with the City of Ottawa for the upcoming season is available on our Consumer awareness page.
Sharing your concerns
Contact 3-1-1 if you think a snow removal contractor:
- Does not have a City of Ottawa Business License.
- Has failed to comply with the requirements set in the Licensing By-law.
For more information about your rights under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, contact the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery(link is external) (formerly the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services).
If you think you’ve encountered an illegitimate business, contact the Competition Bureau Canada(link is external) to submit a consumer complaint report.
Visit our Consumer awareness page for more tips and information about contracting snow removal services.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook(link is external), X (formerly Twitter)(link is external) and Instagram(link is external).
