I am straddling the fence on this one. When I lived in Toronto I had no need for winter tires because there was rarely snow, and virtually never temperature low enough for the compound to make a difference.  Now I’m retired where is does snow but don’t drive when the weather or roads are crappy. So, why should I buy winter tires?
In reality I have because an emergency could force me to drive during (very) adverse conditions, but I can afford that cost. What of those who cannot afford that? What of those who own fully electric vehicles which are impractical to use outside of urban areas?
It does not seem a simple issue to me.