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June 3, 2026

Perennial Plants That Thrive in Ontario’s Climate

Jenna Design, General, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Outdoor Living commercial landscape design, garden planning Ontario, hardy perennials, low-maintenance landscaping, native Ontario plants, Ontario landscaping, perennial plants Ontario, pollinator-friendly gardens, Seasonal Landscape Maintenance, sustainable landscaping

Ontario weather can be tough on landscaping. Between cold winters, hot summers, and changing conditions, many plants struggle to survive. That is why perennial plants are a great choice for both residential and commercial properties.

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Perennial plants return every year, making them a low-maintenance and cost-effective landscaping option. Once established, they require less watering, less replanting, and less upkeep.

Some popular perennial plants that grow well in Ontario include:

Hostas
Daylilies
Coneflowers
Black-eyed Susans
Hydrangeas
Peonies

Perennial Plants That Thrive in Ontario’s Climate2

These plants provide long-lasting colour while standing up to Ontario’s climate.

Plan for Seasonal Colour

One of the biggest benefits of perennial plants is their different bloom times. Mixing varieties can keep your property looking attractive from spring through fall.

For example:

Peonies bloom in spring
Coneflowers bloom in summer
Sedum adds colour in fall

This helps residential gardens and commercial landscapes stay vibrant throughout the season.

Simple Design Ideas

Perennial plants work well in many landscape designs:

Use taller plants behind shorter flowers for depth
Add greenery to soften commercial entrances
Group plants with similar watering needs together
Add mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture

For commercial properties, well-maintained perennial garden beds can improve curb appeal and create a more welcoming environment for employees, tenants, and visitors.

Perennial Plants That Thrive in Ontario’s Climate3

Professional Grounds Maintenance Services

Healthy perennial plants still require seasonal care to look their best. Our team provides professional commercial grounds maintenance and landscaping services for office buildings, retail properties, condominiums, and residential communities across Ontario.

Contact us today to learn how we can help create and maintain beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive year after year.

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May 22, 2026

Fertilizing Programs by Season: Spring to Fall

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, General, Landscaping, Outdoor Living fall lawn care, lawn fertilization, lawn nutrient management, lawn treatment programs, professional lawn care services, residential landscaping, seasonal lawn care, spring fertilizing, summer lawn maintenance, turf health

A healthy lawn doesn’t happen from a single application or quick treatment. In the Greater Toronto Area, changing weather conditions, temperature swings, and heavy foot traffic all affect how grass grows throughout the year. That’s why effective fertilization programs are built around the seasons—not just a one-time service.

For both residential and commercial properties, the right fertilization schedule helps lawns stay greener, thicker, and more resilient from spring through fall.

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Spring: Recovery and Early Growth

After a long Ontario winter, lawns are usually compacted, stressed, and lacking nutrients. Early spring fertilization programs are designed to wake the lawn back up and encourage healthy root development after snow melt and colder temperatures.

This is also when weeds begin competing for space and nutrients. A proper spring application helps strengthen the turf before weed growth becomes aggressive. For commercial properties especially, this first stage sets the tone for curb appeal heading into the busy spring and summer months.

Fertilizing Programs by Season Spring to Fall2

Early Summer: Maintaining Strength

As temperatures rise, lawns begin dealing with heat stress, heavier use, and inconsistent rainfall. Fertilization programs during early summer focus on maintaining steady growth without overstimulating the lawn during hotter weather.

This stage is important for keeping turf healthy and evenly coloured while helping it resist thinning or dry patches. Commercial sites with constant pedestrian traffic or residential lawns used heavily during the summer benefit from consistent nutrient support during this period.

By late summer, many lawns across the GTA begin showing signs of stress from heat, drought conditions, or wear and tear. This is often when thinning areas, discoloration, and compacted soil become more noticeable.

Late-season fertilization applications help the lawn recover and rebuild strength before fall. Combined with watering and proper mowing practices, this step can make a significant difference in how turf performs heading into cooler weather.

