Renfrew County receives between 250 and 350 cm of snow per year — one of the highest accumulations in Eastern Ontario. That reality shapes how local contractors price their work. Here is what homeowners across Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, Petawawa, Deep River, Barry's Bay, and surrounding townships can expect to pay in 2026.
Seasonal Contracts (October through April)
Seasonal contracts cover the full winter from first snowfall through spring melt, typically October 1 to April 30. You pay one flat rate regardless of how many storms hit — which is why they tend to offer better value in heavy-snow years like most Renfrew County winters.
- Small residential driveway (single-car width, under 50 ft): $500–$900/season
- Medium driveway (double-wide or 50–100 ft): $800–$1,200/season
- Large or complex driveway (long lane, circular, or difficult access): $1,000–$1,500+/season
Most seasonal contracts include a set number of plowing visits triggered by a defined snowfall threshold (usually 5–8 cm). Some contracts cap total visits and charge per-visit for overages; read the fine print carefully.
Per-Visit (Storm-by-Storm) Pricing
Per-visit pricing makes sense if you travel frequently, spend winters away, or want flexibility. The tradeoff: in a year with 25+ significant storms, you will almost certainly pay more than a seasonal contract would have cost.
- Average residential driveway, under 5 cm accumulation: $50–$75/visit
- Average driveway, 5–15 cm: $75–$110/visit
- Large driveway or heavy snowfall over 15 cm: $110–$150+/visit
Some contractors add a surcharge for wet, heavy snow or snow that has been left to harden before plowing — another reason prompt service windows matter.
Salting and Sanding Add-Ons
Bare pavement after plowing often requires a salting or sanding application to prevent ice formation, particularly on sloped driveways or steps. Many contractors offer this as an add-on to the base plowing contract:
- Sand/salt application, residential driveway: $20–$50 per application
- Pre-treatment (applied before a storm): $25–$60 per application
If your driveway drains toward a waterway or you have environmental concerns, ask your contractor about calcium chloride alternatives to road salt — these can be less damaging to vegetation and concrete, though typically cost more.
Roof Snow Removal
Roof snow removal is a specialized service and a legitimate safety concern — heavy snow accumulation can stress roof structures, and wet spring snow is particularly heavy. This work carries real fall risk and should only be handled by contractors with the right equipment and insurance.
- Average single-storey home: $300–$500 per visit
- Average 1.5–2 storey home: $500–$800 per visit
- Complex rooflines or steep pitch: $800+
Many residential snow plowing contractors do not offer roof removal. It often requires a separate specialized contractor with appropriate fall-arrest equipment.
Factors That Affect Your Quote
- Driveway length and width — the primary driver of base price
- Access difficulty — tight turns, low-hanging trees, or narrow gates that require smaller equipment
- Salting and sanding inclusions — whether they are bundled or billed separately
- Service window guarantee — contractors who commit to clearing within 8 hours of a storm's end typically charge more than those with a 24-hour window
- Trigger depth — contracts that trigger at 3–4 cm provide more visits and higher costs than those triggering at 8–10 cm
- Location within the county — contractors based in Pembroke may charge travel premiums for properties near Bancroft or Barry's Bay
Why Seasonal Contracts Usually Win in Renfrew County
At 250–350 cm of snowfall per season and typically 20–35 significant storm events per winter, most Renfrew County homeowners find seasonal contracts significantly more cost-effective than per-visit pricing. Break-even on a $1,000 seasonal contract against $80/visit per-visit pricing is around 12–13 visits — something most local driveways hit by mid-January in an average year.
The other advantage: good seasonal contractors fill their routes early. Waiting until November to look for snow removal often means the best local operators are fully booked. Start looking in September.