Emergency Snow Response: Planning for Major Storm Events in Ontario

Major snow events require a different approach than routine maintenance — advance planning is what separates properties that stay accessible from those that become hazards.

Snow Removal Services

Major snow events require a different approach than routine maintenance — advance planning is what separates properties that stay accessible from those that become hazards.

Major storm events in Ontario — defined as 20+ cm in 24 hours — trigger a different level of response than routine snowfall. Highways, emergency routes, and critical infrastructure take priority in municipal clearing operations, which can delay private property service significantly.

Winter Preparedness Tips

For businesses that must remain operational during major storms — grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, emergency services — an emergency response plan is essential. This plan should define how and when your snow removal contractor is notified, what a 'complete clear' looks like for your property, and what the escalation path is if crews can't reach you within the SLA.

Stockpiling salt and de-icing materials before the season reduces the risk of running out during a major event. D&D Snow Services maintains strategic supply depots to ensure continued service even when supply chains are stressed during extended storm periods.

D&D Snow Services Coverage

Backup contractor access is something few property managers think about until their primary contractor goes out of business mid-season or is overwhelmed by an extreme weather event. D&D Snow Services has the capacity to absorb additional properties mid-season if a competing contractor fails.

After a major storm, a second sweep of your property after temperatures rise slightly may be necessary to address ice that formed under packed snow during the storm. Don't assume a post-storm clear is final — monitor conditions through the temperature cycling period.

Devon Moore, Operations Lead Co-Founder & Operations Lead — D&D Snow Services

Devon Moore is the co-founder and Operations Lead at D&D Snow Services, providing reliable residential and commercial snow removal across Waterloo Region.