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Cash Snow Removal: How to Find Clients on Kijiji (2026 Guide)

Want to make $500 a day this winter? We explain how to start a "Cash Snow Removal" side hustle in Canada using Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, how to price your driveways, and the legal way to avoid getting sued for slips and falls.
A person shoveling a snowy driveway in a Canadian suburb with a stack of cash and a Snow Removal lawn sign in the foreground.

When a snowstorm hits Brampton, Ottawa, or Montreal, panic sets in.

Homeowners wake up at 6:00 AM, see 2 feet of snow, and realize they can't get their Honda Civic out of the driveway to go to work.

They don't want to sign a $1,000 seasonal contract with a big landscaping company.

They just want to pay someone $50 cash to dig them out right now.

This is the "Emergency Snow Market," and it is one of the most profitable side hustles in Canada.

With just a $30 shovel and a Kijiji ad, you can make **$300 to $600 a day** during a heavy storm.

But it’s not as simple as knocking on doors. You need to know:

  • Pricing: How much to charge for a single vs. double driveway (without getting ripped off).
  • Marketing: How to post ads that get calls before the snow falls.
  • Liability: How to protect yourself if someone slips on the ice you just cleared.

This guide is your 2026 playbook for running a "Cash Snow" business.

Looking for other cash jobs? Check out our list of Best "Cash Daily" Agencies or consider TaskRabbit for indoor assembly work.

The Economics: How Much Can You Charge?

In 2026, inflation has pushed service prices up. Do not undercut yourself.

The "Standard Storm" Pricing (4-6 inches of snow):

  • Single Car Driveway: $40 - $60
  • Double Car Driveway: $60 - $80
  • Walkway + Stairs: +$20 Add-on
  • Salting: +$15 Add-on (You provide the salt).

The "Snowmageddon" Pricing (10+ inches):

  • Double everything. If it takes you twice as long, charge twice as much.
  • Tip: When the city declares a "Snow Emergency," desperation is high. You can charge $100 for a double driveway, and people will happily pay it.

Hourly vs. Flat Rate?

  • ALWAYS charge Flat Rate.
  • If you charge $30/hour, the homeowner will watch you from the window to make sure you aren't "slow."
  • If you charge $60 Flat Rate, they don't care if you finish in 20 minutes. Be fast, make money.

How to Dominate Kijiji & Facebook Marketplace

You need to post your ads 24 hours BEFORE the storm hits.

1. The Kijiji Ad Strategy

  • Title: EMERGENCY SNOW REMOVAL - [Your City] - CALL/TEXT NOW
  • Description: Keep it simple.
    • "Reliable shoveling service."
    • "Available 24/7 during the storm."
    • "Cash or E-Transfer accepted."
    • "Send a photo of your driveway to [Phone Number] for an instant quote."
  • Photos: Use a picture of a cleared driveway. (Psychology: They want the result, not a picture of a shovel).

2. The "Neighbourhood Group" Strategy (Facebook)

  • Join local groups (e.g., "Brampton Neighbours," "Milton Moms").
  • The Post: "Hi neighbours! I'm a student trying to pay for tuition. I'll be shoveling tomorrow morning. DM me to reserve a spot!"
  • Why it works: People trust "students" more than random contractors. It feels safer.

The "Liability" Fear: Will You Get Sued?

This is the #1 reason people are scared to do this.

"What if I clear the snow, but there is ice underneath, and they slip?"

The Law:

  • Generally, the homeowner is liable for slips and falls on their property (Occupier's Liability Act).
  • However: If you are negligent (e.g., you pile snow in front of the door), you could be blamed.

How to Protect Yourself (The "CYA" Protocol):

  1. Text Message Contract: Before you start, text the client: "I will clear the snow, but I am not responsible for ice control unless you purchase the salting add-on. Do you agree?"
    • Their reply "Yes" is a digital paper trail.
  2. Take "After" Photos: Always take a photo of the clean driveway when you leave.
    • Why: If they slip 3 days later because new snow fell, they might try to blame you. The photo proves you did your job perfectly on Day 1.
  3. Offer Salt: Always offer salt. If they say "No," it is their choice to have a slippery driveway.

Internal Link: If you want a job with zero liability, try Worm Picking where you just deal with mud.

Practical Questions Answered

We scanned r/SideHustle and r/PersonalFinanceCanada for the best tips.

"Should I buy a snowblower?"

Maybe later.

  • Start with a Shovel: A snowblower is heavy, requires gas/maintenance, and doesn't fit in a Sedan.
  • The "Sleigh Shovel": Buy a "Sleigh Shovel" (or Scoop Shovel). It lets you push the snow instead of lifting it. It saves your back and is 2x faster.

"What if they refuse to pay?"

Get paid FIRST.

  • Rule: For new clients, ask for E-Transfer before you start, or Cash as soon as you knock on the door.
  • Script: "I've had people stiff me in the past, so I take payment upfront now. Hope you understand!" Most honest people won't mind.

"Can I dump snow on the street?"

NO. Illegal.

  • It is a bylaw violation in almost every Canadian city to push snow onto the road. You can be fined $300+.
  • Where to put it: On the front lawn. Plan your piles before you start.

The "Route" Strategy (Make $100/Hour)

The difference between making $200 and $600 is Travel Time.

1. Density is King

  • Do not drive 15 minutes between houses.
  • The Goal: Park your car on one street and do 5 driveways on foot.
  • The Hustle: Once you finish one driveway, knock on the neighbour's door.
    • Script: "Hi! I just cleared your neighbour's driveway. Since I'm already here with my gear, I can do yours for $40 (discount) right now."
    • Success Rate: Very high. People hate shoveling. Seeing you sweat makes them want to pay you.

