Snow is part of life in Canada, and while it may look beautiful, for businesses, it often brings extra challenges. Heavy snowfall and icy walkways can create safety risks, slow down operations, and even turn customers away. Managing snow properly isn’t just about convenience. It’s a part of property maintenance that keeps your business safe, accessible, and welcoming throughout the winter months.
The truth is, many businesses think they have snow removal under control, but end up making simple mistakes that cost time, money, and peace of mind. The good news? With the right planning, these mistakes are easy to avoid.
In this blog, we’ll cover the commercial snow removal mistakes and show you how to prevent them. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to keep your property safe and winter-ready.
8 Most Common Commercial Snow Removal Mistakes
1. Waiting Too Long to Plan
Waiting until the last minute often means the best snow removal Mississauga contractors are taken, forcing you to settle for slower or more expensive options.
Why it’s a problem:
- Walkways and parking lots may remain unsafe for hours or days.
- Emergency service calls usually cost more.
- Staff and customers may struggle to access your property.
How to avoid it:
- Start planning in the fall, not after the first snowfall.
- Compare different providers ahead of time.
- Secure a contract early so your business is a top priority when storms hit.
2. Not Providing a Clear Property Map
Snow removal crews often work in poor visibility, late at night, or during storms. Without clear instructions, they might miss important areas or pile snow where it causes problems.
Why it’s a problem:
- Entrances, fire exits, or loading docks can get blocked.
- Snow piles may block drains or reduce visibility.
- Landscaping and curbs are more likely to be damaged.
How to avoid it:
- Create a simple map showing entrances, walkways, parking areas, and special zones.
- Mark safe areas for snow piles.
- Share this with your contractor before the season begins.
3. Ignoring Local By-Laws
Every city has its own snow removal rules. Some require sidewalks to be cleared within a set time, while others have limits on pile heights or rules about where snow can go.
Why it’s a problem:
- You could face fines for non-compliance.
- Unsafe conditions can increase liability if someone gets injured.
- Snow may need to be removed twice if laws aren’t followed.
How to avoid it:
- Check your city’s snow removal by-laws each year.
- Make sure your contractor understands and follows them.
- Keep records of when and how snow removal was completed.
4. Forgetting to Set Priorities
Not all areas of your property are equally important. Entrances, sidewalks, and emergency exits should be cleared first, but many businesses don’t communicate these priorities clearly.
Why it’s a problem:
- Customers may slip at the main entrance before it’s cleared.
- Fire exits or emergency routes could remain blocked.
- Crews may waste time on less important areas.
How to avoid it:
- Create a list of priority areas in order of importance.
- Share this with your contractor.
- Put it into your service agreement to avoid confusion.
5. Not Setting Clear Service Times
When snow is cleared is just as important as how it’s cleared. If work happens after staff or customers arrive, it defeats the purpose.
Why it’s a problem:
- Walkways and lots remain unsafe during busy times.
- Customers may avoid your property due to poor access.
- Employees may lose work time shovelling instead of focusing on their jobs.
How to avoid it:
- Agree on service times that fit your business hours.
- Ask about pre-salting or anti-icing services before big storms.
- Choose a contractor that offers 24/7 support for heavy snowfalls.
6. Poor Communication
Even with a solid plan, poor communication can lead to mistakes. Snowstorms can change quickly, and contractors need real-time updates to respond effectively.
Why it’s a problem:
- Certain areas may get missed or cleared too late.
- Snow piles may block deliveries or parking.
- Emergencies might go unaddressed.
How to avoid it:
- Assign one main contact at your business and one at your contractor’s company.
- Use phone, text, or email for quick updates during storms.
- Check in regularly before major weather events.
7. Trying to Handle Everything Yourself`
Some businesses rely on employees to shovel snow or use small equipment to save money. While this may work for light snowfalls, it’s not realistic for Canadian winters.
Why it’s a problem:
- Staff risk injury, which creates liability concerns.
- Small tools can’t handle heavy snow or ice buildup.
- Improper techniques may damage pavement or landscaping.
How to avoid it:
- Hire professionals with the right equipment and experience.
- Let employees focus on their actual jobs, not snow removal.
- Use in-house efforts only for small touch-ups.
8. Not Preparing for Supply or Equipment Issues
Snowstorms often cause shortages of salt, sand, and de-icers. Equipment breakdowns are also common without proper maintenance.
Why it’s a problem:
- Supplies may run out when you need them most.
- Equipment failures lead to delays in clearing your property.
- Longer wait times increase safety risks.
How to avoid it:
- Stock up on salt and sand before the season starts.
- Confirm your contractor has a maintenance plan for their machines.
- Ask if they have backup equipment and staff in case of emergencies.
Bonus Tip: Always Think About Liability
Snow and ice accidents can result in lawsuits, higher insurance premiums, and harm to your reputation. Snow removal isn’t just about looks — it’s about protecting your business and the people who visit it.