Fertilizing Programs by Season Spring to Fall1

Fall: Preparing for Winter

Fall is one of the most important stages in any fertilization program. Cooler temperatures allow grass to focus more energy on root growth rather than top growth, making it the ideal time to strengthen the lawn before winter arrives.

A fall fertilizer application helps store nutrients for the colder months ahead and supports a healthier green-up the following spring. Skipping this stage often leaves lawns weaker and slower to recover once winter ends.

Why Consistency Matters

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is treating lawn care as a reactive service instead of a seasonal program. Effective fertilization programs work because they follow the natural growth cycle of the turf throughout the year.

Whether it’s a residential property, retail plaza, office building, or condominium site, a planned approach produces stronger, healthier, and more consistent results over time.

Looking to improve the health and appearance of your commercial property this season? Speak with an MPS Account Manager today to build a customized fertilization program for your commercial property in the Greater Toronto Area.

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May 7, 2026

Power Sweeping for Parking Lots: A Maintenance Must

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, General, Landscaping, Outdoor Living Commercial Grounds Services, commercial landscaping services, Commercial Property Maintenance, Curb Appeal Enhancement, Parking Lot Cleaning, Parking Lot Maintenance, Pavement Maintenance, Power Sweeping, Preventative Property Maintenance, Property Management Solutions

It’s easy to overlook what’s building up in your parking lot – until it becomes impossible to ignore. For commercial properties, power sweeping isn’t just about appearance. It’s a practical part of keeping your site safe, clean, and well-maintained year-round.

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A lot of that buildup starts in the winter. Snow plowing does what it’s supposed to do – clear access and keep your property operational – but it also pushes sand, salt, gravel, and debris to the edges of the lot. Over time, that material piles up along curbs, in corners, and across driving lanes. Garbage and loose materials tend to get caught in these same areas too, adding to the mess. Once the snow melts, all of it is left behind.

And despite what it might look like after a rainstorm, your parking lot won’t clean itself. Water can move some surface dirt around, but it won’t remove the heavier debris or fine dust that settles into cracks and low spots. Left alone, that buildup can lead to clogged drains, surface wear, and a generally neglected appearance.

That’s where regular power sweeping comes in. A professional power sweeping service removes not just visible debris, but also the finer material that contributes to long-term damage. It’s one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your asphalt and maintain a cleaner, more professional-looking property.

Timing is another factor to consider. Most commercial power sweeping is done at night or during off-hours. This allows crews to work efficiently without disrupting traffic, tenants, or customers. It also means a more thorough job, since fewer vehicles are in the way.

For property managers, power sweeping is one of those services that quietly makes a big difference. It keeps your site looking maintained, prevents avoidable issues, and shows attention to detail – without getting in anyone’s way.

Looking to get your lot cleaned up for the season? Contact us today for a power sweeping quote tailored to your property – no obligation, just a clear plan to get your site back in shape.

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April 23, 2026

What to Include in Your Annual Commercial Grounds Maintenance Plan

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, Commercial News, General, Landscaping commercial grounds maintenance, Commercial Landscaping, Commercial Lawn Care, Commercial Property Upkeep, Grounds Maintenance Services, Landscape Maintenance Checklist, Property Maintenance Planning, Property Management Services, Seasonal Landscape Maintenance, snow and ice management

When it comes to commercial properties, one of the biggest frustrations isn’t the work itself – it’s unclear expectations. What’s actually included in a grounds maintenance contract? What gets billed extra? And how often should things really be done? Without a clear understanding upfront, it’s easy for gaps in service and surprise costs.

That’s why building a detailed annual grounds maintenance plan – and knowing exactly what your contract covers – is so important from the start. But not all grounds maintenance plans are created equal. Knowing what’s typically included – and what isn’t- can save you a lot of confusion when reviewing contracts.

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Start with Seasonal Planning

A good plan should reflect the reality of the seasons. In places like Ontario, that means a spring cleanup, weekly summer lawn care, and a fall cleanup. Winter snow removal services are typically on their own contract. Laying this out in advance keeps services consistent and makes budgeting easier across the year.

