Snow Removal Cost in Windsor, Ontario (2026–27 Season)

Windsor gets less snow than most of Ontario. Recent records average about 101 cm a year, compared with well over 200 cm in Ottawa. But "less snow" still means a few mornings each winter when the plow has just bricked in the end of your driveway and you're late for work. That's when a snow removal contract earns its money.

Here's what snow removal costs in Windsor for the 2026–27 season, what you should get for that price, and how to pick a company that actually shows up.

Snow removal prices in Windsor at a glance

• Single visit, standard driveway and walkway: $50 to $130
• Seasonal contract, small one-car driveway: $580 to $800
• Seasonal contract, standard two-car driveway: $700 to $1,200
• Seasonal contract, large or double-wide driveway: $1,200 to $1,800
• Corner lot, including city sidewalks: $1,000 to $1,500
• Salting or de-icing add-on: about $30 to $100 per application
• Roof snow clearing: $450 to $1,200, and rarely needed in Windsor

These ranges come from published price lists for Windsor and southwestern Ontario snow removal companies in fall 2026. Your quote depends on your driveway, so treat them as a budget, not a promise.

Seasonal contract or pay per visit?

A seasonal contract is one flat price, usually paid up front or in two instalments, that covers every qualifying snowfall from about November to March. A pay-per-visit plan charges each time the crew comes out.

The maths is simple. If a company charges $80 per visit and $800 for the season, the contract pays for itself after 10 visits. Windsor averages about 44 snowy days a year, but many of those are light dustings that never reach the plow trigger. In a mild winter, pay-per-visit often comes out cheaper. In a big winter, like the record-setting Februaries Windsor has seen, the contract wins easily.

Choose a seasonal contract if you leave early for work, can't shovel for health reasons, or want one fixed cost for budgeting.

Choose pay-per-visit if you don't mind shovelling a few centimetres yourself and only want help with the big storms.

What should be included

Before you sign, get these in writing:

• Trigger depth. Most contracts start at 2 to 5 cm. A 2 cm trigger means more visits and a higher price. A 5 cm trigger is cheaper but you'll live with more slush.
• Response time. Ask how soon after the snow stops they'll clear you. Residential routes are usually done within a few hours, but it's worth asking.
• The windrow. That's the heavy ridge the city plow leaves at the bottom of your driveway. Make sure it's included, because it's the part you actually hate shovelling.
• Walkways, steps and sidewalks. Some companies only plow the driveway.
• Salt. Is it included, extra per application, or not offered at all?
• Big-storm charges and visit caps. Some contracts add a fee for storms over 20 cm or cap the number of visits per season.
• Damage policy. Who fixes the lawn, curb or garden edge if the plow clips it?
• Liability insurance. Ask for proof. A legitimate company won't mind.

Windsor's 12-hour sidewalk rule

If you own a house in Windsor, you're responsible for clearing the public sidewalk in front of it. Under the City's rules, homeowners have 12 hours after a snowfall ends to clear snow and ice. Businesses have 4 hours.

If it isn't done, a bylaw officer will usually leave a notice first. If it's still not cleared within 24 hours, the City can send its own contractor and add the cost to your property tax bill. In 2025 the City said that could reach about $400 depending on the job. If your snow company doesn't include the sidewalk, that's a gap worth closing.

Seniors and residents with disabilities who can't clear snow can ask about the City's Snow Angels volunteer program or call 311.

When to book

Book in October or early November. Good companies build their routes before the first snowfall and stop taking new clients once those routes are full. If you wait until the first big storm, you'll be choosing from whoever is left.

Five ways to pay less

• Raise the trigger depth to 5 cm and shovel the light ones yourself.
• Team up with neighbours. Some companies discount two or three driveways side by side, because they're on the same stop.
• Skip salt and keep a bag of your own for the steps.
• Pay up front. Many contractors give a discount for paying the full season in fall.
• Get at least three quotes. Prices for the same driveway can vary by hundreds of dollars.

How we got these numbers

We compared published residential snow removal prices from companies serving Windsor and southwestern Ontario in October 2026, and checked City of Windsor rules for sidewalk clearing. Prices change every season, and we'll update this guide as we collect quotes from local Windsor companies. No company paid to be mentioned.