Start with the routes people actually use

Walk the property before snow covers its edges. Trace the route from parking to the front door, then check side entrances, garbage access, steps, ramps and delivery areas. A driveway-only request can leave important pedestrian routes outside the price.

Take one wide photo of each area and a closer photo of narrow gates, uneven surfaces and obstacles. Note approximate dimensions and the surface material. Tell the contractor about limited gate widths, parked vehicles and any access instructions that affect the work.

  • Street address, postal code and residential or commercial use.
  • Driveway or parking area, walkways, steps, ramps and entrances.
  • Gate openings, low clearances and surfaces needing particular care.
  • Opening hours, delivery times and the person to contact about access.

Agree on where the snow will go

Mark possible snow storage areas on the same photos. Ask whether the proposed space is sufficient for repeated storms and what happens if it fills up. Moving snow within the site and hauling it away are different tasks; confirm which is included.

Mississauga recommends storing snow where meltwater will not flow across walking or driving surfaces and refreeze. Toronto also tells property owners to keep cleared snow on their property rather than pushing it onto public roads, sidewalks or bike lanes. Use the municipal guidance for your address when agreeing on storage.

Ask what triggers a visit

Ask the contractor to state the snowfall threshold, how accumulation is measured, the service window and the approach during a storm that continues for many hours. Find out whether the service is one visit after a storm or includes intermediate clearing.

A municipal plow may leave a ridge of snow at the driveway entrance after a private visit. Ask whether clearing that ridge, often called a windrow, requires a separate request or is included. Also ask how you will learn that a visit is complete and how missed areas are reported.

Describe ice treatment separately

Snow clearing and ice treatment should be described individually in the proposal. Identify entrances, slopes and areas where meltwater regularly collects. Tell the contractor about sensitive surfaces or nearby planting.

Ask which treatment is proposed, which areas it covers and whether materials and follow-up visits are included in the price. Request a clear process for reporting icy conditions between visits; avoid assuming that a seasonal snow agreement includes continuous monitoring.

Compare the full seasonal agreement

Put competing proposals side by side using the same property list. Compare the start and end dates, included areas, visit conditions, exclusions, cancellation terms and payment schedule. Ask how unusual storms, blocked access, additional work and snow hauling are priced.

For a commercial site, include the site contact and any reporting requirements in the request. Ask for the insurance documentation your property manager needs and check that the named business on the agreement matches the provider you are hiring.

  • Included surfaces and a marked site plan.
  • Visit trigger, service window and return-visit policy.
  • Ice treatment, windrows and snow storage or hauling.
  • Season dates, total price, taxes and extra-work rates.
  • Access responsibilities, communication and documentation.

Check the city guidance for the property's address

Public sidewalk service and private property work are different responsibilities. Toronto and Mississauga publish their own winter maintenance information. Review the current guidance for your address before finalizing the scope; the checklist above does not set a municipal deadline or replace the written agreement.

When requesting a MapleCore quote, include the postal code and service areas. Keep your photos ready in case the team needs more detail. Coverage, timing and the final scope are confirmed in the proposal.