Snow Removal in London, Ontario: What Every Homeowner Should Know

London, Ontario winters are no joke. Sitting squarely in the lake-effect snow belt, our city regularly sees heavy snowfalls that can catch homeowners off guard. Whether you handle snow removal yourself or hire a professional, here are five things every London homeowner should know before the next storm hits.

1. London's Municipal Sidewalk Bylaw: Clear Within 24 Hours

The City of London requires property owners to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. Failing to comply can result in fines, and the city may clear the sidewalk for you and bill the cost back to your property tax account.

This bylaw exists to keep pedestrians safe, especially in neighbourhoods near schools and along transit routes. If you travel frequently during winter or simply prefer not to worry about it, a professional snow removal service ensures you stay compliant without lifting a shovel.

2. When to Salt vs. Sand Your Driveway

Rock salt (sodium chloride) is effective at melting ice when temperatures are above roughly -12°C. Below that threshold, which London certainly reaches on the coldest January and February nights, salt loses its effectiveness and you are better off using sand or a calcium chloride blend for traction.

Keep in mind that excessive salt use can damage concrete and asphalt over time and is harmful to nearby grass and gardens. Sand provides grip without the chemical damage, making it a smart choice for older driveways or properties with garden beds close to walkways.

3. Protecting Your Driveway From Plow Damage

Metal plow blades can scrape, crack, and chip driveway surfaces, especially interlock and older asphalt. To protect your property, use driveway markers (the tall reflective stakes) at the edges so the operator can clearly see boundaries even during heavy snowfall and low visibility.

A reputable snow removal company will also use rubber-edged or poly blades on residential driveways and adjust blade height to avoid surface contact. When getting quotes, ask about their equipment and whether they carry liability insurance in case of accidental damage.

4. Why 24/7 Service Matters in London's Lake-Effect Snow Belt

London sits downwind of Lake Huron, which means we regularly experience lake-effect snow events that can dump 15 to 30 cm in just a few hours, often overnight. These storms are notoriously difficult to predict in terms of exact timing and intensity, so having a snow removal provider that operates around the clock is not a luxury -- it is a necessity.

A 24/7 service means your driveway and walkways are cleared before you need to leave for work in the morning, regardless of when the snow fell. It also ensures you stay on the right side of the city's sidewalk bylaw and reduces the risk of slip-and-fall injuries on your property.

5. Seasonal Contracts vs. Per-Visit Pricing: Pros and Cons

With a seasonal contract, you pay a fixed price for the entire winter regardless of how many times it snows. This gives you predictable monthly costs and guaranteed priority service during major storms. The downside is that in a mild winter, you may pay more than the total per-visit cost would have been.

Per-visit pricing means you only pay when service is actually performed, which can save money in lighter winters. However, during heavy snowfall seasons, costs add up quickly and per-visit customers are often serviced after contract clients. For London's unpredictable winters, a seasonal contract typically offers the best combination of value and peace of mind.

At Maple City Property Care, we offer both options so you can choose the arrangement that best fits your budget and needs. Give us a call at (548) 468-7475 to discuss which plan works best for your property.