TORONTO - While there's plenty of snow in Western Canada to thrill skiers and snowboarders, tourism operators elsewhere in the country are starting to get a little nervous.
Winter weather has yet to arrive in Ontario and Quebec, and Environment Canada's long-term forecast isn't inspiring any optimism for substantial snowfall. Senior climatologist David Phillips says almost the entire country is expected to be warmer than normal from January through March.
That doesn't mean there won't be snow or freezing temperatures, but it's not good news for tourism operators already stressed by the mild season thus far.
The world's largest ice rink, Ottawa's Rideau Canal, is currently closed, a major Ontario ski resort has only three of 35 runs open, and the province's coming snowmobile and ice fishing seasons could be in jeopardy.
Phillips says businesses are desperately hoping that customers stay in a winter mood as temperatures hover above zero - otherwise, the season may be over before it begins.
"If your livelihood depends on winter, you're getting to the point where you're beginning to really worry," Phillips said.
"There's no insurance, there's no government bailouts that can help you out, and you really depend on nature - and nature has just been absent."
There's also a public safety worry that people will make bad decisions at the first sight of snow, he said.
"They bought equipment, they're anxious to try it out ... and sometimes don't make wise decisions," Phillips said.
"They go out there in very unsafe waters and they say, 'Gee, it's a short season, we better go for it while we can,' even though the ice is not safe."
