NEED HELP DURING A STORM?
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NEED HELP DURING A STORM? Click here! 🚨
SNOw removal resource hub
Proudly serving Kanata and Stittsville for 20 years, Capital Services is your trusted local expert for all things snow removal. This new Resource Hub is designed to help you stay informed and make the most of your winter season. Whether you're curious about our how are services work, need help with our online tools, or want tips on preparing your driveway, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make the winter season easier and more enjoyable for you and your family. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Be sure to check back often as we continue to add more resources throughout the season!
FAQS
PREPARING FOR SNOW EVENTS
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Preparing your driveway for snow removal ensures efficient service and helps avoid obstacles during snow clearing. Here’s a checklist to get your driveway winter-ready:
Check Your Water Valve Cap: Ensure the water valve cap is level with your driveway. If it sticks up, gently tap it down or contact the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 to have it fixed before snowfall. This prevents damage to your driveway and our equipment.
Remove Downspout Extensions: Take down any downspout extensions near or on the driveway, especially if they run through the middle of a shared driveway. This clears the path and allows us to work safely and efficiently.
Clear Movable Items: Remove any items from your driveway and surrounding areas, such as extension cords, garden hoses, toys, lawn furniture, or anything else that might obstruct our snow-clearing or the areas where we need to blow snow. Make sure there’s at least 12 feet of clearance beneath any basketball nets or overhanging hoops. If this isn’t feasible, please remove the hoop and net before the first snowfall. This ensures the safety of your belongings and helps prevent potential damage to both our equipment and your property.
Mark Permanent or Immovable Objects: Use a 4-foot reflective marker to clearly mark stationary obstacles like garden beds, retaining walls, or steps. These markers help our team safely navigate around obstacles, especially in low visibility conditions.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim back any branches that hang over your driveway. A minimum clearance of 12 feet is needed to allow our tractors to clear the snow without obstruction.
Complete the Driver Note Form for Special Requests: If you have any specific snow-clearing preferences—such as where you’d like your snow piles placed—please fill out the Driver Note Form. We’ll do our best to accommodate your requests.
These simple steps will help ensure smooth and uninterrupted service throughout the winter season. Your preparation supports the safety of both your property and our team’s equipment.
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Parking bans are enforced during major snow events to ensure roads remain clear and accessible for snow-clearing operations. If you're unable to move your vehicle due to a parking ban or other reasons, Day After Service is available complimentary for Standard and Supreme clients. To request this service, submit a request through the Day After Service form in our Online Support Centre within 24 hours of the initial snow event. This ensures your driveway will be re-cleared once the parking ban is lifted, or you’ve had the chance to move your vehicle.
If additional clearing is required outside of the available timeslots, we can accommodate the request, but additional costs may apply.
How to ensure efficient snow removal during parking bans:
Park in your garage (if possible) to allow for easier access to the driveway.
Use the preferred driveway parking outlined in the Pro Tips we sent out: position two cars side-by-side at the top of the driveway or park one car behind the other on the side where we DO NOT blow snow. Please note, we cannot blow snow over parked vehicles, but our drivers will clear areas behind or beside vehicles when it is safe to do so.
Stay informed of parking bans: We make it easy to track parking bans through several resources:
Capital Snow Alerts: Receive parking ban notifications directly to your phone or email as part of our regular storm updates.
City of Ottawa: Sign up for parking ban Email Alerts.
Follow @ottawacity on X or Facebook for updates on snow clearing operations and parking bans.
Even when no parking ban is in place, please respect local by-laws, signage and temporary parking restrictions, as these can change during a storm.
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Our team constantly monitors weather conditions to ensure timely service. We dispatch our tractors for all snow events of 5cm or more across all tiers. If snowfall accumulates between 2.5-4.9cm from December 1 to April 1, our Supreme clients will receive a single daytime pass.
To keep you informed, we send Capital Snow Alerts via email and/or SMS, providing detailed updates on our Action Plan and any service changes. This ensures you’re prepared for each snow event. You can also track your tractor’s progress in real time with our Live GPS Map available in the Online Support Centre. For updates during active storms, we recommend subscribing to the alerts to receive detailed action plans and service updates right to your phone or inbox.