2. The "Pre-Book" List

  • Don't wait for the snow to start.
  • In October/November, put up flyers saying: "Get on the Priority List."
  • When the forecast says "Snow," text your list: "Storm coming tomorrow. confirm your spot now?"
  • You will wake up with $400 worth of work already booked.

3. Commercial Gigs (Cash)

  • Small strip malls and pizza shops often pay cash for walkway clearing.
  • The Angle: They need the sidewalk clear by 10:00 AM for customers.
  • The Pay: Higher ($50 for just a sidewalk).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license?

No.

For casual shoveling, you don't need a business license. If you grow into a big company with trucks, yes. But for a guy with a shovel? No.

Does salt damage the driveway?

Yes.

Regular Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) can damage concrete.

  • Upsell: Buy "Pet Safe" or "Concrete Safe" Ice Melt (Calcium Magnesium Acetate). It costs more, but you can charge the client a premium for "Eco-Friendly Salt."

What do I wear?

Layers.

  • You will be freezing when you start, and sweating in 10 minutes.
  • Boots: Waterproof boots are non-negotiable. Wet socks = misery.
  • Gloves: Bring 2 pairs. One will get soaked.

Deep Dive: "Snow Contracts" & Upgrading to a Blower

1. The "Seasonal Contract" (Passive Income)

  • If you are reliable, clients will ask: "Can I just pay you for the whole winter?"
  • The Price: Usually $600 - $800 per season (Nov to March) for a single driveway.
  • The Risk: If it snows 50 times, you lose (you work for pennies). If it snows 5 times, you win (free money).
  • The Clause: Always put a "Cap" in the contract. "Includes up to 25 visits. Extra visits are $40 each."
  • Contract Template: You don't need a lawyer. A simple signed paper stating the address, price, and "Service trigger" (e.g., "Will clear after 5cm of accumulation") is enough.

2. Upgrading: The "Single-Stage" vs. "Two-Stage" Blower

  • Eventually, you will want a machine.
  • Single-Stage (The Paddle): Rubber paddles touch the ground.
    • Pros: Cleans right down to the pavement (clients love this). Light enough to lift into a trunk.
    • Cons: Struggles with the heavy "Snow Plow Pile" at the end of the driveway.
  • Two-Stage (The Beast): Has a metal auger and a fan.
    • Pros: Throws snow 40 feet. Eats through ice piles.
    • Cons: Heavy. Needs a trailer or ramps. Leaves a thin layer of snow behind.
  • Recommendation: Buy a Toro Single-Stage (721 or similar). It fits in a backseat and handles 90% of suburban driveways.

3. The "Windrow" (The Plow Pile)

  • This is the enemy. The city plow goes by and leaves a 3-foot wall of ice at the bottom of the driveway.
  • Pricing: If you arrive and the Windrow is rock solid (ice), Charge Extra.
  • Script: "Hi, the city plow pile is frozen solid. I have to break it with a pickaxe. It's an extra $20."
  • Technique: Cut it into "blocks" with your shovel rather than trying to lift it all at once.

4. "Subcontracting" to Friends

  • Once you have too many clients, hire a friend.
  • The Split: You keep the contact and the client relationship. You pay your friend $25/hour or 50% of the job.
  • The Scalability: This is how you go from a Side Hustle to a Business. You become the "Dispatcher."

5. Safety: The "Heart Attack" Snow

  • Heavy, wet snow ("Heart Attack Snow") is dangerous.
  • Health: If you are out of shape, do not rush. Take breaks.
  • Hydration: You sweat more shoveling snow than running a 5k.
  • Back Safety: Always bend your knees. Never twist your back while throwing. Pivot your feet.

6. Roof Raking (High Risk, High Reward)

  • Some clients ask you to clear the roof.
  • The Tool: A "Roof Rake" (long pole with a scoop).
  • The Price: $100+ per hour.
  • The Warning: NEVER get on the roof ladder in winter. Use the rake from the ground. If you fall off a roof for $100, your life is ruined. Liability insurance usually excludes roof work unless you pay extra.

7. "Vacation Watch" Service

  • Snow removal is also security.
  • The Pitch: "If you go to Florida for 2 weeks and your driveway is full of snow, burglars know you are gone."
  • The Upsell: Sell a "Vacation Package" where you clear the snow AND pick up their mail/flyers. It makes the house look lived-in.

8. Dealing with "Call Backs"

  • Client texts: "You missed a spot."
  • Policy: If it's your fault, go back and fix it (Goodwill).
  • The Excuse: "The wind blew snow back onto the driveway."
  • The Fix: Offer a discount on the next snow. Don't drive back for 5 minutes of work unless they are furious.

9. Payment Apps

  • Square Reader: Get a little Square card reader for your phone.
  • Why: When a neighbour sees you and wants to hire you, they often don't have cash. Being able to tap their Credit Card on the spot makes you look professional and secures the sale instantly.

10. The "Spring Clean" Transition

  • Keep the phone numbers!
  • In April, text everyone: "Snow is gone! I also do Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Cleanup. Want a quote?"
  • You already have their trust. This is the easiest way to start a summer landscaping hustle.

Summary: The Perfect Winter Hustle

  1. Post Early: Get your ads up before the flakes fall.
  2. Charge Flat Rate: Never hourly. $50 minimum.
  3. Take Photos: Protect yourself from liability.
  4. Cluster: Hit neighbours to save travel time.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte