Per visit, per push or seasonal?
The pricing choice at the top of the form changes the fee clause, so pick it first.
- Per visit. One charge for each trip to the property. It's simple to explain, and the client pays more in a heavy winter.
- Per push. One charge each time you clear the property. A long storm can mean two or three pushes, so explain this before the client signs.
- Seasonal flat rate. One price for the whole season, whatever falls. You get income before the first snowfall, and you take the risk of a heavy winter. The optional visit limit protects you: past that number, each visit is charged at the rate you set.
If you're not sure what to charge, the snow removal rates guide has per-visit and seasonal ranges by city.
What each clause does
Services and areas
This names the property, the season dates and the exact areas you clear. Most arguments start with "I thought the steps were included", so tick each area and add anything unusual.
Trigger depth and finish target
The trigger depth is how much snow must fall before you come out. The finish target is a goal, not a guarantee, and the clause says that storms, closed roads and unsafe conditions can cause delays. Choose a target you can meet on your worst route day.
Salt and sand
Choose whether salt or sand is included, charged per application, or not offered. If it isn't offered, the contract says ice control stays with the client. Don't leave this vague, because ice is where the serious claims come from.
Markers
Say who places stakes or markers, and by when. Curbs, garden edges and walkway lights are hard to see under snow, and the liability clause says you aren't responsible for unmarked objects.
Access and where snow goes
The client keeps vehicles, bins and hoses out of the way. If something blocks an area, you clear around it and the visit still counts. Add gate codes and piling instructions in the optional notes.
Ice, damage and liability
This clause is written in plain terms on purpose. It says that ice can form after you leave, that you don't promise a surface free of snow or ice, and that the client looks after the property between visits. It also says you're responsible for your own carelessness, and that damage must be reported within the time you set.
A clause that tries to excuse you from everything is more likely to be challenged, and it reads badly to a new client. No clause replaces insurance. Ask an insurance broker what coverage fits your work, and ask a lawyer to review the clause if you clear commercial lots or other high-traffic sites.
Payment and cancellation
Set the due dates, the e-Transfer email, an optional late charge, the notice period and the charge for ending early. For a seasonal contract, the template also commits you to refund the unused part of the season if you're the one who ends it.
How to use the contract with a new client
- Walk the property before the snow arrives. Note the areas, obstacles and where the snow will go.
- Send a snow removal quote first if the client is still comparing prices.
- Fill in this contract, then send the PDF for signature or print two copies.
- Take photos of the property before the season, so you can tell old damage from new.
- Bill on the terms in the contract. The free invoice generator makes a PDF invoice in a minute.
Questions
What should a snow removal contract include?
The two parties, the property address, the season dates, the pricing model and rates, the trigger depth, the areas covered, salt and sand, markers, access, payment terms, cancellation, a plain liability clause for ice and property damage, and both signatures.
What is a good trigger depth?
There is no single standard. Pick a depth you can serve profitably and that suits the client, and write it down. Many operators choose a few centimetres, and commercial sites often want a lower trigger than homes.
What is the difference between per visit and per push?
Per visit is one charge for each trip to the property. Per push is one charge each time you clear it, so a long storm can mean several charges. The template defines whichever one you choose.
Does this contract protect me from slip-and-fall claims?
A contract can set out who is responsible for what, but it cannot remove every risk, and it does not replace insurance. How a court reads a clause depends on your province and the facts. Have a lawyer review the wording, and talk to an insurance broker, especially for commercial sites.
Can a client sign electronically?
In most everyday service work, yes. Many operators email the PDF and ask the client to sign it with an e-signature app, or to sign a printed copy and send back a photo. The last clause of this template says those copies count as originals. Check the rules for your province if the contract is unusual or the amount is large.
Should I use this for commercial snow plowing?
You can start with it, since it has parking lots, salt and insurance options. Commercial clients often add their own terms on response time, site logs and insurance, so have a lawyer review the final version.
Is this snow removal contract template free?
Yes. Fill it in, preview it on the page, then download the PDF or print it. You do not need an account, and your draft is saved in this browser only.