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We recommend shoveling a small pad on your lawn to place your bins, keeping your driveway clear for snow removal. If the bins must go at the end of the driveway, align them neatly on the side where snow is NOT blown.
Please note that our drivers cannot move bins and will clear around them if possible. To ensure the entire area is cleared, promptly bring your bins back in after collection.
If the bins obstructed the area during our final pass, Standard and Supreme clients can request a re-clear through Day After Service by submitting a form in our Online Support Centre within 24 hours.
HOW OUR SERVICES WORK
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For the 2024-2025 season, we’ve introduced three tiers of snow removal to better meet your needs:
Snowbird Tier
This is our budget-friendly option, ideal for those who travel during the winter months or don’t require frequent service. It includes a single pass at the very end of the storm, after city plows have cleared your street and our Standard & Supreme clients have had their final pass.Standard Tier
Our reliable, comprehensive service that has been trusted for over 20 years. It includes clearing for all snow events of 5cm or more, ensuring your driveway is kept accessible throughout significant snowfalls.Supreme Tier
Designed for clients who want extra attention during the winter, this premium service includes everything in the Standard tier, plus additional daytime clearings for lighter snowfalls of 2.5-5cm, running from December 1 to April 1. This tier offers enhanced convenience, particularly during Ottawa’s busiest snow months.
Upgrading Your Service
If your needs change during the season, you can upgrade to a higher service tier at any time for an additional charge. Let us know, and we’ll adjust your plan to make sure you’re covered. -
Our snow removal services cover the full clearing of your driveway for all tiers, ensuring your driveway remains accessible after every snow event of 5 cm or more, from November 1 to April 1. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what we offer:
Full Driveway Clearing: All snow events with an accumulation of 5 cm or more will trigger a clearing for your driveway. We ensure that your driveway is completely cleared, so you can safely navigate it after every snow event.
Daytime Clearings for Light Snowfall (Supreme Only): From December 1 to April 1, Supreme clients receive a single daytime clearing for snowfalls of 2.5 to 4.9 cm.
Multiple Passes During Prolonged Storms (Standard and Supreme): During longer snowstorms that accumulate significant snowfall, we conduct multiple passes to keep your driveway clear and accessible throughout the storm. This applies to Standard and Supreme clients.
Final Cleanup After City Plows: Once the City of Ottawa has cleared your street, we ensure that your driveway is cleaned of any snow that may have accumulated after their plows pass. This applies to all service tiers, but Snowbird clients are only cleared once at the very end of the storm.
Complimentary Day After Service (Standard and Supreme): If you're unable to move your vehicle due to parking bans or other reasons, we offer a complimentary Day After Service for Standard and Supreme clients. This service ensures that your driveway will be re-cleared once the parking restrictions are lifted or when you’ve had a chance to move your vehicle.
Additional Tools & Features:
24/7 Support: We’re available at any time during storms to help answer your questions or provide updates on your snow clearing.
Capital App: You can track your snow clearing progress and request services through the Capital Snow app.
Live GPS Map: You can see real-time updates on where our team is and when your driveway will be cleared.
Capital Snow Alerts: Receive timely notifications via email and/or SMS to stay updated on your snow clearing, including any changes to the service plan or delays.
Additional Services (Available for an Extra Fee):
Walkway Shoveling: If you need your walkway or pathways shoveled in addition to your driveway clearing, we offer this service at an extra charge.
Eco-Friendly Ice Melt Delivery: We also provide eco-friendly ice melt delivered right to your door, so you can keep your surfaces safe during freezing conditions.
These services and tools ensure that you have a seamless experience when it comes to snow removal, giving you peace of mind that your driveway is cleared and safe to use.
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We closely monitor weather conditions to provide timely snow removal, but the exact timing of your clearing will depend on several factors:
Timing, Intensity, and Duration: Each snowstorm is different, so we consider how long it will last, how much snow is expected, and the rate at which it falls. These factors all play a role in determining when our team will be dispatched.
