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24/7 Emergency Response
Triggers and response times
Write the accumulation trigger in centimetres and say whether the clock starts at storm end or while snow is still falling. Many Edmonton commercial routes use a 2 cm trigger; some sites need a lower number for high foot traffic.
Response windows should be realistic for overnight dumps. Ask what happens if several clients hit the same trigger at once, and whether after-hours dispatch is included. Snowbear runs 24/7 coverage for commercial accounts that need it. See commercial snow removal for how seasonal service is structured.
Scope of areas
Attach a site map or list every zone:
- Main parking fields and drive aisles
- Loading docks and receiving lanes
- Fire lanes and hydrant access
- Sidewalks, curb cuts, and entrances
- Accessible parking and ramps
- Roof access or stair towers if they are in scope
Ambiguous scope is how disputes start in January. If a walk or dock is critical, name it.
Ice management and sanding
Clearing snow and managing ice are separate jobs. The contract should say when sanding or salting happens: after every clear, on freeze-thaw mornings, or only on request.
In deep cold, sand often matters more than salt. Spell out product preferences and any areas that must stay chemical-light (certain landscaping, pet areas, or polished entry stone). Pair this with your own reading on melt vs sand vs salt and our sanding and salting service notes.
Hauling and pile management
Lots shrink when banks grow. Decide where temporary piles can sit, when banks must be hauled off-site, and who pays for trucking. Mid-season hauling is often billed as an extra unless it is built into the seasonal price.
If sightlines at exits matter for safety, put a height or haul-frequency note in the agreement. Details on off-site removal are on our snow hauling page.
Insurance and liability
Ask for a current certificate of insurance naming your company or strata as required. Confirm WCB coverage for crews and who holds liability when someone slips after a documented clear-and-sand visit.
Keep your own incident log: timestamps, photos after service, and weather notes. That record helps everyone if a claim appears later.
Communication and extras
Good contracts name a primary contact on both sides, an after-hours number, and how completion is reported (text, email, portal). Price extras in advance: handwork around cars left overnight, ice chipping, rush revisits after plough windrows, or special event clears.
Before you sign, walk the lot once with the contractor. Gaps found in August are cheaper than gaps found in a February whiteout. Contact Snowbear if you want a quote that lists these items plainly.
