Before the season

The walkthrough. We spend about 15 minutes on your laneway. I measure it, we agree where the snow goes on each side and where it must not go, and you show me anything hidden: septic lids, drains, culvert ends, landscape lights, irrigation heads, rocks, buried wires or a pet fence. I note gates, codes, pets and where the cars usually sit.

Marker stakes. I set stakes along the edges and at the hazards. They stay in until spring and they're the single best protection your lawn has.

The agreement. Two pages, one of details and one of plain-language terms, plus the one-page notice of your cancellation rights that Ontario requires. We sign on the spot or by email, and you have ten days to change your mind. On the Season Plan, half is paid at signing. The terms are published here so you can read them before we meet.

When it snows

The trigger. I plow once about 5 cm has built up. You never need to call. I check the Environment Canada forecast every evening from mid-November, fuel up when snow is coming, and start the route early enough that overnight snow is usually cleared before the morning commute.

Route order. I work the route in the most efficient order, which means I can't promise a set time. Storms, road conditions and safety come first. Signed-up customers, per plow or Season Plan, come before one-time call-ins, which I normally plow once the route is done, unless I happen to be right next door.

Long storms. If it keeps snowing, I plow during the storm so you can get in and out, and again when it stops. On the per-plow plan each pass counts as one plow; the Season Plan covers them all.

No texts in the night. I log every laneway with the time as I go, and the route status page shows when I'm out, when the route is done and if anything has held me up. Look whenever it suits you.

After the storm

The township windrow. The road plow often comes through after me and leaves a bank across your entrance. If that happens within 12 hours of my visit, text me and I'll come back and open it at no charge, once per storm.

Push-back. After a few big storms the banks along the laneway creep in. A push-back visit ($60 plus HST, with your OK first) pushes them back and makes room for the next one.

Gravel, lawns and the edges

Plowing a country laneway has some normal effects that aren't damage: a little gravel pushed onto the lawn edge, scuffed turf at the edges, banks along the laneway, and ruts early and late in the season when the ground isn't frozen. On gravel I run the blade a touch high until the base freezes.

If something goes wrong

If I'm late or can't come. Storms, closed roads and breakdowns can slow the route, so I don't guarantee times. If I'm well behind, the route status page says so, and if a breakdown or illness stops me I may send a qualified back-up operator. A late or missed plow doesn't change the Season Plan price; per plow, you only pay for plows done. If a delay causes you a problem, tell me. I'll be fair and reasonable about putting it right.

If something is damaged. Tell me within 48 hours, with photos. We'll look at it together. If my plowing caused it, I'll repair it or pay the reasonable repair cost. I'm not responsible for hidden objects that weren't marked (listed on the agreement or staked) or for things left in the laneway.

Ice. On residential laneways I don't salt, sand or treat ice. A plowed laneway isn't bare: packed snow and refreezing are normal. Icy surfaces on your property are yours to manage, and a pail of grit by the door is the right tool.

Your part

Keep vehicles, trailers and other items out of the laneway when snow is due
Leave the marker stakes in place
Make sure I can get in: gate open or code shared
Tell me about anything new under the snow