Coordination with City of Ottawa Plowing Schedule: We align our snow-clearing operations with the City of Ottawa’s plowing schedule to optimize efficiency and avoid overworking our drivers. If heavy snow (10cm+) is expected overnight, we typically dispatch our tractors in the early hours of the morning to complete the first pass by around 7-8 AM, coinciding with the City plows beginning their routes.
First Pass Timing: Our goal is to complete the first pass within 4-5 hours of the scheduled dispatch time. In extreme weather conditions, such as blizzards, this may take a little longer.
For Snowfalls Less Than 10 cm: For smaller snow events, we generally wait for the snow to stop before dispatching our tractors. We typically do not clear overnight for snowfalls of 10 cm or less.
Real-Time Tracking: We’ll send you an ETA for your snow removal in our Capital Snow Alerts, and you can track our progress using our Live GPS Map.
No Exact Timings: While we strive to clear driveways promptly, we cannot guarantee an exact time for the first pass due to the unpredictable nature of each storm.
In all cases, our goal is to provide you with timely service while considering safety and efficiency. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated along the way with live tracking and regular communication.
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If your car is parked on the driveway during a snow event, we will clear the accessible areas around the vehicle. However, areas blocked by the car will remain uncleared until the vehicle is moved. To optimize snow removal and minimize obstructions, we recommend following these Pro Tips for driveway parking:
Two-Car Driveways: Park vehicles side-by-side at the top of the driveway to leave the rest of the space clear for our equipment.
Single-Car Parking: If you need to park one car behind the other, position the vehicles on the side of the driveway where we do not blow snow.
Please note, our drivers cannot blow snow over parked vehicles for safety reasons, but they will clear areas directly behind or beside vehicles when safe and possible.
If you're unable to move your vehicle during a snowstorm (due to a parking ban or other reasons), Day After Service is available at no extra cost for Standard and Supreme tier clients.
GET SUPPORT DURING A SNOW EVENT
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For the quickest resolution of any storm-related issues, we recommend using the Online Dispatch tool in our Online Support Centre. This allows our team to assess and address your concern efficiently. If you're unable to use the online tools, you can reach us at dispatch@capitalservices.ca for support. While we prioritize online tools for faster service, our dispatch team is still available 24/7 during a snow event for any urgent storm-related inquiries. In case of emergencies during a snowstorm, please call us directly at 613-599-4392.
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Yes, you can always contact the office during a storm! We are fully staffed 24/7 during snow events. For quick resolutions, we recommend using our Online Dispatch and other Online Support Tools. However, if you prefer speaking with a live person and you're not as comfortable with online tools, you can reach us directly at 613-599-4392.
To keep our lines open for emergencies, we ask that you use the phone for urgent matters only. Our phone system will automatically start with a storm-related message that outlines the action plan, including dispatch times, parking ban updates, and other key information. This should address most of your concerns. If you remain on the line, you will be placed in a queue to speak with a live agent. You can also leave a message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
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If you’re facing an emergency, contact our office directly at 613-599-4392. We are fully staffed 24/7 during active snow events and can promptly dispatch a driver to assist.
Examples of a true emergency include:
An ambulance or emergency vehicle needing access to your home.
Urgent care for a medical condition requiring immediate transportation.
Examples of non-emergencies:
Needing to leave for work, the airport or a personal appointment.
We prioritize health and safety emergencies to ensure our resources are available for those in critical need.
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To stay in the loop, subscribe to our Capital Snow Alerts (via email and/or SMS) for real-time updates and our detailed Action Plan. You can also track the progress of our team live on our GPS Map, available in the Online Support Centre and our Capital Snow app.
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Day After Service is automatically included for Standard and Supreme tier clients located on main roads or those with sidewalks intersecting their driveway. Our team begins re-clearing these homes the morning after each 5cm+ snowstorm, as the City of Ottawa often performs a final cleanup of main roads and sidewalks overnight.
