
Snow Removal FAQ | Only Strata Snow Removal
Have questions about professional snow removal in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Lower Mainland? We’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries from strata councils, property managers, and residents. From contracts and pricing to liability protection and service details, this FAQ covers everything you need to know.
Visit Only Strata Snow Removal Main Page for full coverage details.
Section 1: General Service & Road Salting Coverage
Covering the basics of snow removal, service zones, client types, and how our approach differs from general providers.
Which Areas Do You Serve?
We provide dedicated snow removal, snow clearing, and snow plowing services across Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, the North Shore, the Tri-Cities, and the Fraser Valley. If you’re searching for local snow removal near me, we likely already serve your neighborhood.
What cities in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley do you cover?
Core coverage includes Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, Langley (City & Township), White Rock, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Hope, and UBC. We prioritize strata properties in these zones for winter maintenance.
Do you provide snow removal services near me?
Yes. Our crews are positioned throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to deliver residential snow removal services near me requests quickly. Use the Quick Quote form and we’ll confirm your exact coverage and response time.
What kind of contracts does Only Strata offer?
Two options tailored to strata communities:
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Seasonal Contracts: Unlimited snow clearing and de-icing for one set seasonal rate.
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Per-Visit Service: Pay as needed for snow plowing, salting, and shoveling events.
Both include 24/7 monitoring and digital service reports.
Do you offer per-visit and seasonal snow removal?
Yes. Choose seasonal for predictable budgeting or per-visit for flexible, usage-based snow removal services. We’ll recommend the best fit based on your property and risk profile.
Do you offer on-call services?
No. We don’t do one-off on-call jobs. Contract clients receive automatic dispatch, ensuring reliable snow clearingwithout waiting lists during storms—critical for liability protection.
Do you provide emergency snow removal near me?
For contract clients, yes. We run 24/7 storm monitoring and automatic emergency snow removal when conditions trigger service. This covers overnight, holiday, and rapid-change events.
Are you the cheapest snow removal & salting provider?
We focus on reliable, affordable snow removal with liability protection—not being the absolute cheapest. Many low-cost providers lack proper insurance or proof-before-payment documentation.
Do you offer affordable snow removal services?
Yes. We balance cost with high-trust deliverables—GPS logs, time-stamped photos, and consistent snow plowingstandards. Ask about options that match your budget and service expectations.
What kind of equipment do you use?
A strata-optimized fleet: ATV plows for sidewalks and pathways, truck-mounted plows for roads and lanes, snow blowers and shoveling crews for entrances and stairs, plus calibrated salt spreaders for road salting and de-icing.
Do you provide sidewalk snow plowing services?
Yes. Our ATV sidewalk snow plow units and hand crews handle sidewalks, pathways, stairs, and curb cuts, ensuring safe pedestrian access during and after storms.
Do you take on commercial clients?
We are exclusively residential strata—condos, townhouses, apartments, senior living, and daycares. We do assess certain multi-use and multi purpose plazas and office buildings etc. Just send us a quote request!
Do you work with warehouses, malls, or big box stores?
No. We do not provide commercial snow removal services for malls, warehouses, gas stations, or government sites. Our specialization is strata snow clearing only. Certain strata managed, multi purpose and multi use properties are considered* send us a request to learn more.
Why do you only service strata properties?
Stratas require a different logistics model: capacity caps, pre-assigned crews, and documentation suitable for insurance and legal defense. Specializing in strata snow removal services guarantees you aren’t deprioritized behind commercial routes.
Do you service apartments, condos, or townhouses?
Yes—this is our core. We provide apartment snow removal, condo snow clearing, and townhouse snow plowing, including drive aisles, visitor stalls, sidewalks, stairs, entrances, and loading areas.
Does Only Strata provide any services other than winter maintenance?
No. We are 100% focused on winter maintenance: snow removal, snow clearing, snow plowing, salting, and de-icing. We don’t dilute resources with summer services.
Do you provide home snow removal or driveway plowing?
We service multi-unit residential properties (strata). While we don’t handle standalone single-family homes, many strata sites include driveway plowing for shared or assigned stalls and lanes.
Section 2: Guarantees & Client Protection
When comparing local snow removal companies near me, guarantees matter. At Only Strata, we go beyond basic snow plowing and snow clearing services by offering written protections for strata councils — from proof-before-payment to damage-free coverage. These guarantees ensure your residential snow removal services are always reliable, accountable, and liability-safe.
