Great Canadian City Rivalries

[O-Town Hockey]

I think there is a significant unspoken rivalry between Ottawa and Calgary. We are a bit resentful that they have now passed us in population and it definately stings when they get such great (and tall) towers such as Bow and EAP. I think we still have them beat with regards to medium-high density residential in central neighbourhoods as well as continuous urban form, but these all result from Ottawa being a much older and more established city. This rivalry may be short-lived though, as the more Calgary continues to change into a booming metropolis, the less they will have in common with Ottawa. Ottawa will likely always be a medium-size city with a small city feel and Calgary will be a medium-sized city with a big city feel.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by ErickMontreal

Off the top of my head, I would say :

Québec city vs Montréal
Saint John vs Moncton vs Halifax

To which someone123 replied:

Originally Posted by someone123

Are those really rivalries?

The inference being that he believes that Halifax has no rival in Atlantic Canada.........

I agree that Halifax is the largest, most influential and most powerful city in the east and thus should not fear the growing influence of other Maritime (or Atlantic) cities but you wouldn't know this from some of the panic you sometimes see arising from the Halifax sub-forum especially with regards to Moncton.

For example, there was no interest by the Haifax forumers regarding a new stadium for their city until Moncton was awarded a regular season CFL game, then poof.......the paranoia began. The panic escalated when Moncton took the Uteck Bowl from them until at least 2015.

Major concerts like the Rolling Stones or AC/DC in Moncton are also sure to cause a serious case of navel gazing and soul searching in Halifax.

It's actually rather amusing to watch. Haligonians are usually so certain of the central place they hold in the Maritime universe, that it really does shake them to the core when something happens that actually gives them some self doubt regarding this unassailable status.

It's a bit like a devoutly pious Christian suddenly coming to the realization on his deathbed that there is in fact no God.

[Dmajackson]

Halifax vs. Moncton is a widely accepted one in the Maritimes though its mainly so we have some to compete with.

Moncton vs. Saint John has been and forever will be happening

One of the great things about being small and way off of the beaten path is nobody develops a grudge against you. Halifax and Moncton are rivals in the business world but really we get along great and help each other out. The same applies for the Maritimes in general, all 10 cities get along and are like siblings. We may fight from time to time but its never serious or long-lasting.

[Cambridgite]

Originally Posted by caltrane74

Toronto's main rivals

Canadian Rivals..

2. Hamilton

That's definitely true. Not only do you have the Argos vs. Tie-Cats dynamic going on, but I've noticed a lot of people from southeastern Ontario (moreso Niagara) seem to have a special distaste for Toronto. They all think it's a crime ridden hellhole (a rich statement, when comparing to Canada's sin-city Niagara Falls), chaotic, and prefer their "small towns".

I never really noticed the same level of distaste for Toronto back in KW-Cambridge. I suppose there's distaste for big-city snobbishness, but not for the city itself.

Disclaimer: Yes, I realize that most SSP Torontonians are fairly knowledgable about other parts of the country. But there are seriously people from Toronto who think everything in southern Ontario past the last GO train is "the woods".

So as much as people from the smaller centres around the GTA may talk crap about Toronto, it definitely goes the other way as well. In the former case, I think it's about getting all your knowledge about life in Toronto from the CBC. In the latter case, I think it's a product of a lot of people from Toronto not being well travelled within their own country.

[vid]

People here who haven't been to Toronto think it is a crime infested hellhole full of smog.

People here who have been to Toronto move there two weeks later.

[floobie]

Originally Posted by Cambridgite

In the latter case, I think it's a product of a lot of people from Toronto not being well travelled within their own country.

I think a lot of rivalry stems from this. And it's understandable. Canada is enormous. I'm a pretty good example of this, actually. I've literally never been further east (in Canada) than Drumheller. The only big Canadian cities I've been to are Calgary (where I live), Edmonton, and Vancouver. I've been to the states and all over western Europe, but my view of Canada is pretty limited to the west... the south west, at that.

