Snow Melting on the Driveway, Ottawa, December 2011
Snow Melting on the Driveway, Ottawa, December 2011

So far, we have had two snowfalls. Nothing dramatic for December, really. And both times, the snow melted almost right away, leaving seasoned Canadians relieved and new Canadians hoping for more.

I used to be very excited to see snow but the novelty ran out after two of three winters here. The first snowfall is often beautiful and it’s weird to see the city blanketed in white—the change of scenery is brutal, especially when it’s very cold and snow does stay on the ground. But Canada’s harsh winters can also be a pain, a hindrance to everyday life. Indeed, snow is beautiful when you are cozy at home, sipping a hot chocolate wrapped in a blanket with a good book. On the other side, commuting to work, going grocery shopping or simply getting out of the house becomes a challenge.

Every year, OCTranspo seems to discover it operates in a city where snow is a reality of life from December to April. Canadians, usually polite and natural behind the wheel, get completely confused and accidents are to be expected. We are all affected by the weather.

But for now, no more snow. We’ll see what this winter will bring us.

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8 Comments

  1. Elisabeth Stewart December 9, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Just read yesterday that Ontario should expect quite a bit of snow this year. Noooo!!!

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 9, 2011 at 10:26 pm

      Oh oh… I don’t know though, the reports are conflicting.

      Reply
  2. Gail at Large December 9, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    It’s been very mild in Toronto. I arrived here in March 2006 and I remember it was actually warmer than I’d expected (15C). My first real winter (’06/’07) was pretty brutal! Because Vancouver (the Lower Mainland) and southern Vancouver Island don’t really experience winter like the rest of the country, there is no snow culture there unless you go up the mountains.

    I can always go back to Vancouver if I get tired of Real Winter.

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 9, 2011 at 10:27 pm

      Winters are usually colder than that in Ottawa too, and it’s rare to not have snow on the ground by now. I remember winter 06/07 was very mild, the one after was brutal, we had a record snowfall that year.

      Reply
  3. ristinw December 12, 2011 at 4:25 am

    I agree that we are all affected by the weather. = 0 = My mood swings like a swing.

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 13, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      Strange, eh?

      Reply
  4. Jeruen December 12, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Haha, I like the introduction to this article. It’s the same in Buffalo: we didn’t have any snowfall at all in November, making it the warmest month in Buffalo history, and so far, the snow we had in December didn’t stick. I personally like it, after the very long winter last year.

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 13, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      Apparently, it may not snow for Christmas here. Strange, for sure!

      Reply

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