What’s Usually Included in a Basic Grounds Maintenance Contract

Most standard grounds maintenance contracts focus on routine, predictable services. These are the tasks that keep your property presentable week to week:

Grass cutting on a weekly schedule
Garden weeding, cultivating and edging on a weekly schedule
Shrub and hedge trimming (typically 2x per season)
Spring and fall cleanups, like leaf removal and debris clearing

These services form the backbone of commercial grounds maintenance. They’re designed to maintain appearance and prevent obvious neglect, but they don’t usually go much deeper than that.

Services Often Considered “Extra”

This is where many property managers get caught off guard. Not everything falls under standard grounds maintenance, and certain services are typically priced separately:

Fertilizing
Litter pickup
Mulching and garden bed detailing
Flower planting or seasonal colour installations
Irrigation system repairs or upgrades
Tree work beyond light pruning (like removals or large-scale trimming)
Pest management programs
Sod installation or lawn restoration
Snow removal and ice management (often a separate winter contract)

These extras aren’t uncommon – they’re just more specialized or less predictable, so they’re usually quoted as needed rather than bundled into a base agreement.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between included services and add-ons helps you compare quotes more accurately. One contractor might seem cheaper upfront but exclude key services you’ll end up paying for later. Another might bundle more into their grounds maintenance package, offering better long-term value.

It also helps you plan ahead. If you know you’ll want seasonal flowers or irrigation upgrades, it’s easier to budget for those early instead of being surprised mid-season.

Don’t Overlook Site Evaluations and Communication

A strong grounds maintenance plan should also include regular site evaluations and clear communication. Even basic contracts should involve some level of oversight – whether that’s a site supervisor visit or periodic reporting. This is often what separates a reactive service from a proactive one.

The Bottom Line

Grounds maintenance is more than just mowing grass – it’s about maintaining the overall image and functionality of your property. A clear, detailed annual plan ensures you know exactly what you’re getting, what you’re not, and how to keep everything running smoothly.

When expectations are defined upfront, you avoid surprises – and your property stays looking the way it should.

Take the guesswork out of your grounds maintenance. Get in touch with us today for a detailed summer or snow management quote built around your property’s needs.

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March 18, 2026

Why Condo Property Maintenance Requires a Specialized Approach

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, General, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Snow & Ice Management condo curb appeal, condo grounds maintenance, condo landscaping services, condo maintenance services, condo property maintenance, property maintenance for condos, property management for condo communities, snow and ice management for condominiums, winter maintenance for condos, year-round condo maintenance

Maintaining a condominium property isn’t the same as maintaining a residential home or a standard commercial property. Condo communities have unique needs, shared spaces, and a large number of residents using the property every day. Because of this, property maintenance requires a specialized approach—both in the summer and winter months.

If you’ve ever lived in or managed a condo, you know one thing for sure: when something isn’t maintained properly, everyone notices.

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More people, more responsibility

A residential property might serve one family, while a commercial property may have employees and customers during business hours. Condos are different. Many have hundreds of residents living there full-time, plus guests, delivery drivers, and service providers coming and going throughout the day.

Unlike many commercial properties that slow down after business hours, condos are active 24/7. Residents leave early for work, return late, and walk pets throughout the day and night. This means walkways, entrances, parking areas, and shared spaces need to stay safe and accessible at all times.

Maintenance in a residential setting

Condo maintenance also takes place in a residential environment, where people are living on site. This means factors like noise and work timing matter. Early morning equipment, leaf blowers, or snow removal operations can affect residents, so work often needs to be planned carefully.

This is different from many industrial or commercial sites where noise and timing are less of a concern.

Decision-making involves multiple people

Another difference with condos is how decisions are made. Maintenance plans often require agreement from several stakeholders, including the property manager, condo board, and sometimes unit owners.

Because residents pay monthly maintenance fees, many feel personally invested in how the property is maintained. This means expectations can be high, and clear communication is essential.