What are the Only Strata 4 Guarantees for Residential Snow Removal Services?
We’re not just another one of the many snow removal companies near me. We back every contract with four ironclad protections:
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Freedom-to-Cancel Guarantee – Cancel anytime if we fail to deliver.
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Proof-Before-Payment Guarantee – Each snow plowing service is logged with GPS, crew notes, and time-stamped photos.
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Damage-Free Guarantee – If our equipment damages your site, repairs are covered at no cost.
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Commitment-to-Quality Guarantee – Strict capacity caps mean no delays for your residential snow clearing services.
What is the "Freedom-to-Cancel" Guarantee?
Most snow removal contractors near me force clients into long-term contracts. We don’t. If your strata isn’t satisfied, you can cancel mid-season without penalties. This ensures accountability and peace of mind.
Can I cancel my snow removal contract mid-season?
Yes. Thanks to our freedom-to-cancel policy, strata councils can exit anytime. Whether you’re a condo complex, townhouse development, or apartment community, you’ll never be locked into poor service.
What is the "Proof-Before-Payment" Guarantee?
Each residential snow removal service comes with digital verification:
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GPS-tracked logs
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Time-stamped photos
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Crew notes
This documentation protects you in court and assures councils that invoices match completed work.
Do you provide service reports before invoices?
Yes. Unlike many local snow removal companies, we don’t just bill blindly. Our digital snow clearing reports arrive first so councils see proof before approving payment.
What is the "Damage-Free" Guarantee for Snow Clearing Services?
If one of our plows or ATVs damages your curbs, lawns, or driveway plowing areas, we handle repairs at our cost. This guarantee protects both property value and council budgets.
How do you handle property damage during snow clearing?
We maintain an in-house mechanical and repair team. If equipment leaves scratches, cracks, or landscaping issues during snow removal services, we fix them promptly and transparently.
What is the "Commitment-to-Quality" Guarantee in Snow Plowing Services?
Other snow plowing companies overbook to maximize profits, leaving stratas stranded. We cap our client list each winter to ensure every residential snow plowing service is delivered on time.
Do you overbook snow removal contracts like other companies?
No. Each year we accept only as many residential snow removal contracts as our fleet can realistically handle. This prevents delays and protects you from being bumped behind higher-paying commercial sites.
Why do these guarantees matter compared to other snow removal companies?
Most snow removal contractors compete on price alone. We differentiate by offering affordable snow removal servicesbacked by legal protection, service proof, and property damage coverage. This makes us one of the most trusted snow removal companies in my area for stratas.
Section 3: Contracts, Pricing & Quotes
Understanding snow removal cost and comparing snow removal prices is one of the top concerns for councils looking at residential snow removal companies. Our FAQ covers how seasonal vs. per-visit billing works, what’s included in a proposal, and why affordable snow removal services must also protect against liability. Whether you’re searching for snow removal services near me or comparing quotes across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, this section explains what to expect.
Is requesting a winter maintenance quote free?
Yes — requesting a quote is always free. Whether you’re comparing snow removal companies in my area or checking residential snow removal services near me, our team will provide a custom proposal based on your property size, layout, and risk profile.
How much does snow removal cost for strata properties?
Snow removal cost varies by property type, square footage, and service frequency. Smaller townhouse snow clearingcontracts may start at a few thousand per season, while larger apartment snow removal sites with multiple entrances, lanes, and sidewalks are higher. Every quote is tailored, so you only pay for what your strata needs.
What is the average snow removal price in Metro Vancouver?
Average snow removal prices for residential strata services in Metro Vancouver range from $6,000 to $15,000 per season, depending on size, frequency, and whether you choose seasonal or per-visit billing. Our pricing reflects reliable service, liability coverage, and proof-before-payment.
Do you provide affordable snow removal pricing?
Yes. We offer affordable snow removal services without cutting corners on safety or documentation. Many clients compare us to cheaper providers but find that residential snow removal cost is more than just dollars — it’s about liability protection, insurance compliance, and guaranteed crews.
How does billing work (seasonal vs per-visit)?
We provide two flexible models:
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Seasonal Billing: One fixed price covers unlimited snow plowing and snow clearing services all winter.
