The 254 cm snowfall limit (100 inches) is a standard benchmark in many Ottawa commercial snow removal agreements. It means that the base contract price includes snow clearing services for up to 254 cm of accumulated snowfall per season. If the total snowfall exceeds that, the contract shifts into additional billing—typically per centimeter or a percentage of the total contract value per cm.
This limit ensures cost predictability for clients while also protecting contractors from unusually snowy seasons.
Why 254 cm? A Data-Driven Threshold
Ottawa’s historical average snowfall ranges from 200 to 250 cm per season. Setting the cap at 254 cm ensures most winters fall within the base service range, giving both sides clarity and budget confidence.
By basing this threshold on long-term weather data, contractors can price services fairly while keeping clients covered for a “typical Ottawa winter.”
What Happens If the Limit Is Exceeded?
If snowfall exceeds 254 cm:
- Contractors may charge a per cm overage rate (e.g., $45–$60/cm)
- The contract may switch to a pay-per-service model
- Optional add-ons or revised service agreements can kick in
This structure ensures services remain uninterrupted even during record snowfall years—like we saw in 2018/19, 2022/23 and 2024/25.
How much snow is expected this coming winter? Read our blog on that!
How RFPs Define These Limits
Property managers usually outline this seasonal cap in their Request for Proposal (RFP) documents. The snowfall cap, along with the, response time expectations, and reporting requirements, form part of a well-structured snow removal RFP.
Learn more in our blog:
How Ottawa Property Managers Structure RFPs for Snow Removal
This approach ensures that the bidding process is fair and transparent.
Insurance: Another Key in Snow Contracts
Just like snowfall caps, insurance coverage has limits too and are critical to Ottawa snow removal contracts. Contractors are often required to carry:
- At least $2 million in general liability coverage
- Many top-tier providers (like us) carry up to $5 million or liability insurance
To learn why this matters and how it protects both property managers and contractors, check out our blog:
Understanding Insurance Requirements for Ottawa Snow Removal Contracts
Why have a limit?
Should I ask my contractor for an ‘unlimited snowfall’ commitment?
This is a key decision when creating your RFP Scope of Work. A snow fall limit helps to spread the risk between you and the contractor and it is in the best interest for you to include one in your RFP. This is because when the contractor has to price in the chance of over 300cm of snow it will greatly increase the contract price quoted. Any Eastern Ontario property manager knows that a limit will help reduce the overall cost of the contract.
Beyond the Snowfall Cap: Other Common Limits
Response Time Limits
Typically, contractors are expected to clear snow within hours of the snow storm beginning. Most RFPs state that after 5 cm of snowfall the contractor is to be on site to remove snow. High-priority properties (e.g., Hospitals, Operations Yards, Commercial Warehouse Facilities) may require faster turnaround.
Service Logs and Proof of Service
Good contractors use GPS tracking and service logs to prove compliance and ensure full transparency—especially when additional charges come into play after the 254 cm mark.
Plowing Frequency Limits
Many RFPs will have a snowfall service limit where it outlines when to respond and after how many centimetres of snow has fallen. The most common expectation for when plowing operations should begin is after 5cm of snow has fallen. This is good for most commercial buildings. However, properties that are essential, operation facilities require plowing to begin after 2cm of snow to ensure that roadways and parking lots are kept clear. Ottawa Hospitals, warehouses and critical operation centres need this increased attention due to the critical work they are preforming.
Learn more in our blog:
How Property Managers Structure RFPs for Snow Removal
Why This Matters for Property Managers
Understanding the 254 cm cap allows property managers and commercial landlords to:
- Accurately budget for winter maintenance
- Reduce contract disputes with clear limits
- Build more effective RFPs for snow clearing in Ottawa
- Ensure coverage from a legal and insurance standpoint
How much snow will Ottawa get in 2025?
Final Thoughts
The 254 cm snowfall limit is a critical part of creating fair, manageable, and predictable snow removal contracts in Ottawa. It ties into how property managers structure their winter maintenance programs to ensure they get the most value while keeping their property snow free.
At VS Landscape Group, we work with commercial clients across Ottawa, Cornwall, Brockville and Prescott to deliver trusted, transparent, and professional snow plowing, salting, and ice control services—always with your safety and bottom line in mind.
Need a customized snow removal quote?
Reach out to our team today to see how we can keep your property clear, safe, and operational all winter long.
Time to get started!
Once your questions are answered and your priorities are clear, it’s time to get the ball rolling. Partnering with a reliable commercial grounds maintenance company like VS Landscape Group ensures your property is cared for with professionalism, transparency, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re preparing for winter, planning seasonal upgrades, or just looking for dependable year-round service—we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about your site, your needs, and how we can build a customized maintenance plan that works. Contact us today to get started!