Shared spaces and curb appeal

Condo properties often include landscaped common areas such as gardens, pathways, patios, and seating areas. These spaces represent the entire community, so they must stay clean and well-maintained.

Condos typically place a stronger emphasis on curb appeal than many commercial properties because landscaping and overall appearance can directly affect property value and rental demand.

Properties may also have many walkways connecting buildings, parking areas, and amenities, which require consistent upkeep.

And then there’s one challenge nearly every condo faces—dogs. With many pets on site, pet waste and dog urine can damage turf and landscaping. Dog urine can burn grass and plants, which means lawns often need more frequent care and repairs.

Winter maintenance challenges

Winter maintenance can also be more complicated at condos. Snow must be cleared from parking lots, sidewalks, entrances, and garage ramps—often throughout the day and night.

Unlike commercial properties that may slow down overnight, condos require constant attention because residents are always coming and going.

There’s also the question of where to put the snow. Limited space can make snow storage a challenge during larger storms.

Higher liability risks

With so many residents and visitors on site, liability risks tend to be higher at condos due to the constant foot traffic. Proper snow and ice control, well-maintained walkways, and safe outdoor spaces are critical to reducing slip-and-fall risks.

The takeaway

Condo communities are unique. With shared spaces, high foot traffic, multiple decision-makers, and 24/7 activity, they require a specialized property maintenance approach beyond standard residential or commercial services.

The right maintenance plan keeps residents safe, protects property value, and ensures the community always looks its best.

Looking for reliable condo property maintenance?
Contact our team today to learn how our year-round services can keep your condo community safe, clean, and well-maintained in every season. 🌿❄️

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March 5, 2026

Spring Cleanups for Commercial Properties: A Timeline

Jenna General, Leaf Raking, Outdoor Living, Winter Trees commercial landscaping services, commercial property curb appeal, commercial spring cleanup, GTA property maintenance, landscape enhancement services, lawn and garden preparation, parking lot sweeping, property maintenance timeline, spring landscape cleanup, winter damage cleanup

Winter can be tough on commercial properties in the GTA. Snow piles, road salt, debris, and harsh weather often leave landscapes looking rough by the time spring arrives. A proper spring cleanup helps restore your property after winter and prepares it for the busy months ahead.

If you’ve ever walked around your property in early spring and thought, “Where did all this mess come from?”—you’re not alone.

The good news is that with the right spring cleanup timeline, commercial properties can quickly go from winter-worn to fresh and welcoming.

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Early Spring (Late March – Early April): First Inspection

As the snow melts, the first step is a full property inspection. This is when maintenance teams check lawns, gardens, walkways, and parking areas for winter damage.

Common issues include:

Salt damage on grass and plants
Broken branches or fallen limbs
Debris hidden under melting snow
Damage to curbs, turf, or garden beds from snow equipment

This early inspection helps prioritize work and prevent small problems from getting worse.

Mid Spring (Early – Mid April): Cleanup Begins

Once the ground starts to dry out, the real spring cleanup work begins.

This phase usually includes:

Removing branches, litter, and winter debris
Clearing leftover sand and salt from parking lots and sidewalks
Raking lawns to remove thatch and dead grass
Cleaning out garden beds

Commercial properties often collect a surprising amount of debris over winter. A thorough cleanup instantly improves the appearance of the property.

Mid Spring (Mid – Late April): Lawn and Garden Preparation

After the property is cleaned up, the focus shifts to preparing the landscape for growth.

Typical tasks include:

Edging garden beds
Light pruning of shrubs
Preparing garden beds for planting
Checking for lawn damage caused by winter conditions

At this stage, property managers often decide which additional improvements they want completed for the season.

Late Spring (Late April – May): Final Touches

By late spring, most landscapes are ready for finishing touches.

This phase may include:

Installing seasonal flowers
Turf repairs or sodding
Irrigation system checks
Beginning regular mowing schedules

At this point, the property should look refreshed, clean, and welcoming for tenants, employees, and visitors.

