Snap Shot: Your Winnipeg Snowstorm Preparation Checklist
Winnipeg snowstorms can leave driveways buried, entrances blocked, and walkways dangerously slippery. A little preparation can make clearing snow safer and easier.
- Before the storm: Check the forecast, prepare equipment, move vehicles, and stock winter supplies.
- During the storm: Clear manageable amounts of snow when conditions are safe. Prioritize entrances and walkways.
- After the storm: Remove driveway windrows, address ice, and check for drifting or damage.
- Need assistance? Professional snow removal can save time and reduce the physical demands of clearing heavy snow.
Contact us today while we still have spots available in our 2026/27 snow clearing schedule.
Call (204) 229-9789 to speak with one of our Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping Professionals.
This year, make snow clearing one less thing to worry about
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: Winnipeg Snow Removal: What to Do Before, During and After a Major Winter Storm
2. Before the Storm: Prepare Your Property
2.1 Check the forecast and parking restrictions
2.2 Prepare equipment and supplies
2.3 Move vehicles and protect your property
3. During the Storm: Clear Snow Safely
3.1 Clear in manageable stages
3.2 Prioritize access and personal safety
4. After the Storm: Windrows, Ice and Drifting
4.1 Clear driveway windrows
4.2 Prevent ice and inspect your property
5. When to Hire Professional Winnipeg Snow Removal
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Conclusion
1. Introduction: Winnipeg Snow Removal: What to Do Before, During and After a Major Winter Storm
Winnipeg snowstorm preparation starts before the first flakes fall. A major winter storm can bury driveways, block vehicles, and create slippery walkways that remain hazardous long after the snowfall ends.
Winnipeg winters bring heavy snowfall, blowing snow, drifting, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Even after you clear your driveway, strong winds can quickly cover it again. Road-clearing operations can also leave compacted snow ridges, known as windrows, across driveway entrances.
For homeowners, keeping up with snow can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Property managers face additional challenges, including maintaining access for residents, visitors, and delivery drivers.
Fortunately, planning ahead can make the work more manageable. This guide explains what to do before, during, and after a major storm, along with when professional snow removal may be the more convenient option.
Want to make winter easier? Contact Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping for a free, no-obligation snow removal estimate.
Contact us today while we still have spots available in our 2026/27 snow clearing schedule.
Call (204) 229-9789 to speak with one of our Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping Professionals.
This year, make snow clearing one less thing to worry about
Related Reading: Reliable Residential Ice & Snow Removal Services for Winnipeg Homeowners
2. Before the Storm: Prepare Your Property
A few simple steps before snowfall can save time and prevent avoidable problems when conditions worsen.
Check the Forecast and Parking Restrictions
Monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada’s forecasts and winter weather warnings.
Pay attention to wind as well as expected snowfall.
Blowing snow can create deep drifts, even when the total snowfall is relatively modest.
Before the storm:
- Identify the areas that need to remain accessible.
- Plan who will handle snow clearing and when.
- Allow extra travel time if you must go out.
- Check whether the City of Winnipeg has declared a residential parking ban.
- Move vehicles if required under the applicable parking restrictions.
Parking ban rules and timing can vary, so consult current City of Winnipeg announcements rather than relying on information from a previous storm.
Related Reading: A refresher on City of Winnipeg snow ordinances compliments of Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping: Winnipeg snow shovelling and snow removal Pros
Properties in River Heights, St. Vital and Charleswood experience the same general Winnipeg weather, but driveway length, surrounding trees, and exposure to wind can affect how much snow accumulates at an individual home. Plan according to your property’s layout.
Prepare Your Equipment and Supplies
Check your snowblower before the storm begins. Make sure it starts properly and that its controls and moving parts are in good condition. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and operating instructions.
Keep these essentials accessible:
- A sturdy shovel and snow pusher.
- A working snowblower, if you use one.
- Suitable ice melt or traction material.
- Warm gloves, boots, and layered clothing.
- A broom for light snow on appropriate surfaces.
If you use gasoline-powered equipment, handle and store fuel safely and never refuel a hot engine.
It is also worth preparing basic household supplies, including drinking water, groceries, batteries, and a charged phone. Severe weather can delay travel and deliveries.
Move Vehicles and Protect Your Property
Move vehicles away from the driveway and planned snow-storage areas.
Relocate garbage bins and secure lightweight outdoor items.
Mark driveway edges, garden beds, and other features that may disappear beneath the snow. Decide where snow can be piled without blocking walkways, doors, drainage routes, or visibility when backing out.
