Kitchener winters often bring heavy snowfalls, icy conditions, and back-to-back storms that can quickly cover driveways. If you have a double driveway, the job becomes twice as challenging and requires the right approach to stay safe and efficient. Whether you handle snow removal yourself or want to understand the best practices, this guide breaks down the steps to clean snow effectively from a wide, double driveway in Kitchener.
1. Prepare Before the Snowfall Begins
Check Weather Alerts
Kitchener sees varying storm intensities, from light flurries to heavy snow mixed with freezing rain. Monitoring Environment Canada alerts helps you plan ahead and avoid snow turning into hard-packed ice.
Stock Your Tools
Make sure you have:
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A heavy duty snow shovel
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A wide snow pusher (ideal for double driveways)
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Ice melt or salt
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A snow blower or electric snow thrower
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Proper winter boots and gloves
Apply Pre-Salt
Before the snow hits, spread a light layer of salt or ice melt on the driveway. This reduces bonding, making shovelling much easier the next day.
2. Start Early to Avoid Ice Build Up
Double driveways collect snow faster because of exposed surface area. The longer snow sits and compacts, the harder it becomes to remove.
Start shovelling early in the storm
Even a quick pass before accumulation gets too heavy will make the final clean much easier.
Remove snow before cars drive on it
Car tracks cause deep, frozen ruts that are difficult to scrape off later.
3. Clear Snow in Strategic Sections
Double driveways are wide, so working section by section saves time and energy.
Method A: Clear down the centre first
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Start in the middle
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Push snow toward the sides
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Create clean lanes that reduce resistance
This method prevents you from dragging heavy snow across long distances.
Method B: Work in horizontal passes
Ideal for snow blowers:
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Begin at the garage door
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Move outward toward the street
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Clear one wide strip at a time
This keeps your path efficient and prevents repeatedly stepping over cleared areas.
4. Use the Right Technique for Heavy Snow
Kitchener storms often bring wet, heavy snow, especially early and late in the season.
If using a shovel
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Push first, lift second
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Lift smaller amounts to avoid injury
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Keep your back straight and bend your knees
If using a snow blower
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Adjust the chute away from walkways and neighbours
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Use the full width of the blower for faster coverage
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Overlap each pass by a few inches to avoid leaving thin layers
5. Keep Sidewalks and Walkways Clear
Kitchener bylaws require property owners to clear sidewalks within a reasonable time after a snowfall. This includes:
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Front walkways
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Sidewalks along the road
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Pathways to your doorway
Clearing these along with your double driveway ensures safety for residents and pedestrians.
6. Remove the Snowbank Left by the Plow
Nothing is more frustrating than finishing your driveway only to have a plow leave a heavy ridge of snow at the end.
How to handle it efficiently
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Clear a small pocket or “plow space” on the left side of your driveway before the plow arrives
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This gives the plow driver a place to push snow instead of blocking your entrance
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Use a snow pusher to remove the packed ridge immediately before it freezes
Wet, compact plow snow is the hardest to remove once solid, so tackle it right away.
7. Apply Salt or Ice Melt After Clearing
To prevent slipping and ice formation:
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Spread salt evenly across the driveway
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Focus on areas where car tires stop or turn
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Use pet friendly or eco safe melt products if needed
Salt helps reduce refreezing during Kitchener’s fluctuating winter temperatures.
8. Perform a Final Check for Thin Ice Layers
Double driveways can hide thin layers of ice, especially:
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Near the garage
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At the bottom of the driveway
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Where cars are normally parked
Use a metal scraper or ice chisel to remove any stubborn patches before applying salt.
9. When to Consider Professional Snow Removal
A double driveway can be extremely time consuming to clear, especially during:
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Overnight storms
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Heavy wet snow
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Back-to-back snowfalls
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Freezing rain events
Kitchener residents often hire professional snow removal services for:
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Early morning clearing before work
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Large driveways
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Multi vehicle homes
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Properties with seniors or mobility limitations
A professional service ensures your driveway is clean, safe, and ready on time, no matter how harsh the weather gets.
Cleaning a double driveway in Kitchener requires preparation, timing, and the right techniques. With wider surfaces and Kitchener’s unpredictable winter weather, working strategically saves time and prevents injuries. Whether you choose to handle snow removal yourself or rely on a professional service, these steps help keep your property safe, accessible, and compliant with local expectations.
