LOL at the assumptions. I drive out in every major snow storm towards NY, VT or QC. I chase storms to ski in powder. For example I often take unassumed roads to get around 124 closures. I USE WINTER TIRES EVERY WINTER. That doesn't mean every one else should. While I definitely need them and use them, my mother who wont even drive in rains doesn't. Many people don't get out of the GTA. Some people would just end up with two 15 year old set of tires which would be more dangerous in any condition. Some would just get used bald winter tires. You can't fix cheap and stupid.
Last time I used summer performance tires in the winter was on my supra. "You know bro... you need high performance year round". While it was stupid, it taught me a lot about winter driving. Those lessons will save my *** a lot more than any law ever will.