If you use a professional snow removal service, confirm the arrangements before the storm. Ask whether visits are automatic or must be requested, and clarify which areas are included.
3. During the Storm: Clear Snow Safely
Deciding when to clear snow is an important part of storm preparation. Waiting until the snowfall ends may leave you with a deep accumulation, while clearing too frequently can mean unnecessary exposure to harsh weather.
The right approach depends on snowfall intensity, temperature, wind, equipment, and your ability to work safely.
Clear Snow in Manageable Stages
When conditions permit, clearing snow in stages can make the final cleanup easier. If more snow is expected, consider removing an initial accumulation before returning after the heaviest snowfall passes.
Wet, compacted snow can be difficult to move, even at relatively shallow depths. Light snow may be easier to push but can drift back across cleared areas.
Follow these practical guidelines:
- Remove manageable amounts before they become deeply compacted.
- Work with the wind where practical.
- Pile snow where it is less likely to blow back across cleared areas.
- Take frequent breaks and avoid rushing.
- Stop if visibility or footing becomes unsafe.
If using a snowblower, keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never use your hands to clear a blocked discharge chute. Shut the machine down and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clearing blockages.
Prioritize Entrances and Walkways
You may not need to clear every part of your property during the heaviest snowfall.
Focus first on the areas needed for safe access:
- Main entrances and steps.
- Frequently used walkways.
- The driveway entrance and access to parked vehicles.
- Routes needed for essential deliveries or emergency access.
Property managers should communicate clearing arrangements to residents and ensure that pedestrian routes remain accessible where possible.
Avoid going outside during whiteout conditions or when visibility is too poor for safe equipment operation.
Snow shovelling is also strenuous physical work. Use a manageable pace, avoid lifting heavy loads, and take frequent breaks. Stop if you experience chest discomfort, dizziness, or unusual shortness of breath. Seek urgent medical assistance for possible emergency symptoms.
If you cannot safely keep up with the snowfall, professional assistance may be the better choice.
Related Reading: Pregnancy, Snow, and Safety: Why Doctors Recommend Putting Down Your Shovel
Need help with a major snowfall? Ask Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping about snow removal options for your property and request a free estimate.
Contact us today to reserve your spot for the 2026/2027 Snow Season.
Call (204) 229-9789 to speak with one of our Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping Professionals.
Plan ahead for a stress free Winnipeg winter
Related Reading: Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping: Winnipeg Snow Removal Experts - A Deep Dive into Winnipeg Snowfall and Major Snowfall Events
4. After the Storm: Windrows, Ice and Drifting
The end of the snowfall does not always mean the end of the work. Windrows, compacted snow, and icy surfaces can create additional problems.
Clear Driveway Windrows
A windrow is the ridge of snow left across a driveway entrance when road-clearing equipment passes. The snow may be compacted or heavier than the fresh snow on your driveway.
Related Reading: Who is responsible for windrows left from City of Winnipeg Snow Removal
After the storm:
- Check the full width of your driveway entrance.
- Remove manageable windrows before they freeze.
- Keep sidewalks and pedestrian routes clear.
- Avoid pushing snow into the street or onto neighbouring property.
- Ensure snow piles do not obstruct visibility when leaving your driveway.
Do not attempt to lift heavy, compacted snow if doing so would put you at risk. Use suitable equipment or arrange professional assistance.
Prevent Ice and Inspect Your Property
Melting snow can run across driveways and walkways, then freeze when temperatures fall. Pay particular attention to steps, shaded areas, downspouts, and low spots where water collects.
Remove loose snow before it becomes compacted. For existing ice, use a suitable ice melt or traction material according to the product instructions and temperature limitations.
Avoid excessive ice-melt application, particularly near lawns, plants, and sensitive surfaces. If water repeatedly freezes in the same place, investigate the drainage problem when conditions allow.
Finally, inspect your property for damaged driveway markers, blocked vents, obstructed utility equipment, and snow piled against doors or vulnerable structures.
Wind can also undo your work. Properties around Headingley and Oak Bluff may experience drifting where surrounding land is open and exposed, depending on wind direction and property layout. If snow repeatedly returns to the same area, consider changing where it is piled or arranging additional clearing.
Avoid climbing onto a roof to remove snow without appropriate training and equipment. Contact a qualified professional if you have concerns about heavy roof snow or ice dams.