Understanding what is included

It’s important to note that not all spring cleanup services are included in standard maintenance contracts. Depending on the agreement you have with your service provider, some tasks may be considered additional services.

Work such as repairing winter damage, turf repairs, overseeding, planting flowers, installing fresh mulch, parking lot sweeping, or asphalt repairs are often categorized as enhancement or softscaping projects. These improvements help restore or upgrade the property, but they may come at an additional cost outside of regular maintenance.

Your maintenance provider should communicate clearly about what is included in your contract and what falls under enhancement services.

Why timing matters

Spring in the GTA can be unpredictable. One week feels like winter, the next feels like summer. That’s why a structured timeline helps ensure work happens at the right time without damaging wet lawns or rushing important tasks.

A well-planned spring cleanup also sets the tone for the entire landscaping season.

The takeaway

Commercial spring cleanups aren’t just about appearance—they help properties recover from winter damage, protect landscaping, and create a welcoming environment for tenants and customers.

With the right timeline and a clear understanding of your maintenance contract, your property can transition smoothly from winter to spring.

Ready to refresh your property this spring?

Contact our team today to schedule your commercial spring cleanup or discuss enhancement options that will help your property look its best this season.

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February 23, 2026

Cold-Weather Tree Care Tips for the Greater Toronto Area

Jenna General, Outdoor Living, Snow & Ice Management, Winter Trees cold weather tree care tips, frost crack tree protection, Greater Toronto Area tree maintenance, GTA arborist tree care advice, mulch for tree root insulation, preventing sunscald on trees, snow and ice tree damage prevention, tree wrapping for winter, winter tree care GTA, winter tree pruning tips

Winter in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can be rough on trees. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and dry air can all stress even healthy trees. The good news? A few simple tree care steps can prevent damage and save you money in spring.

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Why winter tree care matters

Trees don’t stop needing care just because they lose their leaves. Cold weather can dry them out, crack bark, snap branches, and weaken roots. Proper tree care helps trees survive winter and bounce back strong when warmer weather returns.

Wrapping and insulation

Young trees and thin-barked species are especially vulnerable to temperature swings. Wrapping tree trunks with breathable tree wrap helps prevent frost cracks and sunscald. Sunscald happens when winter sun warms the bark during the day and temperatures drop quickly at night, causing the bark to split.

Mulch is another easy win. A 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps insulate roots and keep soil temperatures more stable. Just keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk—trees don’t like “mulch volcanoes.”

Snow and ice protection

Snow might look pretty, but it can be heavy. Gently brush snow off branches after a storm, especially on evergreens. Use a broom and brush upward—never yank branches down. Ice is trickier. Don’t try to chip it off; you can do more harm than good. Let ice melt naturally.

Remember the viral videos from the major ice storm in the southern USA in January 2026, where people thought trees were exploding?

They weren’t actually exploding—but rapid temperature changes caused frozen sap and internal pressure to crack the wood loudly. It sounded like fireworks and scared a lot of people (and dogs). While we don’t see that extreme often in the GTA, ice storms here can still cause serious limb failure if trees aren’t healthy.

Pruning (what not to do)

Avoid heavy pruning in winter unless it’s for safety or removing dead branches. Broken or hanging limbs should always be dealt with, but major shaping is best left for the right season and done by professionals.

The takeaway

Good winter tree care doesn’t have to be complicated. Wrapping, insulation, and snow protection all help trees survive harsh GTA winters. A little effort now can prevent broken branches, tree loss, and expensive removals later.

Your trees will thank you in spring!

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February 11, 2026

Commercial Snow Removal: 24/7 Emergency Response Plans

Jenna Commercial News, General, Snow & Ice Management 24/7 snow removal service, commercial de-icing services, commercial snow removal, emergency snow response plan, parking lot snow plowing, sidewalk snow clearing, slip and fall prevention, snow and ice management, winter property maintenance, winter risk management

When a winter storm hits, commercial properties don’t get a “snow day.” Employees still need to get to work, customers still show up, and safety is always on the line. That’s why a solid 24/7 emergency response plan for commercial snow removal isn’t a luxury – it’s a must.