If you are unable to move vehicles due to parking bans or need additional clearing for other reasons, Day After Service is available complimentary for Standard and Supreme clients. You can request a timeslot via the Day After Service form in our Online Support Centre. We offer 1-2 timeslots per snow event, and requests must be made within 24 hours of our dispatch time.If you require an additional clearing outside of the available timeslots, you can still make the request, but please note that additional charges may apply.
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If the snow clearing was not done close enough to the pickets (within 6-8 inches), several factors could be at play. Pickets are placed about 6 inches onto your lawn, allowing the snow to be cleared from the full width of your driveway. However, there are factors that may prevent our drivers from getting that close to the pickets:
Obstructions: Items on or along your driveway or parked cars can prevent our equipment from getting close to the pickets.
Overhanging Tree Branches: Branches hanging too low can make it difficult for our snow removal equipment to reach the edge of your driveway.
Snowbank Build-Up: As snow accumulates over the course of the season, snowbanks get higher and narrow the available space for clearing. Without enough lawn space, the snow must be displaced vertically, which can narrow your driveway.
Extended Driveways: If you have expanded your driveway and no longer have sufficient space on your lawn for the snow, we will need to use your driveway extension to place the snow. Your snow must remain on your property, and if there is no room on the lawn, we will have to use the driveway extension.
If you need us to clear a wider area than just your driveway (for example, to make it easier for you to get in/out of your vehicles or back out of your driveway), please request that your pickets be moved further into your lawn before the first snowfall.
Opening Pass Approach
During prolonged, heavy snowfalls, we may do an opening pass, where we clear just the width of a car (single driveway) or 2 cars (double driveway) instead of going all the way to the pickets initially. This approach helps ensure everyone can safely circulate in and out of their driveways as quickly as possible. We will return to clear the full width, picket to picket, on subsequent passes.
Reporting Service Issues
If your driveway was not cleared close enough to the pickets or if you notice any other issues with your service, please report it immediately using our Online Dispatch Tool. Reporting during the storm allows us to resolve the issue promptly. If you report it after your final pass has been completed, you will need to book Day After Servicefor further clearing. If the issue is reported more than 24 hours after the storm, we will address it during the next snow event or, if needed, additional charges may apply.
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If property damage occurs, please report it as soon as possible using our Damage Report form, available in our Online Support Centre. Our team will investigate the issue to confirm if the damage was caused by our equipment. If we are found responsible, we will take the necessary steps to address the situation.
Most repairs, such as those to lawns or hardscaping, are completed during the spring and summer months, when conditions allow for proper restoration.
As a licensed snow contractor under the City of Ottawa, we are required to maintain a minimum insurance policy of $2 million, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind for our clients.
For further details about how we handle repairs and coverage limitations, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
EXPLORE OUR SNOW REMOVAL RESOURCES
Check out our great resources about snow removal services in Kanata South and Stittsville. Whether it’s understanding our service tiers, how to use our online tools, or tips for preparing your driveway for winter, we’ve got all the answers you need! You can browse them all below, or use the search bar to find exactly what you're looking for.
*Use keywords like “Supreme”, “Live GPS”, “Dispatch”, “Capital Snow Alerts” or “Parking Ban” to find answers quickly.
GETTING SUPPORT DURING A STORM
Capital Services offers a suite of online tools to make your winter easier, including 24/7 dispatch support, real-time GPS tracking, and Day After Service for follow-up snow clearings. Our Online Support Centre is the quickest way to contact us during snow events. You can also manage your account, access service logs, and even give shout-outs to team members who go above and beyond. Stay informed and enjoy a worry-free winter!
NEED ASSISTANCE?
If this is an emergency, please call the office at 613-599-4392. For general inquiries, you can reach us at info@capitalservices.ca. However, for the fastest and most efficient handling of storm-related inquiries, we recommend using our Online Support Centre. In our Online Support Centre, you can:
Submit a Service Ticket for inquiries or service requests
Book a Day After Service timeslot for post-storm touch-ups
Track Your Tractor and monitor your snow removal progress
Access many other helpful tools and resources to assist with your snow removal needs.