Nov 6, 2026
Ontario snow removal companies are adding fuel surcharges and adjusting seasonal prices as higher diesel costs put pressure on operating expenses. For homeowners, that could mean paying more to keep driveways and properties clear this winter.
According to CBC News, one of Ottawa’s largest residential contractors, Kodiak Snow Removal, is adding a $2 surcharge per snowfall. Its seasonal customers typically pay around $550, meaning the additional charge could add approximately $48 over 24 snow events. Worry Free Snowblowing, meanwhile, is adding $30 per customer this season.
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“Fuel costs are up compared to last winter,” Joe Salemi, executive director of Landscape Ontario, told Money.ca. “Fuel is one of the largest variable costs (next to salt) in snow and ice management, since plow trucks, loaders and haulers run all on diesel and spend long hours idling and operating during storms.”
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Why snow removal costs are increasing
Higher diesel prices are adding to existing expenses for insurance, salt, equipment, parts and labour. For smaller operators, absorbing those increases can be particularly difficult.
“A fixed-price seasonal contract moves the risk of fuel-pricing swings onto the contractor, and a heavy winter on top of higher diesel prices can squeeze margins quickly,” Salemi explained.
Larger firms can spread that risk across more contracts, while smaller businesses often have less room to absorb unexpected costs.
Many contractors will try to absorb the increases to maintain relationships with long-term clients rather than reopen existing agreements. But, as Salemi cautions, “the added pressure can’t be sustained for very long.”
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Could snow removal costs keep rising into 2027?
The diesel supply crunch may not be short-lived. Colin Mang, an assistant professor at McMaster University, told CBC that Middle Eastern refineries were “only operating at about 75 per cent of their pre-war capacity.”
Mang attributed the disruption to damage caused by the ongoing conflict in the region. He described the refinery capacity problem as a “prolonged problem” that could last well into 2027.
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For contractors, continued fuel volatility makes seasonal pricing difficult to plan. Winter weather is another major unknown, and fuel prices and snowfall are both beyond contractors’ control.
What homeowners should check before signing a snow removal contract
The terms of your agreement can determine whether higher fuel costs lead to additional charges. Check whether the contract is fixed-price or charged per push, whether it includes a fuel clause or snowfall cap, and what notice is required before changes can be made.
If you’re comparing quotes, ask how fuel adjustments work and whether there are limits on the number of snowfalls covered. For an existing seasonal agreement, review the terms before assuming a surcharge applies.
Price isn’t the only consideration. Landscape Ontario also recommends choosing contractors with a reliable history of work.
“The cheapest quote isn’t always the most reliable one. Look for a contractor with proper insurance and a track record. We’d also encourage choosing contractors who are trained and certified in best practices, which protects both your property and the environment,” said Salemi.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and U.S. brands.
