Officially, it’s still summer – for a few more days, anyhow.
In Waterloo Region, Saturday’s expected high is 23 C.
So it might seem strange that equipment shops like Cambridge Small Engines are already displaying rows and rows of snowblowers.
It might seem strange, that is, until you ask them why.
“People are worried about getting caught without their snowblower,” said store owner Josh Kinzie.
“The snowblower rush started as early as August. Now … it’s a steady stream.”
In fact, the store already has a waiting list for the machines.
And it’s not just new snowmobiles prompting the rush.
The four mechanics on staff at Cambridge Small Engines have been busy repairing and tuning up customers’ snowmobiles as well.
“My snowblower is broke, so I’d better fix it before the snow comes in,” Hugo Pineda said Friday, as he visited the store to set up his own servicing appointment.
Pineda estimates that he used his snowblower two or three times a week last winter – far more than during a typical year.
“You never know what kind of weather we’re going to have,” he said.
The Old Farmers Almanac claims to know better than most, and says much of Canada should expect a “T-Rex” of a winter, with frigid temperatures and ample snow.
Canada’s official meteorological service disagrees.
Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips told CTV News he’s expecting a less severe winter than the previous one.
“Even if it’s a normal winter, it will feel like a tropical heat wave compared to what we had to endure as Canadians last year,” he said.
Stale fuel and belt issues are among the most common problems seen with snowmobiles this time of year, Kinzie said.