Related Reading: Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Homes Foundation: Your Top 15 Questions
5. When to Hire Professional Winnipeg Snow Removal
Many homeowners manage ordinary snowfall themselves. However, professional Winnipeg snow removal can be worthwhile when storms become difficult to handle.
Consider hiring help if:
- Heavy snow or windrows exceed your ability to clear them safely.
- You have a long driveway or limited space for snow storage.
- Work or travel makes repeated clearing inconvenient.
- You are away from home during winter.
- Physical limitations make shovelling difficult.
- Strong winds repeatedly cover cleared areas.
Professional service can reduce the time and effort involved in maintaining access during winter. The convenience is especially valuable when several rounds of clearing are needed.
Before hiring a contractor, ask what services the price includes. Some companies charge per visit, while others offer seasonal arrangements or service based on specified snowfall amounts.
Clarify whether the service covers the driveway, steps, sidewalks, and windrows. Ask about additional visits, payment terms, and communication during severe weather. A clear agreement helps you compare providers fairly.
Why Consider Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping?
When you need snow clearing and snow removalservices in Winnipeg, here's why homeowners across the city trust Sunshine: we tailor every project to your specific property and your specific needs. We deliver:
- Reliable scheduling – We show up when promised.
- Fully trained and professional crews.
- Affordable, transparent pricing – No hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
- Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping has served Winnipeg since 1990. We understand that a short city driveway, a long suburban driveway, and a property exposed to drifting can require different approaches.
- Fully insured – Your peace of mind matters.
We treat every property like it’s our own – with care, attention to detail, and pride in the finished result.
✅ Click the links below for more information about Sunshine being recognized as Best in Winnipeg.
✅ Recognized as a "Best in Winnipeg" Landscaping contractor
✅ bestinwinnipeg.com/best-lawn-
Click here to visit Sunshine's homepage
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Sunshine does a great job. I highly recommend Sunshine!”
— Jason K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Sunshine Maintenance does a wonderful job on my property. It has never looked so great! Fair prices as well.”
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If you are considering professional help, explain your property’s layout and any recurring problems, such as heavy windrows or drifting. Request an estimate and confirm the services included before making a decision.
Contact Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping for a free, no-obligation snow removal estimate. Planning ahead can help you avoid scrambling for assistance after the next major snowfall.
Contact us today while we still have spots available in our 2026/27 snow clearing schedule.
Call (204) 229-9789 to speak with one of our Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping Professionals.
Let Sunshine do your heavy lifting this winter
Related Reading: What Should A Residential Snow Removal Service Include? A Winnipeg Homeowner's Guide
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much snow should fall before I clear my driveway?
A: There is no universal depth that applies to every driveway. Wet snow can become difficult to move quickly, while lighter snow may drift back in strong winds. If conditions are safe, clearing in manageable stages can reduce the amount you need to move at once.
Q: Should I apply ice melt before a snowstorm?
A: Pre-treatment may help in some conditions, but effectiveness depends on the product, temperature, and surface. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and temperature limits. In other situations, clearing the snow first and treating remaining ice afterward may be more effective.
Q: What should I do if a snowplow blocks my driveway entrance?
A: Assess the windrow’s size and weight before attempting to remove it. Clear manageable snow carefully without pushing it back onto the street. If it is too heavy to handle safely, consider suitable equipment or professional assistance. Consult City of Winnipeg information if you have concerns about municipal snow-clearing operations.
Q: Is seasonal snow removal better than paying per visit?
A: That depends on how often you need assistance. Per-visit service may suit homeowners who handle most snowfalls themselves. Seasonal arrangements may offer greater convenience for those who prefer a planned service throughout winter. Compare prices, included areas, service triggers, and extra-visit charges before deciding.
7. Conclusion: Make Your Next Winnipeg Snowstorm Easier
Good Winnipeg snowstorm preparation begins before the snow arrives. Prepare your equipment, move vehicles out of clearing routes, and plan how you will maintain safe access. During the storm, clear manageable amounts when conditions permit. Afterward, check for windrows, ice, and drifting.
You do not have to manage every storm alone. If heavy snow, limited time, or physical demands make clearing difficult, professional help can be a convenient alternative.
Contact Sunshine Maintenance & Landscaping for a free, no-pressure, no-obligation Winnipeg snow removal estimate.
Contact us today and let's discuss your snow removal needs.
Serving Winnipeg homeowners and property managers for 30+ years with straightforward advice and dependable sevice. Thats the Sunshine Way