Originally Posted by Roody
I've been to Canada lots, every province except Labrador, summer and winter. the latitude of your town is less than 50 miles north of the latitude of my town in Michigan. I wonder if -20 temperatures are unusual, and your winter temps are more typically just a few degrees below zero?
Why would you need to park your bike anywhere different in the winter? Bikes are designed to work outdoors in all conditions. When i come out of work in the winter, sometimes my bike is totally covered in 4 or 5 inches of snow and ice. I just bounce it a couple times to shake the white stuff off, and clear the brakes, derailleurs and rims with my gloves. After that, I'm good to go. So far, I've had no major problems in 3 winters of every day commuting. The worst issue is the big snowbanks that make it hard to see traffic at corners. But that's an issue for motorists too, not just me.
I have a bit more of an issue with bad weather because I ride a trike. A thick layer of snow and ice on a large recumbent-style seat would be hard to remove. Besides, I'd prefer if I could expose the components and chain to as little of the elements as possible. Not only that, but the bike racks outside are usually buried in several feet of snow in the winter. I think it would be easier to convince them to open the big shipping bay doors to let me park inside.
Also, you're right, the temps aren't always 20 below. Usually they over between -10 and -5. The snow banks will be tricky though, I can't even see over car hoods.....