I find that all-season radials do the job...
After more than 20 years of driving in a variety of conditions, including 6 years in Edmonton, and 2 years in Northern BC, I have found that unless you are living in a snow/ice environment for the entire winter, top of the line all-season radials will get you through.
There is no problem with changing over the tires, or putting on the snows too early or taking off to early, etc.
My personal fave are the Michelin MX-4's.
On the other hand, based on what I've seen for driving skills in the GTA and the inability of many to adapt to the changing environment with respect to their driving, maybe all those yahoos should have snow tires to give the rest of us a fighting chance.