Grizzly, thanks for taking the time for a great write up. living in Upstate NY, heated gear has been contemplated more than once. Again, appreciate the write up. As a side note just curious how you ride year round in Ontario. Do your roads get salted? Sorry for the 
Hey There GH,
Hope my write up has helped you make the right decision? You won't be disappointed living in upstate NY!
As for riding year round in Ontario, we live just outside Toronto and there is always nice days in February to ride... We do get some salt, but more sand than salt. Either way, you just have to be prepared to wash & dry your bike real good after every ride and it will never be a problem, at least it hasn't been for us. And let's face it, when you get a nice day to ride in the middle of winter, isn't it worth a little time with a bucket?
The next few days here is expected to be in the high 60's and some of my foolish friends have already put away their bikes until next April! I could never go that long without a ride!
Just in case you're wondering, no - I do not work for Gerbings... I just love their products and they have definitely allowed my wife & I to continue riding all year long in pretty much any weather, as long as the roads are safe for travel.
Go ahead a buy the heated gear, like I mentioned, you won't be dissappointed... Call it an early Christmas present to yourself??? Just a tip, I would look at the fully heated outer jacket rather than the vest or liner. The vest is almost useless as it only heats your core and everyone knows that it's your extremities that get cold first and once that happens you're done. The liner is better, but you still have the weight of your leather jacket and if it rains, your rain jacket as well, which makes for a lot heavier load to carry on your shoulders. The full outer jacket is the most expensive, but well worth the investment.
Good luck, stay warm & ride safe - all year!
Grizzly