I'm afraid it is the reality of our winters! Unlike most of the country, we tend to have milder, therefore icier winters. We had a slushy snow last week, then the temperature dropped below 0c so even the slush froze. Instead of the sidewalks, we decided to take the dog to the golf course, but even the snow on the grass was frozen over so hard you couldn't break through the crust.
After a day or two the sidewalks aren't too bad since everyone has a chance to salt and sand them. We are responsible for the sidewalk in front of our houses, as are commercial properties responsible for theirs. The city takes care of the streets and in front of bus stops. as well as sidewalks that are not in front of properties.
My DH has studded grips for his boots and says they are wonderful.