As someone in Edmonton, once I go AWD, I'm not changing. Left turns across traffic, right turns into traffic, there is so much more confidence when on snow/ice. Yes, winter tires always help and they kick *** on AWD as well.

My advice, drive them both and see if the AWD and 6spd are lacking in the fun to drive area.

 

It's not just the snow. You need to take into account the terrains in your area. If it's relatively flat, you will be fine with RWD + snow tires. Add some hills and AWD is almost mandatory on top of snow tires.