Quick Answer
Yes. With most seasonal snow removal contracts, you still pay even if it barely snows.
You’re paying for guaranteed service, priority during storms, and crews staying on standby—not just the number of times they show up.
Seasonal Contract vs Per-Visit
| Contract Type | Do You Still Pay If It Doesn’t Snow? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal (Flat Rate) | ✅ Yes | Homeowners who want guaranteed service and peace of mind |
| Per-Visit / Per Push | ❌ No | Only want to pay when snow is actually cleared |
| Monthly Plans | ✅ Yes | Want fixed budgeting each month |
| Retainer / Standby | ✅ Partial | Reserves a company without full payment |
Why You Still Pay in a Low-Snow Winter
Even if there are only a few snowfalls, the company is still:
- Keeping staff on-call
- Maintaining plow trucks and salt supplies
- Paying for fuel, insurance, and equipment
- Holding a guaranteed spot in their schedule for you
So the payment isn’t only for how many times they come—it’s for being ready every time it might snow.
What If I Don’t Want to Pay When There’s No Snow?
Then a per-visit contract is better. You only pay when they plow your driveway or shovel your walkway.
The trade-off? No guaranteed service times, and you’re not a priority customer during big storms.
Quick Look at Pricing
Most seasonal snow removal contracts cost $350 to $700 per winter for residential homes in Ontario.
This depends on driveway size, walkway coverage, salting, and how much snow your area gets.
Want a full breakdown of pricing?
When Homeowners Don’t Have to Pay
You might not have to pay if:
- You signed a per-visit only agreement
- A low-snow clause was included (rare, but some companies offer it)
- The company never showed up during actual snowfall
- The contract was never signed or activated
Final Word
Yes—most snow removal contracts must be paid even if it doesn’t snow. You’re paying for reliability, not just the number of visits.
If you’d rather pay only when snow is on the ground, choose a per-visit contract instead of a seasonal one.