In short
- HomeStars' Ottawa page puts one-time snow service at $60–$120 an hour, and driveway-and-sidewalk visits at $40–$150 each.
- One Ottawa company's 2026–27 estimates: $80–$140 for a driveway and walkway, $120–$220 for a dig-out after 25 cm or more.
- Seasonal clients often get priority in major storms, HomeStars notes, so an on-demand request can wait longer.
- Ottawa airport averages 5.3 days a winter with 10 cm or more of new snow (Environment Canada, 1981–2010).
Typical prices in Ottawa
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-time snow service, hourly | $60–$120 an hour | HomeStars Ottawa page |
| Driveway and sidewalk, per visit | $40–$150 | HomeStars Ottawa page; by driveway size and snowfall |
| Driveway and walkway, one visit | $80–$140 | One Ottawa company’s published 2026–27 estimates |
| Dig-out after 25 cm or more | $120–$220 | Same company’s estimates |
| Windrow only | $60–$100 | Same company’s estimates |
| Long or large driveway | $85–$175+ | HomeStars Canada-wide guide, per clearing |
Sources. HomeStars, Snow removal pros in Ottawa, cost and FAQ sections, seen 29.10.2026. HomeStars, How Much Does Snow Removal Cost?, Canada-wide, updated 21.08.2026, seen 29.10.2026. One Ottawa company’s published estimates: snow removal cost in Ottawa, 2026 guide, published 07.08.2026, seen 29.10.2026. One Ottawa firm’s price page: seasonal and one-time pricing, seen 29.10.2026. City of Ottawa: Clearing snow from your property, When roads and sidewalks get plowed, Significant Weather Events, Winter weather parking bans, Property Maintenance By-law 2005-208, Snow plow contractor and vehicle licences, Snow removal services: what consumers need to know, Get help clearing snow, all seen 29.10.2026. Ontario: Your rights when signing or cancelling a contract, seen 29.10.2026. Snowfall: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int’l A, read through the MSC GeoMet API, seen 29.10.2026.
When a single visit makes sense
A paid visit covers the storms that are too much for a shovel, or snow that falls while nobody is home. Environment Canada’s 1981–2010 normals for Ottawa airport show 15.1 days a winter with 5 cm or more of new snow, 5.3 days with 10 cm or more, and 0.39 days with 25 cm or more. A single visit suits a heavy storm, a trip south or a hospital stay, moving day or a house showing, or a winter with no contract booked. If you expect to call often, compare per visit or seasonal first.
Where a one-off request falls in a storm
Seasonal clients often get priority during and after major storms. HomeStars’ Ottawa page says on-demand service may take longer in heavy snowfall, and one Ottawa firm sells one-time residential clearing only subject to availability. Send the request when the forecast turns, with your deadline.
The City runs on its own clock: residential sidewalks after 5 cm, 12 to 16 hours after the last snowflake, and residential streets after 7 cm, 10 to 16 hours after it. A declared Significant Weather Event suspends those timelines until it ends. The street plow can pass after the private crew and leave a ridge across the driveway end. The City makes that windrow the owner’s job, so settle in advance whether the crew comes back.
From November 15 to April 1, a parking ban can be called when 7 cm or more, or freezing rain, is forecast. Cars on the street without a residential permit may be ticketed and towed. Say where yours will be.
What sets the price of one visit
- Depth and type of snow. HomeStars’ Canada-wide guide says heavy, packed or icy snow takes more labour and lists extra depth as a common added charge. One Ottawa company’s estimates rise from $80–$140 for a normal visit to $120–$220 after 25 cm.
- Size and slope. The guide lists long or large driveways at $85–$175+ and steep ones at $115–$230.
- Hourly or flat. HomeStars gives $60–$120 an hour for one-time service in Ottawa.
- Timing and distance. Emergency call-outs and travel outside the company’s area can add fees.
- Space for the snow. City rules keep private snow off streets, sidewalks, pathways and parks, so full banks may need pushing back at extra cost.
The season-long picture is on snow removal cost in Ottawa.
A house left empty in winter
Section 5 of the City’s Property Maintenance By-law says every owner or occupant shall keep the roofs and surrounding lands free of accumulations of snow or ice that might create an accident hazard. On conviction, fines run from $500 to $10,000 for each day the offence continues. An empty house still falls under it.
For visits while you are away, give the dates, the depth that should bring a visit (say, every 10 cm), the surfaces to clear and a local contact. Ask for the price per visit in writing and a photo after each one. Roof snow is separate work with its own price.
Paying for one visit
Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act calls for a written contract on transactions over $50. A written estimate in the contract can be exceeded by 10% at most unless you sign a change. A contract signed at home can be cancelled within 10 days of receiving it in writing.
The City’s consumer page warns about door-to-door snow sellers: ask for company identification, be wary of high-pressure offers, and be suspicious of full payment before the work starts. Plow contractors with a City licence carry a numbered City plate on each plow and the business name and phone number on both sides. The City publishes its contractor list, and you can report an operator without a licence to 3-1-1.
Help with the cost
Snow Go matches adults 60 or older and people with a disability with someone who clears snow at a negotiated rate. Snow Go Assist pays up to 50% per event, to $250 a season (amount depends on applicants and funding), for those under $51,500 single or $62,000 household income with nobody at home able to do the work. It needs a signed contract or proof of payment. Agencies by area: snow help for seniors.
Who you are dealing with
Ottawa Snow Desk passes your request to one independent local snow removal company. That company calls you back, prices the visit or the run of visits, and clears the snow itself.
Questions to ask the company
- Is the price a flat rate for the visit or hourly, and what changes after 25 cm?
- When could a crew reach me in this storm, and is there a storm or after-hours charge?
- If the City plow passes after you leave, is the windrow included or charged again?
- Do you clear with a plow truck under a City contractor licence, or by snow blower and shovel?
- Can I have the total with HST in writing before the crew starts, and pay after the visit?
Have this ready for the call
- The address, and the dates you will be away if this is a run of visits
- A photo of the driveway from the street, with a rough depth
- Driveway size in cars, plus any walkway, steps or porch
- Where cars will be parked, and any locked gate
- A spot on your own lot where snow can be piled
Questions people ask
Can I book a single visit in the middle of a big storm?
Often, with a longer wait. HomeStars says seasonal clients often get priority during and after major storms, and on-demand service may take longer in heavy snowfall. One Ottawa firm sells one-time clearing at premium pricing, subject to availability.
Is paying per visit cheaper than a seasonal contract?
It depends on how often you call. HomeStars lists $40–$150 per visit and $300–$1,800+ for a residential season in Ottawa. Ottawa airport averages 15.1 days a winter with 5 cm or more of new snow and 5.3 days with 10 cm or more.
Who clears the plow ridge after my visit?
The City says property owners are responsible for the windrow. If the street is plowed after the crew leaves, the ridge comes back. One company’s estimates list windrow-only clearing at $60–$100.
Does the company need a City licence for one visit?
A business that clears private property with a snow plow needs a City snow plow contractor licence, which expires every October 31. People who clear with a shovel or a manual snow-blower are exempt.
Can a low-income older adult get help paying for one clearing?
Snow Go Assist pays up to 50% of the cost per event, to a seasonal maximum of $250 ($450 in rural areas with very high costs), for eligible adults 60 or older or people with a disability. The 2026/2027 deadline is November 27, 2026.