I'll admit that in my younger years I had a general resentment of "the east", the "centre of the universe", etc... I've definitely out-grown that though. I'd really like to see Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and the maritimes in general (those recent Newfoundland and Labrador tourism commercials were really, really effective!) I'd like my perception of Canada to be a bit more complete, compare and contrast and all.

As far as specific rivalries, I can only really go by what I've observed myself. The Calgary - Edmonton rivalry is undeniable, be it in sports, or other aspects. I've never really witnessed much between Calgary and Vancouver. Most people I talk to really like Vancouver, and I definitely do as well.

I do think Calgarians are often jealous of Toronto, and I can understand that. Realistically, Calgary will probably always be playing second/third fiddle to Toronto in a lot of ways, especially in international "mind share". When you think of a country and its associated big cities that end up sort of defining the country, there's always one or two that really stand out. In Japan it's Tokyo, China has Shanghai and Beijing, S. Korea has Seoul, Germany has Berlin and Frankfurt, France has Paris, and in Canada it's definitely Toronto (and probably Montreal). It doesn't really bother me, but I'm sure that's why Calgarians can often get defensive of their "status" as a Canadian city.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by O-Town Hockey

I think there is a significant unspoken rivalry between Ottawa and Calgary. We are a bit resentful that they have now passed us in population and it definately stings when they get such great (and tall) towers such as Bow and EAP. I think we still have them beat with regards to medium-high density residential in central neighbourhoods as well as continuous urban form, but these all result from Ottawa being a much older and more established city. This rivalry may be short-lived though, as the more Calgary continues to change into a booming metropolis, the less they will have in common with Ottawa. Ottawa will likely always be a medium-size city with a small city feel and Calgary will be a medium-sized city with a big city feel.

I have never heard of a Calgary vs. Ottawa rivalry. This would be the first time.

I guess you could call it private business vs. government.

[caltrane74]

Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa... all have basically the same population. For sure there should be some natural rivalry there for business and growth in the future. - You've all reached that same critical mass at the exact same time.

Ottawa has a very vibrant high tech business sector thats for sure.. and it will continue to grow alongside of Calgary in the future... and of course they have the government to fall back on, but I don't think they need that as much as the software developers.

[Cambridgite]

Originally Posted by floobie

I think a lot of rivalry stems from this. And it's understandable. Canada is enormous. I'm a pretty good example of this, actually. I've literally never been further east (in Canada) than Drumheller.

Well if it makes you feel any better, I've never been west of Sault Ste. Marie (that's northeastern Ontario).

But I am quite familiar with the east. I spent my childhood in New Brunswick, have tons of family in Newfoundland, and have lived in southern Ontario for the past 14 years, with the odd trip to eastern Ontario/Quebec.

I plan on visiting out west once I get a bit of money and more time on my hands.

Originally Posted by floobie

and the maritimes in general (those recent Newfoundland and Labrador tourism commercials were really, really effective!).

Definitely go! Visit St. John's. You will not be disappointed. It's a city that punches well above its weight in urbanity and local culture. Actually much moreso even than cities in Ontario that are multiples of its size.

P.S. Newfoundland isn't part of the maritimes, but I'll forgive you.

Originally Posted by floobie

I'd like my perception of Canada to be a bit more complete, compare and contrast and all.

I think the people with the most balanced view are the ones who've lived in small towns, mid-sized cities, and large cities over extended periods of time. Also, while we're talking about regional differences here, the big city, mid-sized city, and small town/rural divide is more pronounced.

Someone from Toronto is likely more able to transition to the lifestyle of Vancouver or Calgary than they are to the lifestyle of Tilsonburg or some farm in Eastern Ontario.

[someone123]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I agree that Halifax is the largest, most influential and most powerful city in the east and thus should not fear the growing influence of other Maritime (or Atlantic) cities but you wouldn't know this from some of the panic you sometimes see arising from the Halifax sub-forum especially with regards to Moncton.

Yes, sometimes it helps to have a sense of perspective.

