Flip side: what if a driver said, "I will be working from home on days that it's too cold for my car to start" or, "I will be working from home on days when my street is under construction."

It seems to me that it's something for you to work out directly with your employers. If you have alternate means to get to work, then they may ask that you avail yourself of that. If you don't, then maybe they'll ask that you take transit. On the other hand, maybe that will give you a 2 hour commute and they'll take mercy on you. Or not.

In short, it's all particular to your situation, I think.

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I was poking fun of myself, too, with the regret remark (a couple of my posts have been inappropriately harsh). Maybe I should have used one of those ";)" thingies, but they annoy me.

I think the term "hardcore commuter" applies to someone whose cutoff point is -25C/-13F. If you're out there at -10F, you're "hardcore" in my book. If you know that your limit is -25C/-13F and you make other arrangements, you are both hardcore and smart.
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On the practical side, if you only need to use alternative routes for a 15 km commute 3 or 4 days out of the year, you might want to treat yourself to a cab. That would probably cost less than finding a new job or seeking treatment for frostbite.

You have done it in the wrong order. Negotiate with management first - including limitations on the number of days in succession you will be out of office, how your work out of home will be measured etc etc. Management might not mind if it is not announced, but just a private understanding between you and them.

What sort of work do you do? You must really like it to be there 20 yrs.

Telecommuting can be a good thing, but why should you be the only one to do it? Perhaps you could approach your company about developing a comprehensive telecommuting policy. Down in many of the States, it's encouraged to combat traffic. There are even incentives (but not too many incentives for biking, unfortunately).

Or, you could become a consultant and work from home every day. Of course, you'd have to go out and get work, maybe from your former employer. It could work in your favor if you do it right.