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Snow clearance in Hamilton

Snow removal firms and roofers.

18 pros in Hamilton

In Hamilton, snow clearance is shaped by a city by-law as much as by the weather. Hamilton's Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296 requires owners and occupants to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after a snow event ends, covering the sidewalk beside your property and any roof that overhangs the City sidewalk. The City also plows by priority: main routes and escarpment crossings first, then collector roads, then neighbourhood streets, so your own street may be reached later than you expect. When you hire, ask whether the service covers your sidewalk and not only the driveway, and whether they can clear within the 24-hour window. If you have an overhanging roof, ask if roof snow removal is offered and how it is done safely. Get the scope, the timing and the contract terms in writing before the first storm. The City's seniors and disabled subsidy is meant for sidewalk clearing, not whole driveways, so check what it covers before you plan around it.

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What to know in Hamilton

  • Hamilton's snow-clearing page tells residents to stay back at least 25 metres from snow plows, sanders and other equipment so the operator can see them. It also says to stay behind plows and not to pass one.

    City of Hamilton (source, opens in a new tab)

Before you hire

  1. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Hamilton

Do I have to clear the sidewalk in front of my Hamilton home?

Yes. Hamilton's Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296 requires owners and occupants to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after a snow event ends. This applies to the sidewalk next to your property and to roofs that overhang the City sidewalk. If you hire someone, confirm that the sidewalk is included in the work. City of Hamilton (source, opens in a new tab)

Can the City's snow clearing subsidy pay for my driveway?

No. The subsidy helps seniors and disabled residents who own their home meet the Sidewalk Snow Clearing By-law. The City states it is not to be used for whole driveway snow clearing. If you want your driveway cleared as well, ask the contractor to quote the driveway and sidewalk separately. City of Hamilton (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow clearing quote or contract include?

Ask for the areas covered, such as driveway, walkway and sidewalk, and what snowfall triggers a visit. It should state when the work is done after a storm, how snow is piled, who is responsible for damage, and whether the contractor carries liability insurance. Get it in writing and compare quotes on the same terms.

Why hasn't a plow reached my street yet?

Hamilton maintains roads by priority during snow events. Main routes and escarpment crossings come first, then collector roads, then neighbourhood streets. If you live on a neighbourhood street, plowing may come later. Ask your contractor how they handle your driveway when the street has not yet been cleared. City of Hamilton (source, opens in a new tab)

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