TouchPlow offers on-demand snow clearing
App connects local plows with customers in need of snow removal

CBC.ca
Nov. 23, 2015

Need some snow removed? There's an app for that.

TouchPlow is an Ottawa-based business that connects local snowplows with customers in need of snow removal. The service is launching across Canada, except in B.C. and Quebec, this week and the app will be available to download by Friday.

Ken Dale, the chief executive officer of TouchPlow, says the company differs from Uber in that he will not lure customers away from existing operators. Dale spoke with Craig Norris on CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's The Morning Edition to explain how residents can access the snow removal service.

"Register once, we know the size of your driveway, we have your information and then when it's snowing you can just tap in and decide when you want a plow," Dale said.

Plows usually arrive anywhere from four to 24 hours, "depending on how quick you require clearing," he explained.

"The plow guys just love it. Because this isn't competing against it, this is actually adding to their business."

Dale said on demand clearing isn't something many snow companies can afford to offer due to existing contracts. This app allows customers to reach businesses that are available to plow when others may not be.

"It's not something we can advertise, 'hey, we're not busy right now, call us,'" he said.

By providing a pool of plows ready whenever you need them, both residents and businesses can get what they want.

"[Plows] can be out making money and people are getting their driveways cleared. It's perfect."

Helping mom from your couch

Prices fluctuate but Dale said you're looking at an average of $20 to $40 — perhaps a little higher — for the service following an average snowfall. How much you're charged depends on not only how much snow needs to be cleared, but how quickly you'd like to see it removed.

"We've been very fair with pricing," he said.

What makes the company so intriguing for some is how it takes advantage of digital technology.

"You can actually sit on your couch in Guelph and do your mother's driveway in Halifax for her," Dale added, calling that feature the "wow factor."

The app will even tell you when it's snowing in a particular city.

"I'm going to go wherever the snow is," Dale said. "That's what we've built and it's just fantastic."

People who want to sign up for the service before the app is available can pre-register on the company's website.