Winter has arrived in Cambridge, Ontario and heavy snowfall and ice warnings are popping up across Waterloo region. If you’re a senior living on your own, you’re likely anxious about what weather conditions the winter season will bring, and how you’ll deal with snow and ice accumulation on your property. Cambridge has strict rules about clearing snow from your property and surrounding sidewalks.
How do you deal with snow removal demands while also keeping yourself safe from injury and health issues? In this article, we’ll cover everything about snow removal for seniors in Cambridge — from DIY snow removal methods, to professional snow removal services, and what resources your local community offers.
How to Remove Snow Safely as a Senior
Professional Cambridge Snow Removal Services
Safety Rating: 5/5
The safest way to remove snow as a senior is with a professional snow removal company. This takes the physical demand of snow removal completely out of your hands, leaving it to a professional team that’s trained in safe snow removal procedures.
With C&T’s Snow Removal for seniors service, we can help senior homeowners stay compliant with Cambridge bylaws and keep their property safe and accessible.
We remove snow swiftly with our professional snow plow on a 24/7 schedule to ensure we’re always ahead of the storm. We keep up with local weather forecasting and make multiple trips so there’s no need for you to monitor the storm and make constant calls.
Furthermore, we keep our snow removal services flexible, allowing us to make a tailored snow removal plan designed to fit your budget.
Free Community Snow Removal Assistance
Safety Rating: 5/5
The City of Cambridge offers free community snow removal assistance for low-income homeowners with a disability that prevents them from removing the snow themselves.
In order to qualify, you must be unable to afford a professional snow removal service, and have no one living in the household who can remove the snow instead.
If you are able to qualify, community snow removal assistance is a convenient and affordable way to deal with snow and ice management. However, spots are limited and applications are considered on a first-come first-serve basis.
For the 2025-2026 winter season, spots have already filled up, which means you’ll have to wait until early next year to apply again. Please consider using a professional snow removal service for seniors for the 2025-2026 winter season instead.
DIY Snow Removal (Do-It-Yourself)
DIY snow removal for seniors involves removing the snow yourself. There’s various methods in which you can remove the snow on your own, the most common being shovelling, but there are also snow blowers and over-the-counter de-icers.
We always recommend avoiding DIY snow removal as a senior because it carries serious risks. However, we also understand that many seniors will still choose to remove the snow themselves anyway, so here’s some insights on the safety of each DIY snow removal method and the best way to reduce risks.
We explore the safety risks of DIY snow removal more in this article: Why Seniors Should Not Shovel Their Driveway
Shovelling
Safety Rating: 1/5
Shovelling snow on your own as a senior can be very unsafe. Shovelling snow puts you at serious risk of a slip and fall, and can also lead to overexertion, exhaustion, and serious strain of the back, lungs, and heart. Furthermore, it may trigger a heart attack and other serious health complications.
If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition, you should never shovel snow on your own.
It is also generally recommended to stop shovelling snow on your own by the time you reach 65 years of age, though this is a broad recommendation and may not apply to everyone. Some people are unfit to shovel snow on their own at a younger age than 65. Consider asking your doctor for a medical opinion.
How to Shovel Snow Safely as a Senior
If you don’t have a heart condition, are under 65, and must shovel the snow, here’s a few ways you can ensure you do it safely:
- Use safe lifting techniques, such as bending your knees instead of your back, and keeping the shovel close to your body to reduce strain. Take small scoops rather than trying to lift large, heavy loads of snow, and take frequent breaks as needed.
- Always shovel with another person (friend, caregiver, or family member) and divide the work in a way that is mindful of your physical limitations. Having another person nearby is also crucial in case you fall or experience any health complications while shovelling.
- Wear proper winter footwear, and keep walkways salted to prevent slips.
Snow Blowing
Safety Rating: 3/5
Using a snow blower is generally safer than shovelling for most seniors, as it puts less strain on the back and is less physically demanding. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely without safety risks.
Each winter, many members of the Cambridge community visit the emergency room due to injuries to their hands and fingers that were caused by snowblowers. Snowblowers are heavy pieces of equipment that require strength, balance, coordination, and quick reaction times to avoid losing control. The weight of the machine can put strain on your arms, shoulders, and back. Additionally, it puts you at an increased risk for slips and falls.
How to Use a Snowblower Safely
Here’s a few ways to reduce safety risks when using a snowblower:
- Use a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver machine to avoid excessive pushing and strain.
- Reduce the risk of slip and falls by salting/sanding icy patches before you begin.
- Move slowly and pay extra attention to your balance and surroundings while operating the snowblower.
- Never clear a clogged chute with your hands, snowblowers should come with a tool for clearing chutes safely.
- Whenever possible, operate the snow blower with another person nearby so someone is available in case of a fall or emergency.
*If you have a medical condition that could compromise your ability to remove snow safely, please do not try and remove snow on your own.