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I was travelling once somewhere tropical when I brought up the subject of hurricanes with a local.  I couldn't believe why people would build their houses on an island that was perpetually being tested by the elements.

My island friend looked at me with a little side eye, kissed his teeth, then told me that his sister lives in Toronto and we're crazy.  He told me about the cold and how it ruined half the year - but he said his sister keeps asking him to move and hes been considering it for years.

When we were done talking about hurricanes he asked me about something I never considered: ICE.

I take for granted the fact that I am always driving or walking on ice in the winter.  Driving on ice is definitely dangerous - but walking on it?

Last year I wiped out a few times - this year I have only  done the one foot wobble as my 140 pound dog pull me along.
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In my area the city cleans the sidewalks and puts down salt and sand - but it usually takes a day or two after a storm assuming there isnt a second storm.  It is everyone's responsibility to clear in front of their house within 24 hours of  a storm - yet some people never even shovel their driveway!

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Almost 30,000 people a year in Toronto alone go to the hospital due to falling on the ice.  

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I watched a woman push a baby carriage up the main road rather than walk on the icy sidewalk .   Its conventional to shovel the sidewalk and salt it regardless of whether the city does  - almost everyone adheres to this - but just like the neighbour who doesn't cut their lawn  - some neighbours don't clear in front of their house.    Its easier to fall than you'd think.