Snow Resources · September 27, 2026

Before the Plow Arrives: A Site Access Checklist for Property Managers

A snow-clearing visit starts before the equipment reaches the parking lot. A locked gate, an unexpected delivery or a row of parked vehicles can change which areas a crew can reach. Property managers can reduce avoidable confusion by preparing a short access plan before the first service visit.

Use this checklist for a strata, commercial or mixed-use property in Metro Vancouver. Confirm the details with your chosen provider; the plan should reflect the property and the service agreement.

1. Give the crew one clear arrival route

Identify the entrance the crew should use and the best place to stop without blocking traffic. Note narrow turns, overhead structures, ramps and any area where equipment access needs a separate discussion. A labelled site photo can be more useful than a long description.

If access requires a gate code, key or fob, agree on a secure way to share it directly with the provider. Do not put access credentials on public signs or in a widely circulated resident notice. Confirm who can help if the gate does not open.

2. Make a parking plan residents can follow

Ask which areas need to be clear of vehicles and when. Then give residents or tenants a simple notice with the affected spaces, the agreed window and a contact for questions. Avoid promising an exact arrival time unless the provider has confirmed it.

Decide how vehicles that remain in place will be handled. The practical question is what can be cleared safely during that visit and how any missed areas will be addressed afterward.

3. Mark the features that snow can hide

Walk the site before snowfall and record curbs, landscape edges, drainage features, utility covers and other obstacles. Ask the provider whether markers are appropriate and who will install and maintain them. Record existing damage so there is a shared starting point.

Pay particular attention to pedestrian routes between parking, building entrances and waste areas. Make clear which routes belong in the service scope and which are handled separately.

4. Agree where cleared snow can go

Discuss snow-storage locations before work begins. Keep the plan mindful of access, sightlines, walkways and drainage. If on-site storage becomes limited, ask how removal or relocation would be assessed, approved and priced. Do not assume hauling is included in a plowing visit.

5. Coordinate deliveries and other site activity

Flag loading periods, waste collection and scheduled maintenance that may overlap with snow clearing. Share a current contact for the person who can make access decisions. If the usual manager is unavailable, name a backup and tell the provider how to reach them.

A short brief to send before the season

• Property address and preferred entrance.
• A marked site image showing priority areas and obstacles.
• Parking and gate-access arrangements.
• Proposed snow-storage areas for the provider to review.
• Delivery conflicts and primary and backup contacts.

For more planning context, read our commercial parking-lot guide and strata snow-plowing guide.

Ask PlowWow about your property

Send your property address, site type and access questions to wow@plowwow.com, or visit PlowWow to discuss service availability and scope. Snowplow.tv's contractor listings and member access are still being prepared.