Worried about corporate transformation? I wouldn't worry too much knowing that Ottawa and a few other mid sized cities have grown more in terms of population rate and expanse than the three bigger ones. That trend is more likely to continue when people seek a less congested city which is not as strapped for funds as Montreal is with its on-going debts inherited from failed Olympic projects. Place much of that enlargement means Ottawa is newer, its water pipes and sewage system is not falling to pieces like here in this Quebec city.
So people hate Montreal politics and may eye Ottawa for its scenic Rideau canal but then again Montreal has its mountain in the middle with its tam-tam goers that frequent the slopes religiously. It has become the city of festivals which although attractive has had its downside. There are two many festivals concentrated not only over the summer period but also over the winter as well. I used to think that planners would run out of buyers but it appears the city is strong enough to sustain all of them yet the viewing public for some may be less than others.
Toronto has the atmosphere of being like a middle American city. I get the impression of not being able to make more than several appointments in a day, something I can do in Montreal with relative ease. Alright the city is on an island whereas Toronto has now spread out to encompass cities that were once suburbs like Scarborough. Rent in Toronto is astronomical compared to Montreal, one would have to pay at least 700 bucks for a basement apartment which may nit be conveniently located. While in Montreal it is still possible to live on your own, above ground for 500 near the center of the city.
One way to choose affordable housing is not just by looking on the web but by scanning ads in local papers and consulting bulletin boards. I would check in with the older tenant to see what the rental hike would be before jumping in.
Since I am into directing/producing short films these days besides finding artsy venues to show my art, I'll choose Montreal over Ottawa or Toronto as a place to get people involved and by the relative easiness to find spaces and venues to put on shows or do rehearsals. Again with Ottawa there aren't as many repertoire cinemas or joints with a screen as there are in Montreal be it a café or converted cinema establishment. Toronto is too spread out. When I was there a couple of years ago for their festival it took me too long to combine visiting venues that I was able to do in Montreal or Ottawa.
One can still get volunteers by the dozen in this city, people who will work in order to further their expertise or if they are students to add something on their resume or school curriculum that they were able to assist a production company in order to make a marketable product. This may be true for Toronto and Ottawa but then again because of the higher standard of living and working low budgets I wouldn't choose Toronto unless I were able to crash at someone. The number of student films and student work posted on the web for Toronto puts Montreal and Quebec to shame.