If you’ve ever looked out the window at 3 a.m. during a snowstorm and wondered, “Is anyone actually dealing with this?” – this blog is for you.

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Why emergency response matters

Snow and ice create real risks. Slips and falls, blocked entrances, delivery delays, and even emergency vehicle access can all become problems fast. A strong snow removal plan focuses on speed, consistency, and communication so issues are handled before they turn into complaints – or liability claims.

Good commercial snow removal isn’t reactive. It’s planned.

Clear response timelines

Response time is everything. A 24/7 emergency plan outlines exactly when crews are dispatched, not just after snow stops, but during the storm if needed.

For example:

Light snow may trigger plowing after accumulation reaches a set depth
Heavy or continuous snowfall may require multiple visits
Ice events often trigger immediate salting or sanding

Knowing these timelines ahead of time means there’s no confusion during a storm. Everyone knows what to expect, and properties stay safe and accessible.

Weather monitoring around the clock

Reliable snow removal starts with weather monitoring. Professional crews track forecasts, radar, temperature changes, and freezing rain risks in real time. This allows them to plan equipment, staffing, and materials before conditions get dangerous.

Weather in the GTA can change fast. A forecast calling for “a few flurries” can turn into a full-on mess by morning. Continuous monitoring allows crews to adjust quickly instead of scrambling at the last minute.

Think of it like checking the weather app obsessively before a big event – except it’s someone’s full-time job.

Crew readiness and equipment

A response plan is only as good as the people behind it. Crew readiness means trained staff, on-call schedules, and backup operators in case of illness or equipment issues.

Equipment readiness matters just as much. Plows, loaders, sidewalk machines, and salt spreaders are inspected and ready before storms hit. Nothing slows down snow removal like a truck that won’t start at 2 a.m. (Winter has a sense of humour, but it’s not a nice one.)

Communication is key

Emergency response plans also include clear communication. Property managers know who to contact, how updates are shared, and what happens if conditions change. No guessing, no chasing emails during a storm.

The takeaway

Commercial snow removal works best when there’s a clear, 24/7 emergency response plan in place. Defined response timelines, constant weather monitoring, and prepared crews keep properties safe, accessible, and compliant—no matter what winter throws at them.

Want peace of mind this winter?

Contact us today to learn how our commercial snow removal services and emergency response plans can keep your property protected around the clock. Snow never sleeps—but neither do we.

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January 21, 2026

Ontario’s Road Salt Shortage: What’s Going on and What It Means for Snow Services

Jenna General, Snow & Ice Management commercial snow removal, de-icing salt supply, ice management services, Ontario road salt shortage, parking lot de-icing, road salt shortage Ontario, salt alternatives sand ice melt, snow plowing services, snow removal Ontario, winter maintenance contractors

As winter grips Ontario with heavy snow and ice, a new challenge is emerging for the snow-clearing world: a shortage of road salt. For the second winter in a row, private snow removal contractors across the province are struggling to secure enough salt to keep drives, parking lots, and walkways safe. (CityNews Toronto)

Unlike municipalities, which often have long-term contracts and priority access to salt supplies, many private contractors are being squeezed out of the supply chain entirely. Suppliers have begun rationing salt early in the season, and deliveries to non-municipal buyers have slowed or stopped, forcing some businesses to hunt for alternative sources — sometimes from out of province — at rising prices. (CityNews Toronto) Additionally, many municipalities are salting at 25% to extend supplies.

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Why the shortage?

