As you know, Northern Piper, I’m originally from southern Ontario. What you describe is typical for southern Ontario. One learns to drive in all conditions that you describe, and that’s a skill that I am thankful for when I have to be back in Toronto during winter. That’s not saying that I like it; rather, I just know how to deal with it when I arrive in Toronto at any time of year, and rent a car.
My point was that winters in Ottawa are much colder than southwestern Ontario.
More cold is absolutely worth the $400,000 tax free we’d pocket on the house exchange (at least.) That means earlier retirement and more tropical vacations. The cold in Ottawa will just make the beach in Jamaica seem nicer.
What’s odd is that BOTH the winters are colder AND the summers are hotter here in Ottawa in comparison to Halifax. I always thought it a myth, but that maritime breeze really does help to stabilize the temperature swings. Of course this is my perception (I haven’t compared the numbers).
Oh, and there isn’t a nightly fog rolling in from the water (in the summer) nor a universal +90% cloud cover (in the winter) here in Ottawa. So… that’s something.
Since I’m a nerd I looked up the data (average monthly temperatures for Hali/Ott) and my perceptions were right! Ottawa is about 6C colder then Halifax in Jan (they both equalize by the start of April), then Ottawa gets to be 4C hotter in May-June (both cites again equalize in Sept).
Ottawa does get a cool river fog after cold September/October nights. Lacks a certain Lovecraftian charm of course.
Maybe Winnipeg then? 
Hi, everyone! My apologies - I’ve been away from the SDMB for a while…
Big news chez nous - my wife is leaving her old job at Canadian Stage in Toronto, to start as the production manager of the Metropolitan Opera Company in NYC.
I’m not sure I will be allowed to post in the Canadope threads if I move there…
Wow! That’s exciting news!
Keep us up to date please.
Bon chance!
You will be subjected to the same stringent verification of Canadianess as the rest of us, I assure you.
Great new!
For some reason I first read that as “Canadian Tire” and was thinking that’s one heck of a career change.
[Plays theme from “Welcome Back Kotter”]
Big news indeed!
Exciting news indeed, Le Ministre!
Of course you can post in the Canadope threads. Your credentials have been established; and besides, we could use a few more voices.
Good to hear from you, Le Ministre, and congrats to your wife!
Ah, if only we could get Cat Whisperer to chime in occasionally. …
I meet up with Cat Whisperer and her husband, Dread Pirate Jimbo occasionally. Last time I saw them, it was about a month ago, and I mentioned the changes that have taken place here–Tuba taking over, and so on. She said she’d have a look and think about it.
So we may see her yet again.
That’s great! 
I know a guy who works at the Met in NYC. I used to work with him back in the day. Good old Yannick.
Congratulations! What a fantastic opportunity for youse guys!
I’m not very happy to be a Canadian these days - I’m not sure you guys would want to hear what I want to say.