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Starting a Snow Removal Business in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan winters bring steady demand for snow clearing in Saskatoon, Regina and towns across the province. Starting a snow removal business here is straightforward once you know the steps, but Saskatchewan has a few rules that catch newcomers, starting with provincial sales tax on snow clearing.

This checklist covers registration, taxes, licences, vehicles and insurance, and points to the authority for each.

General information only, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Confirm requirements with the relevant authority, an accountant and your broker.

1. Register Your Business

Decide on a structure: sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. Business names and entities are registered through ISC's Corporate Registry, which "maintains information for all legal entities, businesses and non-profit organizations registered with the province of Saskatchewan." An accountant can explain the tax trade offs. For a general walkthrough, see how to start a snow removal business.

2. Register for and Charge PST

Saskatchewan's PST rate is 6%, and the Provincial Sales Tax Regulations, s. 3(7.1), list "snow clearing and snow removal services" as a taxable service. The same list includes lawn care or yard care services and landscaping services.

In practice, most snow removal businesses will need to register for a PST number and charge PST on their services. Apply through the Government of Saskatchewan and confirm your obligations with the Ministry of Finance or an accountant.

3. Register for GST When Required

Federally, the Canada Revenue Agency's small supplier threshold is $30,000 in taxable supplies over four consecutive calendar quarters. If you pass $30,000 in a single quarter, you must register from the sale that pushed you over. GST and PST are separate registrations.

4. Get the Right Municipal Licence

Licensing is municipal, so check each place you work.

  • Regina: As of September 2026, Regina's business licence page lists a residential business licence of $195 a year for businesses run from a residence and a non-resident licence of $450 a year for businesses that work in the City without permanent premises there. Businesses operating from commercially or industrially taxed property are exempt. Fees change, so check the City's page.
  • Saskatoon: The City has Commercial, Home-Based and Non-resident licence categories. A Home-Based licence applies to businesses run from the owner's principal residence. Check with the City which category fits a snow business.
  • Other communities: Contact the city, town or RM directly.

5. Plate and Insure Your Truck Properly

In Saskatchewan, basic vehicle insurance comes with your SGI registration. The Insurance Bureau of Canada lists Saskatchewan's mandatory coverage as including $200,000 in third party liability. Plate class and commercial vehicle rules for plow trucks, including any weight thresholds for heavier units, should be confirmed with SGI before the season. Tell SGI and your broker the truck will plow for pay. See SGI and plow trucks and plow truck insurance.

If you farm and plan to plow with farm equipment, read rural and farm snow plowing in Saskatchewan.

6. Check WCB Before You Hire

If you plan to hire help, contact WCB Saskatchewan to confirm whether you must register and which rate code applies. Snow removal has historically been classified under R11 Road Construction and Earthwork. If you hire subcontractors, get WCB clearances before you pay them. See WCB Saskatchewan for snow removal businesses.

7. Put Business Insurance in Place Before Your First Contract

SGI plate insurance covers the vehicle. It does not cover slip and fall claims or damage from your snow work. Coverage new snow businesses often discuss with a broker includes:

Commercial clients usually want a certificate of insurance before work starts, and limits depend on each contract. See new snow removal businesses and how much snow plow insurance costs in Saskatchewan.

8. Protect Yourself From Day One

Use written contracts, keep a log of every visit and learn how slip and fall claims work in a province without an Occupiers' Liability Act. See Saskatchewan slip and fall liability for snow contractors.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I charge PST on snow removal in Saskatchewan?

Snow clearing and snow removal services are listed as taxable services under the Provincial Sales Tax Regulations, s. 3(7.1). The PST rate is 6%. Confirm your registration with the Ministry of Finance.

Do I need a business licence to plow snow in Regina?

Regina requires a residential business licence for businesses run from a residence and a non-resident licence for businesses without permanent premises in the City. Check the City's current fees and categories.

Does SGI plate insurance cover my snow removal business?

SGI plate insurance covers the vehicle at a basic level. It does not cover business liability such as slip and fall claims. See is snow plow insurance required in Saskatchewan.

Do I need WCB to start a snow business in Saskatchewan?

Contact WCB Saskatchewan to confirm whether your business must register, especially before you hire workers.