Commercial Snow Removal Checklist for Property Managers

Short answer: Property managers should have a written winter plan before November: a site map with priorities, trigger depths, service windows, salting rules, snow storage areas, contact details for storms and a log of every visit. Accessible routes, entrances and fire routes come first.

The checklist

1. Site map. Drive aisles, stalls, accessible spaces, ramps, entrances, fire routes, loading docks, catch basins and hydrants.
2. Priorities. Accessible parking and ramps, main entrances and fire routes before the full lot.
3. Trigger depth. When plowing starts, and how often crews return in long storms.
4. Service window. Lot and walkways clear before opening or shift change.
5. Salting rules. When salt goes down: before opening, after freezing rain, on refreeze.
6. Snow storage. Where piles go, and what happens when storage runs out.
7. Pre-season marking. Curbs, islands and landscape edges staked before freeze-up.
8. Communication. Who to call during a storm and how fast they respond.
9. Records. Date and time of every plow and salt visit, kept on file.
10. Tenant notice. Let tenants know plow times so cars can be moved.

Why records matter

Slip incidents and complaints come down to what was done and when. A visit log shows your property was maintained through the winter. Ask your insurer what documentation they expect.

Condos and townhouse corporations

Private roads, visitor parking, mailbox areas and common walkways all need clear ownership. Agree on how resident driveways are handled, if at all.

What to avoid

• Verbal agreements with no scope.
• No plan for running out of snow storage in February.

Get a proposal

We provide site assessments and written proposals for plazas, offices, clinics and condos. See commercial snow removal and salting.

Questions property managers ask

Can you service several sites?

Yes, multi-site routes can be planned across Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan.

Do you work weekends and holidays?

Service windows, including weekends and holidays, are agreed in the proposal.

When should we sign?

September to November, so marking happens before the ground freezes.