Due to the increase in gas prices and the labor shortage, snow removal companies are forced to increase their rates for the next winter season.
A couple from Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, for example, goes from $250 to $400…a 60% increase. As a general rule, the increase varies from 20 to 25%.
“I expected an increase, but not as significant!” said Yannick Cantin, who would see his bill go from 400 to 500 dollars if he accepts the proposal. “25% is really a lot!”
The companies surveyed all explain this increase by the same factors.
“The two biggest expenses of a snow removal worker are the price of gasoline and salaries,” explained Nathalie Tanguay, of Déneigement Robin Morin.
“We started the winter at $1.22 a litre, and we ended it at above $2 in March!” added Guy Tremblay, from le Roi Desneiges.
“We increased the salaries of our employees this winter, because it has outbid us in our field,” indicated Nathalie Tanguay. “We have no choice, otherwise we will lose employees.”
The other thing to consider: maintenance costs. Le Roi Desneiges recalls that the mechanics who repair Kubota and John Deere models have also increased their salaries.
“Our machinery spends two or three hours in the garage, and the salary has increased by 5 dollars, let’s say…” specified Guy Tremblay. “It’s costing us more.”
Some customers have already contacted their company to deplore the rate increase.
“There are single mothers or retirees who do not have an increase in income,” noted Guy Tremblay.
“I think the service is worth the asking price,” said Nathalie Tanguay. “A snow removal contract is the price of a coffee a day. We are at work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. We work at night to ensure that people can get to work.
Yannick Cantin will carry out a few checks before going any further.
“I’m not going to call my snowplow, but I’ll definitely shop elsewhere…”