In Winnipeg, winter waits for no one. After the first snowfall, property owners often debate whether to remove snow right away or wait until it piles up. Timing matters more than most people realize. Delaying snow removal can quickly turn manageable snowfall into packed ice, blocked entrances, unsafe walkways, and costly damage to pavement and landscaping. This is why professional and emergency snow removal services in Winnipeg are essential, especially during heavy or fast-moving storms, to keep properties safe, accessible, and compliant throughout the winter season.
When should you remove snow from property?
At our commercial and municipal property maintenance company in Winnipeg, we’ve helped businesses, industrial sites, and municipalities stay safe and operational through winter weather for over 15 years. Let’s break down when snow should be removed and why acting early is often the best option.
Why Timing Matters for Snow Removal
Snow starts off light and fluffy, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. After vehicles drive over it and pedestrians walk across it, snow becomes compacted. As temperatures rise during the day and drop overnight, this compacted snow turns into ice.
Delaying snow removal can result in:
- Hard-packed snow that’s difficult to clear
- Melt-refreeze cycles that create slippery surfaces
- Increased risk of pavement damage
- Higher labour and removal costs later
It’s best to remove snow before it’s compacted or frozen. It’s faster, safer and more cost-effective.
When Snow Should Be Removed Right Away
Sometimes, snow removal can’t wait. Here are some situations when you should schedule professional snow removal right away:
After Heavy Snowfall
Large snowfalls can coat parking lots, sidewalks and roads. If snow limits visibility or access, it should be removed right away.
When Access is Blocked
When snow blocks entrances, exits, sidewalks, fire routes or loading zones, it creates serious safety and compliance issues. These areas have to be clear at all times.
When Snow Consumes Parking Space
If snow piles are taking over your parking stalls, you have a problem. Snow removal, not just clearing, becomes necessary to regain usable space.
Before Temperature Fluctuations
If daytime melting is followed by overnight freezing, snow should be removed beforehand. Otherwise, meltwater refreezes into dangerous ice patches that are harder to control.
Understand the Difference Between Snow Clearing and Removal
Snow clearing and removal are not the same thing. Despite having similar names, they are two different services.
Snow clearing pushes snow aside to maintain immediate access, while snow removal hauls snow off-site once piles become too large or hazardous.
Wondering whether your property needs simple clearing or snow removal? The Whiteout Group can visit your site and recommend the safest, most cost-effective winter maintenance plan.
The Risks of Waiting Too Long to Remove Snow
Putting off snow removal isn’t good for anyone. Beyond being an inconvenience, it creates serious risks, including:
Safety Hazards
Delaying snow removal can lead to slips and falls for customers, employees and pedestrians. Such accidents can result in serious injuries and liability claims.
Damage to Asphalt and Concrete
Leaving snow on pavement lets it seep into cracks. After it freezes, it expands and damages the surfaces, leading to potholes, spalling and uneven pavement.
Drainage and Flooding Issues
Snow piles block storm drains and meltwater paths. When snow finally melts, water pools and refreezes, making the damage even worse.
Fines and Insurance Problems
Winnipeg bylaws require sidewalks and public areas to be cleaned within specific timeframes. Failure to comply results in fines, forced cleanups or denied insurance claims.
Don’t Wait Until Snow Becomes a Problem
When should you remove snow? Before it compacts, freezes, blocks access, or creates hazards. At The Whiteout Group, we understand that proactive snow removal keeps your property safer, reduces damage and saves money in the long run. That’s why we’re at your service 24/7 with our snow clearing and snow removal services.
Need dependable winter property maintenance? Contact us today!
