If you're in a city where the roads are salted, then the surface is usually wet, rather than snow-covered. In that case, snow tires do not offer as good control. In any case, no matter what tire, driving carefully is most important. The real value of good snow tires is being able to have shorter stopping distances on ice or snow. I have had very good snow and ice performance from tires that are actually sold as all-season. There is no magic to this - each design has its compromises and tire wear is a major issue. When you drive a rental car in slippery condtions, leave lots of room and drive more slowly. The best results would be with studded snow tires but they are not permitted in many provinces. Chains are useful in hilly and mountainous country because they give forward traction on the drive wheels but they don't help with stopping.