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Snow clearance in Greater Toronto

Snow removal firms and roofers.

74 pros in Greater Toronto

Snow clearance in Toronto is shaped by Chapter 719 of the Toronto Municipal Code, which sets clear deadlines for owners and occupants. The sidewalk in front of, alongside or at the rear of a building must be cleared within 12 hours after the snow, rain or hail stops, unless the City has taken on that sidewalk under its own policy. Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and ramps on your own property have a 24-hour limit after a snowfall, and slippery areas need sand, salt or similar material afterwards. When you hire a plow or shovelling crew, ask whether they can meet those timelines and whether they will treat icy spots. For roof snow removal, ask how they will warn and protect people passing below while the work is done. Also tell any contractor that snow may not be pushed from your property onto the road, sidewalk or lane way. Put that in the agreement, so the crew knows where the snow goes.

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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 Greater Toronto

How quickly do I have to clear my sidewalk in Toronto?

Under Chapter 719, the owner or occupant must clear snow and ice from the sidewalk within 12 hours after the snow, rain or hail has ceased. It does not apply where the City has taken on clearing that sidewalk under its policy. Ask any contractor you hire to confirm they can work within that window. City of Toronto (source, opens in a new tab)

Can my plow crew push snow onto the street?

No. Chapter 719 bars moving, or permitting the moving of, snow or ice from private property onto a highway, sidewalk or lane way. Ask where the crew will put the snow, and write that into the agreement, because a conviction under the chapter can bring a fine. City of Toronto (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow removal quote or contract include?

Ask for the areas covered, such as the driveway, walks and parking spaces, and what snowfall triggers a visit. It should state how fast the crew responds, whether they treat icy spots afterwards, where snow will be put, and what insurance the contractor carries. Get the terms in writing.

What should I ask about roof snow removal?

Chapter 719 says snow or ice that becomes dangerous to the public must be removed immediately, with proper care to warn and protect people during the work. Ask how the crew will mark off the area below, keep passers-by clear, and handle the fallen snow safely. City of Toronto (source, opens in a new tab)

Other jobs and cities

Other jobs in Greater Toronto

Snow clearance in other cities