Snow Removal for Townhouses and Laneway Homes

Short answer: Townhouses and laneway homes have narrow frontage and very little room to store snow. The keys are agreeing where snow goes before winter, clearing laneways early before cars pack the snow, hand clearing tight steps, and coordinating with neighbours or the condo corporation.

The challenges

• Little storage: by February, every bank is full.
• Shared laneways: rear lanes in communities like Cornell in Markham are used by many homes.
• Tight access: front steps close to the sidewalk, parked cars and bins.
• Who is responsible: owner, neighbour or condo corporation.

A plan that works

1. Confirm responsibility for the laneway, front walk and visitor areas.
2. Agree storage spots before winter, away from neighbours’ garages and drains.
3. Clear early, before cars drive over the snow.
4. Salt steps and the short front walk before refreeze.
5. Plan for snow relocation in heavy winters when storage runs out.

For condo and townhouse corporations

Private roads, visitor parking and common walkways are usually on a seasonal commercial plan. See commercial snow removal.

What to avoid

• Piling snow in front of a neighbour’s garage.
• Blocking catch basins, which floods the lane in a thaw.

When to call a professional

We clear townhouse driveways, front walks and laneways in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket.

Questions homeowners ask

Can several neighbours book together?

Yes, adjoining homes on one lane can be planned together.

Who clears the visitor parking?

Usually the condo corporation through its contractor.

Where does the snow go when the banks are full?

It may need to be moved or hauled; agree this in your plan.