winter property maintenance Archives

winter property maintenance

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.

Contact Us to Learn More

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.

Contact Us to See How We Can Help

MPS snow plow truck clearing snow from a commercial parking lot

November 18, 2025

Snow Plow vs Snow Blower: Which Is Right for You?

Jenna General, Snow & Ice Management, Winter Trees commercial snow removal GTA, MPS commercial snow services, parking lot snow clearing, sidewalk and walkway snow removal, snow blower safety and usage, snow plow vs snow blower, snow plows and loaders, winter property maintenance

When winter hits the Greater Toronto Area, snow removal becomes more than just a chore—it’s a necessity. Two of the most common tools people think of are snow plows and snow blowers. But which one is the right choice? The answer depends on the size of your property, the type of snow you’re dealing with, and how quickly you need the work done.

At MPS, we specialize in commercial snow removal only. We don’t service residential driveways, but we know many people wonder about the differences between these two methods. On our commercial properties, we actually use a mix of snow plows, front-end loaders with plow blades, and snow blowers to clear different areas efficiently. Here’s how each tool works and when it’s best used.

Contact Us to Learn More

Snow Plows

Snow plows are large blades mounted to the front of trucks, loaders, or utility vehicles. They push snow to the side, clearing wide areas quickly.

Best for:

Commercial parking lots
Long driveways or roadways
Heavy, repeated snowfalls

Pros:

Covers large areas fast
Handles deep, heavy snow well
Efficient for businesses with lots of traffic

Cons:

Needs a vehicle to operate
Not great for sidewalks or tight spaces

At MPS, we attach plow blades to both trucks and front-end loaders to clear large open areas like parking lots quickly after each snowfall.

Front end loader stacking large snow piles in a commercial parking lot in the GTA

Snow Blowers

A snow blower lifts and throws snow away from walkways, driveways, or tighter spaces. On commercial properties, we use powerful blowers to handle spots plows can’t easily reach.

Best for:

Sidewalks and walkways
Tight spaces between buildings
Areas where snow needs to be thrown, not just pushed

Pros:

Great for narrow or crowded spaces
Doesn’t require large equipment
Can direct snow to safe storage areas

Cons:

Slower than plows for large areas
Struggles with heavy or icy snow if not the right model

At MPS, our teams rely on snow blowers for sidewalks, entryways, and pathways where safety is critical.

MPS crew using a snow blower and shovels to clear snow from commercial sidewalks

Which Should You Choose?

For homeowners, the decision usually comes down to property size. A snow blower is often enough for a small driveway and walkway, while larger rural properties might benefit from a plow.

For commercial properties, the answer isn’t “either/or”—it’s both. At MPS, we combine plows, loaders, and blowers to keep parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances safe, clear, and fully accessible.

Conclusion

Both snow plows and snow blowers are essential tools, but they shine in different situations. For businesses in the GTA, relying on one tool alone usually isn’t enough. That’s why MPS uses a full fleet of equipment to handle every type of surface and snowfall.

Don’t leave your commercial property at risk this winter. MPS provides professional snow removal services using plows, loaders, and blowers to ensure every corner of your property stays safe and accessible. Contact us today to secure your snow removal contract before the first big storm.

Contact Us to See How We Can Help