[palijer]

I live in Toronto and can confirm. People will say Torontonians are mean and aren't as friendly as the rest of Ontario/Canada, but when it snows you'll be hard pressed to find any able-bodied person not helping out random stuck cars they pass while walking. Much like the article says, you'll basically just get a wave or a shake of the head after the deed is done.

Plus I can't count the times I've seen folks looking confused at a transit stop and someone asks them if they need help before I get to them. Of course, the local will act annoyed the entire time while helping.

[wolverine876]

After a major snowstorm (not in Toronto), I encountered an elderly person trying to dig out their car. I took their shovel, with little interaction as is described, and dug them out. It was some work. I also shoveled the curb to the sidewalk and around to the driver side, so they wouldn't slip.

I handed the shovel back, and started leaving and noticed that they were headed into their home, not to their car. I inquired, and they weren't going anywhere. Maybe a bit more interaction beforehand would have helped.

[Mumps]

I think the difference of Toronto (versus much the rest of Canada) is not about helping dig/push cars slid down into the rhubarb, or high-centered on a snowbank - most all of Canadians likely would.

But in Calgary, Manitoba, Waterloo... I've done and seen people at this while also having a nice conversation.