Burlington runs from the lakeshore up the escarpment, and winter changes along the way. Lakefront streets in Shoreacres and Roseland get more ice and freezing rain, while Tyandaga, Kilbride and the north end catch heavier snow off the escarpment. Here is what a seasonal contract costs across the city, what the City clears for you, and what to put in writing.
2026-27 snow removal prices in Burlington
Seasonal prices for unlimited visits at a 5 cm trigger, November 15 to April 15.
| Property | Driveway only | Driveway, walk and salt | Typical Burlington streets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townhouse or narrow single driveway | $420 - $580 | $620 - $840 | Downtown, Orchard and Alton townhouse rows |
| Two-car driveway, semi or small single | $540 - $720 | $780 - $1,080 | Headon Forest, Pinedale, Millcroft, Alton |
| Standard suburban single, walk and porch | $680 - $920 | $960 - $1,340 | Roseland, Shoreacres, Aldershot, Tyandaga |
| Large lot or long driveway | $920 - $1,480 | $1,380 - $2,200 | Mt Nemo, Lowville, Kilbride, rural north Burlington |
Single visits run $45 to $95 for a driveway, or $65 to $140 with the walk and salt. Our snow removal cost calculator gives a figure for your property, and the Ontario snow removal cost guide explains what drives the price.
What the City of Burlington clears
- Sidewalks: the City plows sidewalks after 5 cm of snow and salts or sands as needed, so the public sidewalk is not your job.
- Roads: main roads first, then residential streets.
- Your driveway, walk and steps: not cleared by the City. That is you or your contractor.
- The windrow at the end of the driveway: left by the road plow. Burlington runs a paid windrow clearing program with registration each October and a limited number of spots. It was $125 plus HST per driveway in 2025 and did not cover windrows from sidewalk plows. Check the City of Burlington for this season's fee and dates.
Snow Events and parking
In a significant storm, around 7.5 cm of snow, the City declares a Snow Event. Until it is declared over, there is no parking on any City street, and cars left out can be ticketed or towed. That clears the way for plows, but it also means every car on the street has to fit in the driveway, which matters for your contractor. Tell them if a car will be parked on the apron, or ask for an early visit so you can move vehicles in.
Do not push snow onto the road
Burlington residents may not shovel, plow or blow snow onto or across the road. The City points to its own by-law and Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. A professional crew piles snow on your property, away from the end of the driveway where it blocks sightlines, and away from fire hydrants and storm drains.
How much snow Burlington gets
Burlington sits between two long-term Environment and Climate Change Canada records: Hamilton airport, at about 156.5 cm of snow a year, and Toronto Pearson, at about 108.5 cm. The lakeshore tends toward the lower end and the escarpment toward the higher end. Tyandaga, Kilbride and the north end catch the escarpment bands that can drop much heavier snow over short distances, and the lakeshore strip from Aldershot to Shoreacres sees more ice storms and freezing rain.
Where we clear across Burlington
- Aldershot: older lots by the Royal Botanical Gardens, mature trees and narrower driveways.
- Downtown, Roseland, Shoreacres and Indian Point: deep lakeshore lots, interlock and stone driveways that need careful de-icing.
- Tyandaga: sloped driveways on the escarpment ridge, where salt and grip matter most.
- Headon Forest and Pinedale: 1970s and 1980s two-car driveways, the core of our routes.
- Alton, Millcroft, Orchard and The Falls: newer subdivisions with wide driveways and townhouse rows.
- North Burlington, Mt Nemo and Lowville: long rural laneways, quoted by length.
What our Burlington seasonal contract includes
- Driveway cleared after every snowfall of 5 cm or more, November 15 to April 15.
- Walkway, steps and door area, where contracted.
- A return visit for the road plow windrow.
- Salt or a gentler de-icer suited to interlock and stone, where contracted.
- Service within 6 hours of the snow stopping or the trigger being reached, whichever is later.
- Reflective stakes before the season and spring touch-up of lawn edges.
Commercial properties are quoted separately. See our snow removal service for plan options, including zero tolerance, and when to book for timing. The first measurable snow usually arrives between November 12 and 25.
Frequently asked questions
How much does snow removal cost in Burlington?
About $540 to $720 for a typical two-car driveway for the 2026-27 season, or $780 to $1,080 with the walkway and salt. Larger lots run $960 to $1,340, and long rural driveways more.
Does the City of Burlington clear sidewalks?
Yes. The City plows sidewalks after 5 cm of snow and salts or sands them as needed. It does not clear private driveways or walkways.
What is a Snow Event in Burlington?
A declaration the City makes in a significant storm, around 7.5 cm of snow. Until it ends, there is no parking on any City street, and cars can be ticketed or towed.
Does Burlington clear driveway windrows?
Burlington runs a paid windrow clearing program with October registration and limited spots. Check the City for this season's fee and dates. Our contracts include a windrow return visit.
Can I blow snow onto the road in Burlington?
No. Residents may not shovel, plow or blow snow onto or across the road.
Do you cover Aldershot and north Burlington?
Yes, from Aldershot and the lakeshore through Tyandaga, Headon Forest, Alton and Millcroft to Mt Nemo and Lowville.
When should I book snow removal in Burlington?
By late October. The first measurable snow usually arrives between November 12 and 25, and routes fill up right after it.