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Per-Visit Billing: You pay only when conditions trigger service. This works well for councils wanting to manage snow removal cost closely.
Can we cancel mid-season?
Yes. Thanks to our Freedom-to-Cancel Guarantee, councils can exit agreements mid-season without penalties. Whether you’re a condo community, apartment complex, or townhouse strata, you’ll never be trapped by a poor-performing contract.
How early should we sign a snow removal contract?
Most local snow removal companies fill their rosters between August 1 and October 31. We strongly recommend securing your spot before November to guarantee coverage. Early signing also locks in the best snow removal prices.
Can you accept clients mid-season?
Occasionally. If capacity remains, we may accept new residential snow removal near me requests mid-season. However, availability is rare because most slots are filled early.
Do you price match snow removal services?
No. We don’t compete as the lowest bidder. Our value comes from residential snow plowing services in my area that include liability insurance, digital proof, and capacity caps. If you’re searching for a simple snow cleaning company, you’ll find cheaper — but not safer — alternatives.
Can you provide references or testimonials?
Yes. We share real feedback from apartment snow removal and townhouse snow plowing clients across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. This includes case studies showing how we reduced slip-and-fall risk and controlled winter road maintenance costs.
Are quotes binding?
No. All quotes are free, non-binding, and fully transparent. You can compare our proposal with other snow removal contractors near me before committing.
Do you provide residential snow removal cost breakdowns?
Yes. Every quote includes a line-item estimate showing residential snow clearing costs for driveways, sidewalks, pathways, and parking areas. This breakdown helps councils compare us against other snow removal companies near me or evaluate apartment complex snow removal policy budgets.
Section 4: Technology, Reports & Liability
Many snow cleaning companies still rely on outdated methods, but Only Strata uses digital tracking to ensure every visit is logged. This section explains our use of GPS monitoring, digital service reports, and eco-friendly salting practices. For stratas across Metro Vancouver, Greater Vancouver, and British Columbia, these tools mean fewer disputes, lower risk, and better documentation than traditional snowplowing companies near me can provide.
What are digital service reports?
Every snow removal service includes a digital report showing winter snow removal activity, GPS tracking, and crew notes. Councils receive proof after each visit — a feature that separates us from most other snow removal contractors.
How much does snow removal cost for strata properties?
Snow removal cost varies by property type, square footage, and service frequency. Smaller townhouse snow clearingcontracts may start at a few thousand per season, while larger apartment snow removal sites with multiple entrances, lanes, and sidewalks are higher. Every quote is tailored, so you only pay for what your strata needs.
Do service reports include photos?
Yes. Each report includes time-stamped photos showing cleared driveways, sidewalks, and entrances. This provides evidence of completed residential snow clearing services and helps with liability protection.
Do reports include timestamps and crew notes?
Absolutely. Our reports show arrival and departure times plus detailed crew notes on salting, de-icing, and driveway plowing services near me.
Will the digital service reports be valid in the event of a court case?
Yes. Courts and insurers accept them as proof. When compared to other snow plowing companies in my area, our digital snow removal logs are a key reason stratas stay protected from liability.
How does Only Strata utilize modern technology?
We integrate GPS tracking, automated dispatching, and weather monitoring to improve service delivery. This makes our local snow removal services more reliable than traditional providers.
Do you use GPS tracking for snow plowing services?
Yes. Every snow plower near me in our fleet is GPS-tracked in real time. This data is tied to your property for precise record-keeping.
How does your GPS tracking work?
Each plow, ATV, and salt spreader has a GPS device. It automatically records service times and routes — useful for apartment complex snow removal policy reviews and liability defense.
What are the advantages of using technology for winter maintenance?
Technology gives:
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Faster dispatch for emergency snow removal near me
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Transparent, verifiable proof
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Reduced liability
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More efficient winter road maintenance and eco-friendly snow removal practices
What liability protection do you offer?
We provide full liability insurance for all residential snow removal services near me. This protects councils in case of slip-and-fall claims.
Do you have liability insurance for snow removal?
Yes. Many snow removal contractors near me don’t carry the proper coverage. We do — specifically designed for residential strata snow clearing and plowing. $5,000,000.00 Coverage included.
Do you have a perfect liability record?
