What Is Windrow Snow Removal? Your Complete Winnipeg Guide
The city plow clears your street but leaves a massive pile blocking your driveway. This frustrating snow barrier is called a windrow, and understanding what is windrow snow removal saves time, money, and backaches. For Winnipeg property owners, these snow piles create daily challenges from November through April.
Bulger Brothers Landscape helps Winnipeg property owners tackle windrow challenges efficiently, keeping properties accessible throughout Manitoba's demanding winters.
Key Takeaways
Windrows are piles of snow deposited at driveway entrances when municipal plows clear roads
Property owners are responsible for clearing most windrows themselves or hiring professional services
Winnipeg removes windrows over 8 inches (20 cm) from front street driveways when operationally possible
Windrows from back lanes and sidewalks are never removed by the city—always owner responsibility
Professional services cost $25-$75 per hour for residential properties
Proper clearing prevents vehicle damage, maintains access, and reduces liability
Overview
This guide explains what is windrow snow removal and who's responsible under Winnipeg's policies. You'll learn costs, service options, and how to handle these winter obstacles safely.
We'll explore residential versus commercial removal, explain when the city handles removal versus property owner responsibility, and address common questions. Whether you're a frustrated homeowner or business owner, this guide provides practical solutions.
What Is Windrow Snow Removal?
Windrow snow removal clears snow piles created when municipal plows push snow off roadways. These piles accumulate at driveway ends, property entrances, and along curbs—blocking vehicle and pedestrian access.
As plows clear roads by pushing snow to the sides, that snow collects at driveway entrances. Winnipeg's climate creates particularly challenging conditions. With average winter lows below -20°C, snow doesn't melt between storms—windrows accumulate and compact into dense, heavy barriers.
Front Street Windrows: Created when street plows clear roads. Only type the city potentially removes (if over 8 inches).
Back Lane Windrows: Result from back lane plowing. According to Winnipeg's Snow Clearing Policy, never removed by the city.
Sidewalk Windrows: Small ridges where sidewalk plows meet driveways. Property owners always clear these.
Commercial Loading Zone Windrows: The city never removes windrows from loading zones serving commercial, industrial, or apartment buildings.
Winnipeg's Windrow Snow Removal Policy
The city removes windrows over 8 inches (20 cm) high from front street driveway approaches whenever operationally possible, ideally during the same shift as street plowing. During emergency conditions requiring maximum coverage in minimum time, windrow clearing may be delayed.
The city also removes windrows from Priority 1 streets fronting commercial areas with on-street parking where windrows create significant barriers, Transit Plus loading zones, and bridges/underpasses with insufficient storage capacity.
Property owners must clear:
All back lane windrows from plowing operations
All sidewalk windrows from sidewalk clearing
Windrows at private approaches and commercial loading zones
Any windrow under 8 inches high from front street plowing
Winnipeg provides limited assistance to residents who sign an annual declaration stating they're physically incapable of shoveling (medical certificate required, no able-bodied residents in home, financial hardship documented). Properties with front driveways don't qualify.
Why Windrow Snow Removal Matters
Uncleared windrows trap vehicles, preventing emergency access. Residents attempting to drive through tall windrows risk vehicle damage—undercarriage scrapes, broken bumpers, damaged exhaust systems costing hundreds to repair.
OSHA emphasizes employers must clear walking surfaces of snow and ice quickly after storms. Commercial properties with uncleared windrows face slip-and-fall liability. Heavy, compacted windrows damage landscaping when improperly pushed aside, and attempting to drive through them damages vehicles.
Professional windrow snow removal services understand proper snow placement, protecting your landscape investment while maintaining access.
Professional Windrow Snow Removal Services
Professional services charge $25-$75 per hour for residential windrow clearing. Many snow removal contractors include windrow clearing in comprehensive driveway services. Seasonal contracts ($400-$600) provide the best value, covering all snow events throughout winter. Commercial services cost $50-$150 per hour.
Bulger Brothers Landscape provides commercial clients with priority response times, clearing windrows before business hours. Professional services use specialized equipment—small loaders and compact snow blowers that efficiently move heavy, compacted snow while understanding proper snow placement.
DIY Windrow Snow Removal Challenges
Property owners tackling windrows face significant physical demands. Windrows consist of compacted snow weighing 15-20 pounds per cubic foot versus 5-7 pounds for fresh powder. A typical residential windrow contains several hundred pounds.
Shoveling creates serious injury risk—back strains, shoulder injuries, cardiovascular stress. Property owners over 45 or with health conditions should strongly consider professional services. Many residential snow blowers lack power for dense windrow material. Proper technique—breaking windrows into smaller sections—prevents equipment damage and injury.
Clearing immediately after city plows prevents snow from freezing solid. However, most plowing happens overnight when immediate clearing isn't practical—an advantage of professional services responding automatically.
Cost Comparison and Winter Service Integration
Professional Services: Hourly $25-$75 residential, $50-$150 commercial. Seasonal contracts $400-$600 full winter coverage. Per-occurrence $30-$50.
DIY Costs: Equipment $300-$2,000. Maintenance/fuel $100-$300 annually. Injury risk: ER visits $500-$5,000. Time investment 30-60 minutes per clearing.
Professional services provide better value when accounting for time, physical strain, equipment costs, and injury risks.
Bulger Brothers Landscape provides integrated winter services: driveway clearing, windrow removal, sidewalk clearing, ice management, and snow hauling. Bundling services reduces overall costs. Securing services before snowfall guarantees availability.