Industry insiders point to a mix of high demand from earlier and frequent snowfalls, depleted inventories from last winter, and production planning that didn’t anticipate this season’s severity. Salt supply chains are also under pressure due to limited storage at mines and logistical challenges. (CityNews Toronto) As a result, wholesale prices have climbed sharply, with some contractors reporting salt costs nearly triple what they were last season. (CityNews Toronto)

What this means for snow services:

Higher costs and tighter supplies — Smaller snow-clearing companies may need to raise prices or limit services due to the increased cost of de-icing materials and difficulty securing them. (CityNews Toronto)
Operational changes — Some contractors are rethinking how they manage snow and ice, placing greater emphasis on strategic plowing before salting, and using alternatives like sand or ice melt where possible. (landscapeontario.com)
Customer expectations vs. reality — Property owners accustomed to aggressive salting may need to adjust expectations this winter, as contractors balance safety with limited resources. (landscapeontario.com)
Municipal priority — Cities and towns are maintaining their supplies to ensure public roads stay safe, but this practice can leave private lots and services at the back of the line when inventory is tight. (CityNews Toronto)

This shortage highlights how crucial planning and resource management are to winter operations across Ontario. For homeowners and businesses alike, the key may be smarter salt use, better snow removal planning, and consideration of alternatives — not just more salt. (landscapeontario.com)

At MPS, we stockpile large quantities of salt before the start of the winter season, as well as purchasing quantities as they become available. We feel comfortable that we have enough salt get to the end of the season. Unfortunately, we will not be able to take on new customers this season as we need to protect our current customers. However, when considering a PROFESSIONAL Snow and Ice Management service for next season, think MPS!

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Other Salt Shortage News:

Canada “Chill, Snow, Repeat” winter outlook map

January 8, 2026

GTA Winter So Far: A Very Early Season & Relentless Snow

Jenna General, Snow & Ice Management early winter Ontario, Greater Toronto Area snow, GTA winter weather, January snow GTA, La Niña winter Canada, lake-effect snow Ontario, polar vortex Canada, southern Ontario winter forecast, Toronto snowfall 2025, winter weather trends Toronto

If you were expecting winter to show up around mid-December and then slowly build up, this season is giving us a plot twist. The 2025–26 winter in the Greater Toronto Area has been anything but ordinary.

First of all, things kicked off way ahead of schedule. We saw our first significant snowfall of 5+ cm on November 9, 2025 — the earliest November accumulation we’ve had in decades. Historically, the first 5 cm doesn’t happen until around December 12, so for it to hit in early November is definitely notable.

From late November into early December, lake-effect snow squalls and Arctic blasts continued to bring bursts of snow and blustery winds across southern Ontario.

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December’s Snow Patterns

December didn’t mellow things out, with repeated rounds of snow, flurries, and wintry mixes throughout the month.

While totals didn’t smash all records, local weather trackers and community data show near-persistent snowfall through December, leading many residents to feel like we were digging out week after week.

January — Cold, Snowy, and Icy Commutes

The first week of January continued the trend with more snow, occasional squalls, and freezing rain that made some GTA commutes downright messy — including ice build-ups that caused power outages in parts of Markham and surrounding areas.

Long-range forecasts are predicting periods of colder-than-average temperatures through January and ongoing snowfall through the month, so it looks like winter isn’t going anywhere yet.

So… How Unusual Is This?

Compared to recent “normal” winters in the GTA:

We saw significant snow much earlier than average — early November instead of mid- to late-December.
Rather than a slow buildup, we’ve had consistent snow band activity and lake-effect patterns that rarely took a break.
And while final totals are still being tallied, snowfall through December and January has been well above what meteorologists expect for these months.

So Why Is It Like This?

A few large-scale atmospheric players have been in the mix:

La Niña influences — these kinds of ocean-atmosphere patterns tend to favour more active winter weather across much of Canada and the northern U.S.
Polar vortex shifts and cold intrusions — weaker or wobbly polar vortex patterns can push Arctic air farther south and earlier in the season, fuelling winter storms and cold snaps.

Put together, these factors make for a winter that feels bigger than usual — earlier starts, freezing rain, and more frequent snow bands, including those “why is it still snowing?” stretches we’ve all been living through.

We’ll have to wait until this winter finishes out to see the final results of winter 2025–26 in the GTA.

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