Yes. Since 2016, no client has lost a slip-and-fall case under our snow removal coverage. Our record is unmatched by other snow removal companies near me.
Do you share reports with insurers?
Yes. Insurers frequently request our snow clearing service reports. Sharing them often helps prevent premium hikes and proves compliance with strata snow removal policies.
Can digital reports reduce strata insurance premiums?
Yes. Because our winter maintenance logs document snow and ice removal, many insurers view them as reduced-risk evidence. This makes our service more valuable than generic snow services near me from providers without proper documentation.
Section 5: Operations & Service Delivery
Reliable service means more than just showing up with a plow. Here we explain how we handle driveway snow removal near me, snow shovelling service near me, and full-property clearing during storms. Councils often search for residential snow plowing near me or snow shoveling services near me, and this section details how our crews cover sidewalks, stairs, and entryways across the North Shore, Tri-Cities, and Fraser Valley. We also highlight our winter salting, road salting, and de-icing salt strategies.
How quickly do you respond during storms?
We monitor weather in real time and dispatch before accumulation creates hazards. Unlike many snow plowing companies near me, our crews are positioned across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Greater Vancouver for rapid response. Stratas in the North Shore and Tri-Cities also receive the same priority service.
Do you provide 24/7 snow removal service?
Yes. Our contracts include 24/7 snow removal services near me with guaranteed response for overnight and holiday events. This is essential for residential snow clearing in high-risk areas such as senior communities and daycare entrances.
Do you provide emergency snow clearing services near me?
Yes. Our emergency snow removal near me program is built for storms that hit without warning. With depots spread across Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and the North Shore, we dispatch plows, shoveling crews, and salt trucks around the clock.
How do you handle salting and de-icing?
We combine road salting, winter salting, and eco-friendly de-icing salt applications. Our approach balances effectiveness with environmental care — something many snow contractors near me overlook.
Do you use eco-friendly de-icing salt?
Yes. We use calibrated spreaders and can provide salt deicing blends and liquid salt for roads. This is especially important in strata complexes near gardens, playgrounds, and daycare facilities.
Do you have enough salt supply?
Yes. We maintain over 1,000 tonnes of salt in reserve across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Even during supply shortages, our clients never run out of coverage.
How much road salt do you keep in reserve?
Each winter we stockpile enough to cover all our contracts in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and Metro Vancouver for the full season.
How do you monitor storms?
We track multiple weather models, radar, and ground temperatures. Our team watches for winter road maintenancetriggers and dispatches automatically, ensuring local snow removal services always arrive on time.
What happens if equipment breaks down?
We operate an in-house mechanical division. If a plow or ATV fails during snowplowing in my area, a replacement is dispatched immediately so your strata doesn’t face service gaps.
Do you have in-house mechanics?
Yes. Unlike most plow companies near me, we repair and maintain all equipment internally. This reduces downtime and keeps your residential snow plowing services consistent all winter.
How do you handle extreme storms?
We only serve stratas, which means resources are never diverted to malls or warehouses. Our strict capacity caps ensure that even in record storms across Metro Vancouver and the North Shore, every client gets cleared and salted.
What about sidewalks and smaller pathways?
We deploy ATV sidewalk snow plows, snow shoveling services near me, and blower crews for stairs, ramps, and tight pathways. This is critical for condos, apartments, and townhouse snow removal services.
Do you provide driveway plowing near me?
Yes. Shared lanes and driveways are included in our residential snow removal services near me. Whether it’s a townhouse strata in the Tri-Cities or an apartment complex in Fraser Valley, driveway plowing is always covered.
What if a crew misses a spot?
Our digital snow clearing reports include photos and GPS logs. If a pathway, driveway, or stall was missed, councils can flag it and a crew is automatically re-dispatched — no disputes.
How do strata councils report a missed service?
Through our portal or email, councils can quickly request re-service. Unlike other snow plow contractors near me, we track and respond immediately with proof-based follow-ups.
Do you cover holidays and overnight storms?
Yes. 24/7 snow removal and snow shovelling services near me are included in every contract. This ensures no gaps during Christmas, New Year’s, or other holidays in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
Do you provide snow shoveling services near me?
Yes. Hand crews provide residential snow shoveling services near me for stairs, narrow walkways, and entryways. These services protect seniors, children, and vulnerable residents in Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley stratas.
