In Ontario, snow does not arrive gently. It piles up overnight, blocks driveways before work, and turns sidewalks into ice before breakfast.
One missed clearing and snow hardens fast, becoming heavy, slippery, and exhausting to remove. For many homeowners, winter mornings start with stress, not coffee.
Speed matters because time works against you. Snow that sits gets compacted by footsteps and freezing temperatures.
What could have taken ten minutes early can turn into an hour of backbreaking work later. And when snow removal falls behind, safety risks grow.
Slips happen. Cars get stuck. Bylaw deadlines creep closer.
Most homeowners are not trying to cut corners. They are trying to keep up while juggling work, family, and unpredictable storms.
The real question is not whether snow can be removed, but how to remove it fast enough to stay ahead of the weather.
In this guide, you will learn the fastest ways to remove snow in Ontario, Canada, which tools save the most time, and when professional help makes the most sense for Ontario homes.
Why Speed Matters When Removing Snow in Canadian Winters
In Canada, snow does not stay light for long.
Once it hits the ground, it starts changing (often within 2 to 4 hours).
Foot traffic compresses it.
Temperatures drop. And soft snow turns into heavy, ice-packed layers that are much harder and slower to remove.
Speed protects safety first. Fresh snow is easier to clear and less slippery (best cleared within the first few hours of snowfall).
PS: Delayed removal increases fall risks for families, seniors, and visitors.
It also makes driveways uneven and walkways dangerous, especially during Ontario’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
Speed also protects your time and energy.
Clearing early reduces physical strain and lowers injury risk. It keeps snow from bonding to pavement (before overnight refreezing) and prevents thick ice buildup that later requires chipping.
There is also a legal side.
Many Ontario cities require sidewalks to be cleared within 12 to 24 hours after snowfall ends. Acting fast helps you stay compliant and avoid fines while keeping your property safe and accessible.
[Read: What Happens If You Don’t Remove Snow From A Driveway In Canada In Winter?]
Top 9 Fastest Snow Removal Methods in Canada
Not all snow removal methods save time. Some actually slow you down once snow gets heavy or compacted.
From our experience helping homeowners remove snow in Ontario, here are the fastest options, ranked by how quickly they clear snow in real Canadian winter conditions.
1. Professional Snow Removal Services
This is the fastest option overall. Truck-mounted plows and commercial blowers clear large driveways and sidewalks in minutes. Automatic contracts mean snow is often removed before you even step outside.
2. Two-Stage and Three-Stage Snow Blowers
For homeowners, these are the fastest DIY tools. They handle deep, wet, and packed snow efficiently and throw it far, which reduces repeat passes and saves time during heavy storms.
3. Powered Snow Shovels
Ideal for steps, decks, and narrow walkways. They clear faster than manual shovels without heavy lifting, especially during lighter snowfall or frequent touch-ups.
4. Leaf Blowers
Only effective for very light, dry snow. They work best early, before snow compacts or melts, and should never be relied on during major storms.
5. Manual Shoveling
The slowest method. Best limited to small areas or emergency use, as it becomes time-consuming and physically demanding once snow builds up.
Advanced and Preventative Snow Removal Methods That Save Time
The fastest snow removal often happens before the snow even lands.
Homeowners who plan ahead spend less time clearing and avoid heavy, compacted buildup that slows everything down.
- Anti-icing and brining before snowfall
Applying liquid brine or de-icer ahead of a storm prevents snow from bonding to pavement. When the storm ends, snow lifts off easily instead of sticking and freezing into ice.
- Heated driveway and walkway systems
Radiant heating systems melt snow as it falls. They require no shoveling or plowing and eliminate ice buildup entirely. While an investment, they offer the ultimate time-saving solution.
- The tarp method for walkways and patios
Placing a heavy-duty tarp over paths before snowfall allows you to drag snow away in minutes once the storm passes. This works best for flat, predictable areas.
- Clearing in layers during long storms
Removing snow every few hours keeps it light and manageable. This prevents dense ice-pack that takes far longer to break later.
These preventative methods turn snow removal from a chore into a quick task.
Fast Shovelling Techniques That Actually Save Time
When shovelling is unavoidable, following a few smart steps can save time and protect your body.
1. Clear snow early and often
Remove snow before it gets packed down. Fresh snow is lighter and moves faster with less effort.
2. Push instead of lifting
Use wide, sleigh-style shovels to push snow to the edges. Lifting slows you down and increases injury risk.
3. Keep the shovel blade slick
Apply non-stick cooking spray to the blade. This prevents wet snow from sticking and dragging each pass.
4. Work in straight, planned paths
Shovel in clean lines from one side to the other. Avoid random movement that wastes time and energy.
5. Take short, steady breaks
Brief pauses help maintain speed and prevent fatigue during longer clearing sessions. Even with good technique, shovelling remains time-consuming.
For many homeowners, faster results come from mechanical tools or professional snow removal services like Custodia.
Snow Removal Laws and Regulations Homeowners Must Know in Canada (2025)
Snow removal is not just about convenience. It is also a legal responsibility.
In many Canadian cities, homeowners must clear sidewalks within 12 to 24 hours after snowfall ends, depending on local bylaws.
In Ontario cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Ottawa, failure to comply can lead to fines and liability issues.
It is also illegal to push snow from private property onto public roads or sidewalks.
Doing so can block drainage, create traffic hazards, and result in penalties.
Delays increase risk.
If someone slips on uncleared snow or ice, homeowners may be held responsible.
With all of these in mind, staying ahead of snow is not optional. It protects safety, avoids fines, and reduces legal exposure during winter storms.
Conclusion
In Canada, the fastest way to remove snow is not about working harder. It is about acting early, using the right tools, and staying ahead of each storm.
When snow is cleared on time, it stays lighter, safer, and easier to manage. When it is delayed, it turns into ice, creates hazards, and steals hours of your time.
For many homeowners, keeping up every snowfall is exhausting.
Storms come overnight. Work and family take priority. And winter does not slow down. This is where planning makes the difference.
With Custodia’s Home Management Plans, snow removal is handled for you.
We clear snow promptly, manage ice risks, and keep your property safe all winter.
Our plans also bundle year-round home services, so nothing is missed when seasons change.
If you want peace of mind this winter, book a consultation online or call 1-833-410-4357.
Let us take snow off your to-do list.