Spring cleanup services address remaining snow piles, ice damage, and salt accumulation, preparing landscapes for the growing season.
Common Mistakes and Best Practices
Avoid These Errors:
Pushing Snow onto Roads: Dangerous and illegal. Always push windrow snow onto your property.
Ignoring Proper Placement: Don't pile snow against buildings or landscaping.
Waiting for Warmer Weather: Manitoba winters rarely provide thaws. Additional snow events compound problems.
Using Inappropriate Equipment: Plastic shovels break. Underpowered blowers jam.
Neglecting Ice Management: Apply salt, sand, or calcium chloride to cleared surfaces.
Blocking Infrastructure: Don't block fire hydrants or mailboxes.
Maximize Your Investment:
Book early for best rates. Bundle with lawn maintenance for savings. Prepare properties by marking edges. Maintain clear communication. Implementing sustainable winter maintenance reduces environmental impact.
Need reliable windrow snow removal in Winnipeg? Bulger Brothers Landscape at 7 Leeward Pl, Winnipeg, MB R3X 1M6 provides comprehensive winter maintenance including professional windrow clearing. Our experienced crews understand Winnipeg's unique winter challenges and respond quickly after city plowing operations—keeping your property accessible and safe all winter long. Call (204) 782-0313 to discuss your windrow snow removal needs and secure seasonal service before winter arrives.
Conclusion
Understanding what is windrow snow removal empowers Winnipeg property owners to manage these winter challenges effectively. Windrows—piles of compacted snow deposited at property entrances by municipal plows—require removal for safe, practical access.
While Winnipeg removes windrows over 8 inches from front street driveways when possible, most property owners must clear windrows themselves or hire professional services. Back lane windrows, sidewalk windrows, and commercial loading zones always remain owner responsibility.
Professional windrow snow removal services provide efficient, cost-effective solutions. When comparing DIY against professional services, factor equipment costs, time investment, physical strain, and injury risks. Seasonal contracts typically offer the best value with predictable budgets and guaranteed service.
Proper windrow removal protects vehicles, maintains emergency access, and demonstrates responsible property stewardship. Strategic placement, prompt clearing, and integration with comprehensive winter maintenance maximize your investment.
Don't let windrows trap you this winter. Bulger Brothers Landscape delivers professional windrow snow removal throughout Winnipeg, responding quickly after municipal operations. Our specialized equipment and experienced crews efficiently clear windrows while protecting your property. Contact us at (204) 782-0313 to secure seasonal service that keeps you moving all winter long.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is a windrow in snow removal?
A: A windrow is the pile of snow left at driveway entrances when municipal plows clear streets. The plow blade pushes snow from roads toward curbs, depositing it across driveways. In Winnipeg, windrows consist of compacted snow that's denser and heavier than regular accumulation, requiring proper equipment or professional assistance for removal.
Q: Who is responsible for clearing windrows in Winnipeg?
A: Property owners clear most windrows themselves or hire professionals. The City removes windrows over 8 inches (20 cm) from front street driveways when operationally possible. Windrows from back lanes, sidewalks, and commercial loading zones are never removed by the city—always the property owner's responsibility. Residential windrows under 8 inches also remain owner responsibility.
Q: How much does professional windrow snow removal cost?
A: Professional services cost $25-$75 per hour for residential properties, $50-$150 per hour for commercial. Seasonal contracts ($400-$600) provide the best value, covering all snow events throughout winter. Per-occurrence charges range $30-$50 per visit. Most contractors include windrow clearing as part of comprehensive driveway clearing services.
Q: When does Winnipeg clear windrows?
A: The city clears windrows over 8 inches from front street driveways in conjunction with street plowing operations, ideally the same shift. During emergency conditions, windrow clearing may be delayed until adequate resources are available. Property owners should wait until the scheduled clearing shift ends before reporting uncleared windrows to 311. Vehicles must be moved at least 3 meters from windrows to allow equipment access.
Q: Can I push windrow snow back onto the street?
A: No, returning snow to streets creates hazards and undermines municipal operations. Plows already cleared those areas—reintroducing snow blocks traffic. Always push windrow snow onto your property, distributing where it won't block sight lines, create drainage problems, or damage landscaping.
Q: How quickly should I clear windrows?
A: Clear windrows as soon as possible after city plowing to prevent freezing into solid ice. Winnipeg's temperatures below -20°C quickly transform windrows into extremely difficult barriers. However, most plowing happens overnight when immediate clearing isn't practical—a significant advantage of professional services that monitor operations and respond automatically.
Q: What equipment do I need for DIY windrow removal?
A: Effective DIY removal requires robust equipment because windrows are heavily compacted. Commercial-grade shovels with metal edges handle dense material better than plastic. Snow blowers need at least 200cc engines. Many residential-grade equipment struggles with compacted material, leading to frequent jams. Professional services use specialized compact loaders and commercial snow blowers designed for dense snow.
Q: What happens if I don't clear windrows blocking my driveway?
A: Uncleared windrows trap vehicles, prevent emergency access, and create safety hazards. If you need to leave but can't get through, you'll require expensive towing or damage your vehicle attempting to drive through. Accumulated windrows from multiple snow events become progressively larger and more difficult to remove. While Winnipeg doesn't fine property owners for uncleared windrows under 8 inches, practical consequences—inaccessibility, vehicle damage, safety risks—make prompt clearing essential.
