A useful snow-removal plan starts with the property, before the first dispatch. Strata councils and property managers can make quoting and service coordination easier by collecting the same information in one place: the areas to clear, how crews get in, and who can make decisions when conditions change.
Start with a marked site plan
Use a simple aerial image or site drawing. Mark vehicle entrances, parkade ramps, visitor parking, pedestrian routes, stairs and building entrances. Separate the areas the strata manages from neighbouring properties and public streets. An unmarked boundary is easy to misunderstand when everything is covered in snow.
Identify the route residents use between their front door, accessible parking and the street. Also mark waste collection access, delivery areas and any entrance that must remain available during overnight work. The aim is to give the estimator a clear picture of the property rather than just a street address.
Walk the property while the ground is visible
Photograph raised curbs, low fixtures, speed bumps, drainage grates and narrow turns. Note places where parked vehicles can prevent equipment from reaching the work area. Record the clearance at gates and covered entrances so the contractor can assess equipment access.
Mark proposed snow-storage areas for discussion. Keep the plan clear about which locations are off limits, including entrances, walkways and sightlines. If there is little room to store snow, ask whether removal from the property is available and how that work would be priced.
Agree on the order of work
A parking lot, a ramp and a pedestrian walkway may need different equipment and separate visits. Ask the contractor to describe the proposed clearing sequence and how it fits your building's morning activity. Put requested priorities in writing and confirm which ones are included in the agreement.
Discuss the service trigger, follow-up visits during continuing snowfall and treatment of pedestrian areas. Clarify who monitors the property between visits and how residents should report a problem. Avoid assuming that a general snow-removal line item covers every surface or every return visit.
Prepare access and communication
Choose a primary contact and a backup. Confirm an appropriate process for providing gate or equipment-room access directly to the assigned provider; keep access codes out of public documents. Record parking restrictions and any quiet-hour concerns for the site review.
Give residents a short notice explaining where vehicles need to move, how to keep designated routes accessible and where to send service concerns. A single point of contact helps prevent conflicting instructions reaching the crew.
Keep a usable service record
Ask what visit records the contractor supplies, such as arrival times, serviced areas and notes about blocked access. Agree how missed areas or changing site conditions will be reported. Store the current plan, accepted scope and contact details somewhere the council and property manager can find them.
Review the plan after the first service visit. A blocked corner or difficult turn is a reason to update the instructions, not leave the same problem waiting for the next snowfall.
Send a complete request for a quote
Use our commercial quote-request checklist to collect the property address, marked plan, recent photos, approximate areas, access restrictions and preferred service priorities. Mention whether the request is for a seasonal arrangement or another scope so the estimate can address your needs.
Explore our Burnaby snow-removal service information or Vancouver service information, then request a PlowWow quote. Service availability, timing and included work are confirmed in the proposal.
