Northern Ontario covers most of the province's land area, with regional centres like Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and Timmins and a long snow season.
We connect snow plow operators and snow removal companies across Northern Ontario with licensed Ontario brokers who write this business.
Communities We Serve in Northern Ontario
- Snow plow insurance in Sudbury
- Snow plow insurance in Thunder Bay
- Snow plow insurance in Sault Ste. Marie
- Snow plow insurance in North Bay
- Snow plow insurance in Timmins
Snowfall Across Northern Ontario
Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991 to 2020 climate normals show how much snow varies within the region: about 263 cm a year at the Sudbury station (for Sudbury), compared with about 325 cm at the Sault Ste. Marie station (for Sault Ste. Marie). More snow generally means more events, more hours on the road and more exposure for contractors.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada: Canadian Climate Normals.
Sidewalk Rules Differ Across Northern Ontario
Municipal sidewalk clearing rules are set city by city, which affects what property owners hire contractors to do. A few examples:
- Sudbury: The City of Greater Sudbury clears more than 440 km of sidewalks and about 400 bus stops as part of its winter service.
- Thunder Bay: The City of Thunder Bay clears all sidewalks to a minimum snow pack condition after 5 cm or more accumulates, then sands them, with arterial, collector and core area sidewalks first.
- Sault Ste. Marie: The City of Sault Ste.
- North Bay: The City of North Bay clears sidewalks, with all sidewalks to be cleared within 48 hours after an event of 8 cm or more.
Each city page lists the rules and sources for that municipality. Rules change, so confirm with the municipality.
Winter Road and Weather Resources
Contractors running routes across Northern Ontario often check Ontario 511, the Ministry of Transportation's traveller information service, before and during storms, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada weather warnings for their area. Keeping a note of the warnings in effect when you worked is also useful for your snow logs.
Coverage Contractors in Northern Ontario Ask About
- General liability and slip and fall coverage
- Plow truck insurance and commercial fleet coverage
- Salting and sanding insurance
- Snow removal equipment insurance
- Umbrella liability for contracts with higher limits
Provincial Rules to Know
Read about the Ontario 60 day notice rule and snow plow insurance in Ontario. For pricing factors, 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
Do you connect contractors everywhere in Northern Ontario?
Yes. We work with licensed Ontario brokers who serve snow contractors across the region, including smaller towns and rural areas.
Does snow plow insurance cost the same across Northern Ontario?
No. Price depends on your properties, services, vehicles, revenue and claims history, and local conditions can play a part. A broker can quote your operation.
Is there a charge to be matched with a broker?
No. Matching is free and there is no obligation to buy.