Ottawa gets far more snow than most Canadian cities its size, and it gets it along with deep cold and freezing rain. Snow removal contractors in the capital run long seasons, stack up many pushes per winter, and deal with ice events that can turn every lot and walkway into a liability overnight.
We connect Ottawa snow plow operators, snow removal companies and landscapers who plow in winter with licensed Ontario brokers who write this business.
What Snow Contractors in Ottawa Deal With
Volume of events. A snowy Ottawa winter means many service visits, and every visit is exposure. Seasonal contracts can become expensive to service, and per push work adds up quickly. See per push vs seasonal contracts.
Freezing rain. Ice storms are part of Ottawa's history, and freezing rain events remain a regular challenge. Ice management and salting and sanding insurance matter as much as plowing here.
Deep cold. Extreme cold reduces how well common de-icers work, which puts more weight on documentation of what you applied and when. Keep detailed snow logs.
Government and institutional work. Federal, municipal, hospital and university properties often come with strict insurance requirements, higher limits and sometimes bonds. See insurance requirements for commercial snow contracts and performance bonds.
The 60 day notice rule. Private property work in Ottawa falls under Ontario's snow and ice notice requirement. Read the Ontario 60 day notice guide.
Ottawa Snow Removal Insurance Coverage
- Plow truck insurance in Ottawa
- Snow removal liability insurance in Ottawa
- Salting and ice management insurance in Ottawa
- Umbrella liability for institutional contracts
- Snow hauling insurance
Who We Help in Ottawa
- Institutional snow contractors
- Municipal snow contractors
- Commercial snow removal companies
- Residential snow plow contractors
- Condo and strata snow contractors
Nearby Areas
We connect contractors across Ottawa, including Kanata and Orleans, and throughout the Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario, including Kingston and Cornwall.
Local Snow Facts: Ottawa
Snowfall. Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Ottawa (City) station record an average of about 184 cm of snowfall a year, with about 13 days a year bringing 5 cm or more of new snow.
Sidewalks. The City of Ottawa clears and treats sidewalks as part of its winter operations.
Snow on the road. The Use and Care of Roads By-law No. 2003-498, s. 3(1)(b), bars anyone from throwing, pushing, plowing, dumping or otherwise depositing snow or ice on a highway, which applies to contractors clearing driveways and lots. City crews are exempt.
For contractors. A City of Ottawa brochure says snow plow contractors must hold a City business licence, display an orange plate with a valid annual sticker and carry at least $2 million in insurance, and that depositing snow on public roadways, sidewalks or non-client private property is an offence. Snow plow driveway markers are regulated under s. 4(4) of the Use and Care of Roads By-law.
Municipal rules and service levels change. Confirm the current bylaw with the municipality before relying on it.
Sources: City of Ottawa: Use and Care of Roads By-law; City of Ottawa: Snow plow contractor brochure; City of Ottawa: Snow plowing and clearing; Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals
Plan Ahead for the Season
Institutional tenders and property management contracts in Ottawa are often awarded well before winter. Start in late summer so your broker can meet tender deadlines. See how much snow plow insurance costs in Ontario.
SnowPlowInsurance.ca is an independent referral service, not an insurance company or broker. We connect you with licensed brokers who provide quotes and advice. How this site works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is snow plow insurance in Ottawa?
It depends on your property mix, services, fleet, revenue and claims history. Ottawa's heavy snow and ice events mean ice management is a big part of the risk. A broker can quote your specific operation.
Do Ottawa government contracts require special insurance?
Government and institutional contracts often require higher liability limits, specific certificate wording and sometimes performance bonds. Share the tender requirements with your broker early.