Do you provide residential snow plowing near me?
Yes. Our residential snow plow services near me cover condos, apartments, and townhouses. We’re active across Metro Vancouver, the North Shore, and the Tri-Cities.
Do you service senior living facilities or daycare properties?
Yes. These are priority clients. We specialize in snow removal for seniors near me and daycare snow clearing servicesbecause safety is critical in these settings. Our crews receive extra training for these high-risk strata environments.
Section 6: Client Fit & Process
Not every property is the right match for Only Strata. This section clarifies who we serve—apartments, condos, townhouses, seniors, and daycares—and who we don’t, such as commercial plazas or warehouses. For councils searching for private snow removal near me, local snow removal services, or snow removal apartment complex policies, this section shows how our model is built specifically for residential stratas across Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Greater Vancouver.
Who is the ideal client for Only Strata?
Our ideal clients are residential strata councils across the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the North Shore, the Tri-Cities, and Greater Vancouver. We specialize in apartment snow removal, condo snow clearing, townhouse plowing, and senior-living facilities.
Do you provide snow removal for apartments and condos?
Yes. Our contracts include snow removal apartment complex services, covering drive aisles, entrances, visitor stalls, and sidewalks. Apartment and condo councils across British Columbia trust us for proactive winter coverage.
Do you provide snow removal for townhouses?
Yes. We provide residential snow plowing and snow clearing for townhouse developments, including driveway snow removal near me for shared lanes and stall areas.
Do you provide snow removal for seniors?
Yes. We specialize in snow removal for seniors near me, ensuring sidewalks, ramps, and mobility-access areas are always cleared. Many of our priority stratas are senior-focused communities in the Fraser Valley and North Shore.
Do you provide daycare snow clearing services?
Yes. Safety for children is critical. We offer daycare snow clearing and salting services in strata complexes, ensuring safe drop-off and pick-up even during heavy snowplowing events across the Lower Mainland.
Who do you NOT work with?
We do not provide commercial snow removal services for malls, warehouses, restaurants, or government buildings. Unlike many snow removal companies near me, we focus only on residential snow removal companies serving strata properties.
Do you provide commercial snow removal near me?
No. We do not serve commercial snow plowing clients. Our specialization is private snow removal near me for residential stratas, condos, apartments, townhouses, seniors, and daycares in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Some exceptions are made for strata managed retail, and multi-use & multi-purpose properties such as offices, mixed retail etc.
How do we get started?
It’s simple: request a quote through our Quick Quote tool. Councils searching for residential snow removal services near me will receive a detailed proposal, service plan, and pricing breakdown.
How do I request a snow removal quote near me?
You can request a snow removal services near me quote online. Our team responds within 24 hours to clients across the Tri-Cities, Metro Vancouver, and British Columbia.
What does your onboarding process look like?
We set up digital service logs, assign crews, and prepare your site for the season. Unlike other snow removal contractors near me, our onboarding ensures every property in the Lower Mainland is mapped in advance for efficient snow clearing.
How do you set up GPS-linked service reports?
Our GPS devices are linked to your strata’s map. When our snow plowers near me arrive, their logs are automatically recorded. Councils in Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver can access reports anytime.
What should strata councils prepare in advance?
We ask for site maps, contact lists, and any priority areas such as daycare zones or driveway snow removal services near me. This ensures a customized plan for residential snow clearing.
Do you turn away clients?
Yes. We are selective. If a site doesn’t fit our residential snow removal near me model or we’ve hit capacity, we’ll decline rather than overpromise.
Why do you cap capacity?
Capping ensures timely snowplowing during storms. Stratas across the North Shore, Fraser Valley, and Tri-Cities trust us because we never overbook like many snow plow contractors near me.
Do you provide local snow removal services?
Yes. We are a local snow removal company serving Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and British Columbia. Unlike national chains, our crews live and work in the communities they serve.
Do you provide private snow removal near me?
Yes. We offer private snow removal near me exclusively for strata clients. This includes residential snow plow services near me for condos, apartments, and townhouses across Greater Vancouver.
Are you a local snow removal company?
Yes. We are one of the most trusted local snow removal companies in the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver, and Fraser Valley. Councils choose us because we focus on residential snow shovelling service near me, not commercial contracts.
