Canada Shares Winter Wisdom: How Quebec Keeps Life Moving Through Heavy Snow

When Storm Goretti blanketed Europe in snow this week, causing widespread disruptions, it highlighted an opportunity for learning from communities that have mastered the art of winter living. Enter Canada, where heavy snowfall is simply part of the rhythm of daily life, and where decades of experience have created systems that keep communities safe, connected, and moving forward.

Patrick de Bellefeuille, a beloved weather presenter and climate specialist who has been forecasting for MétéoMédia since 1988, sat down with Euronews to share the wisdom that keeps Canadian cities thriving through months of winter weather. His insights offer a refreshing perspective: winter storms don't have to mean chaos. With the right preparation and mindset, communities can weather even the heaviest snowfalls with grace.

The secret, de Bellefeuille explains, starts with something beautifully simple: preparation as a way of life. In Quebec and Montreal, checking weather forecasts is as routine as morning coffee. This constant awareness means no one is caught off guard when snow arrives. But it goes deeper than just checking forecasts. Canadian households maintain what de Bellefeuille describes as a culture of readiness. Every home keeps de-icing agents on hand. Every car carries a shovel and emergency power supplies. It's not about fear, it's about empowerment through preparation.

What's particularly inspiring is how Canadian municipalities approach winter weather. Rather than reacting to storms, they prepare proactively. They understand that different temperatures require different approaches, using sand and gravel in extreme cold and salt-based products near freezing. This thoughtful, scientific approach minimizes disruptions before they begin.

Quebec's winter tire law, mandatory from December through mid-March, demonstrates how smart policy creates safety for everyone. The province has also built flexibility into its school system with five designated snow days, prioritizing children's safety while keeping education on track. These aren't signs of weakness or disruption, they're examples of a society that has thoughtfully adapted to its environment.

At Montreal's airport, the winter preparation is nothing short of impressive. De-icing systems can handle multiple aircraft simultaneously. Specialized tractors with rotating brushes literally scrub runways clean, working in coordinated lines to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. Flight cancellations remain rare because the infrastructure exists to support continuous operations.

De Bellefeuille's advice for Europeans facing increased winter weather is both practical and encouraging. Simple tools like rubber grips for shoes can prevent falls. Public buses equipped with snow tires or chains can keep communities connected. Most importantly, consulting forecasts and planning around weather conditions transforms uncertainty into manageable routine.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this exchange so valuable is its spirit of international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Rather than criticism, de Bellefeuille offers understanding and practical solutions. He acknowledges that cities experiencing heavy snow only occasionally can't justify the same infrastructure investments as Montreal, but suggests scalable alternatives that could significantly reduce disruptions.

His perspective on climate change brings hope rather than despair. Yes, Europe may face more winter extremes, but communities don't have to face them unprepared. Canada's experience proves that with thoughtful systems, the right equipment, and a culture of preparation, winter weather becomes manageable rather than catastrophic.

As European cities consider their winter readiness, they have a generous mentor in communities like Quebec, ready to share decades of hard-won wisdom. The message is ultimately optimistic: winter challenges can be met with human ingenuity, community planning, and the willingness to learn from those who've mastered the art of thriving in the snow.