Canadian snow pros find common ground

SIMA's new Canadian Snow Ops Peer Group kicked off their winter season at The Gardener Peterborough, hosted by Ryan Quigley, CSP. The inspiring gathering fostered collaboration among forward-thinking professionals who shared challenges and successes in a competitive industry.

Finding like-minded peers with the shared goal of bettering business practices, ensuring efficient operations, and identifying solutions that push our industry forward isn’t easy. It’s especially rare when participants operate in overlapping territories. Yet, what struck me most about this group is the willingness to put competition aside in order to raise the bar for everyone.

Our discussions spanned some of the most pressing issues facing snow and ice professionals today. Here are a few highlights and themes that surfaced:

Financing & Funding the Winter Business

Running a snow operation is capital intensive. From payroll during long storms to equipment investments and material stockpiles, financial planning is critical. The group shared strategies on securing funding, working with lenders who understand the seasonal nature of our work, and creating financial models that account for both heavy winters and lighter seasons. 

Deicing Equipment & Brine Application

Deicing continues to evolve, and with it comes the need for new equipment, training, and certification. Many in the group expressed a growing interest in brine application as a proactive, sustainable option, but flagged the need for more standardized training and certification pathways. The right equipment choices—whether sprayers, tanks, or monitoring systems—play a pivotal role in both efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Technology & AI in Snow Operations

From GPS tracking and route optimization software to AI-driven forecasting, the tools available to contractors are rapidly expanding. The group discussed how AI could enhance storm preparation, resource allocation, and even customer communication. While adoption is still in its early stages for many, the consensus was clear: technology and AI are no longer optional—they’re quickly becoming essential to running a modern snow operation.

RFQ Red Flags & Contract Clarity

A particularly valuable portion of the conversation centered on RFQs and contracts. Too often, requests for quotes come with vague language or unrealistic service expectations that put contractors at risk. Identifying red flags early—such as unclear trigger depths, one-sided liability clauses, or underpriced expectations—can save a business significant headaches down the road. Peer-to-peer insights here were especially powerful, as members shared real-world examples of when to walk away and when to push for clarity.

Contingency Planning & Preseason Training

Whether it’s preparing for labor shortages, equipment breakdowns, or salt supply disruptions, the group emphasized the need to build “Plan B” (and even “Plan C”) into operations. Paired with this was the importance of preseason training and education. Investing in staff before the first storm not only improves efficiency, but also boosts morale and safety when the pressure is on.

The Power of Peer Groups

Beyond the operational topics, what stood out most was the power of the peer group model itself. In an industry where long nights, tough clients, and weather unpredictability can make leaders feel isolated, having a trusted circle to share knowledge and challenges is invaluable. The Canadian Snow Ops Peer Group has already proven that collaboration across territories is possible—and that the industry is stronger when professionals lift each other up.

Looking Ahead

As facilitator, I couldn’t be happier with the commitment these contractors have made to themselves and the snow industry at large. Their willingness to invest time, energy, and trust in each other is shaping the future of snow operations in Canada. And this is just the beginning.

If you’re interested in joining a peer group, we’re actively looking to expand with new regional groups in Canada and the U.S. These groups offer a space to have the hard conversations, share practical solutions, and elevate your business. Schedule a meeting with me if you’d like to learn more.

Snow is unpredictable. Success doesn’t have to be. With the right conversations, collaboration, and preparation, we can continue to level up our industry together.