Every fall, homeowners in Aurora and Newmarket ask the same question. Should I sign a seasonal snow contract, or just pay someone each time it snows? Both can make sense. It depends on how much snow we get, how much you value not thinking about it, and what you’re comparing.
Here’s a plain look at both, using our own seasonal prices as the example.
How a seasonal contract works
With a seasonal contract, you pay one price for the whole winter. The company plows whenever the snow reaches the trigger, however many times that happens.
Our seasonal residential snow removal plan runs from November 1 to April 15. Prices are for standard subdivision lots, before HST.
- Townhouse, single lane: $720
- Detached home, double lane: $880
- Detached home, triple lane: $1,220
That price includes driveway clearing for the full season, 2 driveway markers, windrow clearing, automatic dispatch at 1.75 inches of snow or more and return visits during major snowfalls.
What that works out to
The season is about five and a half months long. Spread out, the townhouse plan is roughly $131 a month, the double lane detached plan is about $149 a month, and the triple lane plan is about $185 a month, before HST. With 13% HST added, the full season comes to $813.60, $926.60 and $1,152.60.
How paying per visit works
With per visit service, you call someone when it snows, or arrange to have them come by, and pay for each time they clear the driveway. You only pay when it snows.
That sounds good in a light winter. The catch is everything else.
- You don’t know your total cost until spring. A snowy winter can cost a lot more than you planned.
- In a big storm, per visit customers can end up waiting behind contract customers who are already on the route.
- You have to make the call, or at least keep an eye on things. A seasonal plan dispatches automatically.
- Windrow clearing may or may not be included, and it may be billed separately.
Doing the math for your own driveway
If you have a per visit quote, the math is simple. Divide the seasonal price by the per visit rate. That tells you how many visits it takes to break even.
Then think about a typical winter in Aurora and Newmarket. Snow doesn’t come once a month. It comes in small storms, big storms and storms that keep going overnight. Count the visits, and remember that a big storm can mean more than one visit and a windrow on top of it. Most people find the seasonal plan lands in a sensible place once they count honestly.
Don’t forget the windrow
In Aurora and Newmarket, the windrow at the end of your driveway is mostly the homeowner’s problem. Neither town clears windrows for most residents, so check your town’s current rules. If your per visit price doesn’t include the windrow, you’ll either pay more or shovel it yourself. Our seasonal plan includes it.
What you’re really paying for
Price matters. But the reason most people pick a seasonal plan isn’t the price. It’s not having to think about it.
- Automatic dispatch. Once 1.75 inches is down, we’re on the way. You don’t call anyone.
- Smart timing. We start plowing once about 70% of the forecast snow has fallen, so you’re not left with a half cleared driveway and a foot of new snow.
- Return visits during major snowfalls.
- Advanced weather monitoring all season.
- A 24/7 storm line.
- A fully insured, WSIB cleared company.
When per visit might make sense
To be fair, paying per visit can work for some people. If you’re away most of the winter, if you’re happy to shovel most snowfalls yourself and only want help in a big one, or if you’re only in the house for part of the season, a contract may be more than you need.
If the windrow is your main problem, there’s also a middle option. Our windrow only program clears the end of your driveway whenever the town plow leaves 6 inches or more, for one season price: $320 for a townhouse, $420 for a double lane detached and $520 for a triple lane detached, before HST.
Booking a seasonal plan
We’re one of the only local snow companies where you can register and pay online in a few minutes. Pick your home type, check out, and your account is set up at the same time. We serve Aurora, Newmarket, north Richmond Hill and East Gwillimbury.
Still deciding? Call Nathaniel at (905) 296-3589 or email Info@snowaurora.ca and ask whatever you want.