Can I share a snow plow contract with my Ottawa neighbour?

Sharing a snow plow contract with your neighbour is absolutely possible and can save both households money while ensuring reliable service for your driveways. Many Ottawa homeowners successfully split plowing costs, especially on adjacent properties or in cul-de-sacs where the plow operator can service multiple driveways efficiently.

Practical arrangements work best when both driveways are easily accessible to the same plow truck without repositioning equipment. Side-by-side driveways, properties across from each other, or homes in a cluster where the operator can plow multiple drives in one visit offer the most savings potential. Most Ottawa snow removal contractors are happy to service multiple properties on the same visit since it reduces their travel time and fuel costs.

Cost savings typically range from 15 to 30 percent per household compared to individual contracts. A single driveway might cost $400 to $800 for seasonal plowing in Ottawa, while a shared contract for two adjacent driveways often runs $600 to $1,200 total. The exact savings depend on driveway sizes, accessibility, and whether you're sharing with one neighbour or organizing a small neighbourhood group.

Key considerations for Ottawa's climate: Your shared contract should specify service triggers based on snowfall amounts (typically 5cm accumulation), response times during heavy snowfall events, and procedures for Ottawa's frequent freeze-thaw cycles that create ice buildup. Make sure the contract covers the 25 to 35 snow events Ottawa typically receives each winter, including ice storm cleanup and end-of-driveway snow bank removal after city plows pass.

Contract structure matters for avoiding disputes. Establish upfront who pays what percentage (usually split equally unless driveways are significantly different sizes), how payments are handled (one person pays the contractor and collects from neighbours, or separate billing), and what happens if one party wants to cancel mid-season. Include provisions for service priority if the contractor can't reach both properties simultaneously during heavy snowfall.

Driveway condition considerations: Ensure both driveways can handle plow traffic without damage. Older asphalt with extensive cracking, settled interlock pavers with raised edges, or concrete with significant spalling can be damaged by plow blades. If one driveway needs repair work, address it before the snow season begins. Damaged surfaces that catch plow blades create liability issues and service delays.

Communication protocols prevent neighbourly disputes. Agree on who serves as the primary contact with the contractor, how to handle special requests (extra salt application, timing changes), and procedures if one household is away for extended periods. Many successful arrangements designate one person as the "snow captain" who coordinates with the contractor and handles any service issues.

When to hire a professional: While sharing costs makes sense, ensure you're hiring a properly insured snow removal contractor with commercial liability coverage and WSIB. Unlicensed operators using pickup trucks with homeowner-grade plows often lack proper insurance and can cause expensive driveway damage that becomes your responsibility.

Need help finding a reliable snow removal contractor for your shared arrangement? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local professionals who regularly service multiple properties and understand the logistics of shared contracts.