Moncton:


Source

Dartmouth, a suburb of Halifax:

Source

Halifax:

Source

[Cambridgite]

^True enough but skylines don't always tell the full tale.

Which city is the larger and more important American city?



http://www.travelblissful.com/wp-con...ia-skyline.jpg



http://www.minkler-photo-gallery.com...ight-close.jpg

[someone123]

Yes, it's possible there are some bank offices hiding in the woods by Moncton.

[Cambridgite]

Originally Posted by someone123

Yes, it's possible there are some bank offices hiding in the woods by Moncton.

Haha. Not arguing that Moncton is anywhere near Halifax in size and importance. All I'm saying is that skylines aren't the best metric to base it on.

Monctoners: Care to let me know what that big white stick is in the middle of your downtown?

[SpikePhanta]

Originally Posted by vid

People here who haven't been to Toronto think it is a crime infested hellhole full of smog.

People here who have been to Toronto move there two weeks later.

I have been to Toronto and I like the city but I would never move to Toronto
Too Car centric and humidity kills. But other than that and a few other minor things, Toronto is a pretty good city.

[caltrane74]

Car Centric? WTF? - I don't drive, I take the streetcar... and I'm ok getting around town.

[Architype]

All Canadian cities are basically good cities when put in world context, the biggest problems are usually caused by unemployment.

There is a rivalry between St. John's (Atlantic Canada's #2), and Halifax. Nimbyism & heritage in St. John's has prevented most potential highrise development for the last 20 - 30 years, and developers don't try to build much outside the downtown. Sprawl there is alive and prospering.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by someone123

Yes, it's possible there are some bank offices hiding in the woods by Moncton.

The Atlantic Canadian head office for the National Bank is located in Moncton. Also, the NB/PEI regional head office for the Royal Bank and I believe the Bank of Montreal are also in Moncton.

I realize that this does not compare to "bankers row" in downtown Halifax but it does count for something....

Also, we have the head offices of Assumption Mutual Life Insurance and Medavie Blue Cross Insurance in Moncton. The Atlantic regional offices for Wawanesa Insurance are also in the city, so the banking/insurance industry is modestly well represented in Moncton and account for at least a couple of thousand jobs.

Originally Posted by Cambridgite

Monctoners: Care to let me know what that big white stick is in the middle of your downtown?

That's the Aliant Tower, a microwave communications tower that has outlived it's usefulness but at 110M (roughly the same as a 35 storey building) has become an unofficial icon of the city. They really should put an observation platform at it's top.

[PoscStudent]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The inference being that he believes that Halifax has no rival in Atlantic Canada.........

I agree that Halifax is the largest, most influential and most powerful city in the east and thus should not fear the growing influence of other Maritime (or Atlantic) cities but you wouldn't know this from some of the panic you sometimes see arising from the Halifax sub-forum especially with regards to Moncton.

For example, there was no interest by the Haifax forumers regarding a new stadium for their city until Moncton was awarded a regular season CFL game, then poof.......the paranoia began. The panic escalated when Moncton took the Uteck Bowl from them until at least 2015.

Major concerts like the Rolling Stones or AC/DC in Moncton are also sure to cause a serious case of navel gazing and soul searching in Halifax.

It's actually rather amusing to watch. Haligonians are usually so certain of the central place they hold in the Maritime universe, that it really does shake them to the core when something happens that actually gives them some self doubt regarding this unassailable status.

It's a bit like a devoutly pious Christian suddenly coming to the realization on his deathbed that there is in fact no God.

I also noticced a few upset forumers when Exonmobil relocated to St. John's from Halifax.

Halifax is always considered the main rival for St. John's seeing it's the closest major city but I don't think they no the rivalry is going on.

[Bdog]

Originally Posted by caltrane74

Car Centric? WTF? - I don't drive, I take the streetcar... and I'm ok getting around town.

That's probably because you live downtown, or close to it... In the overall scheme of things, Toronto is somewhat car centric (take a bus down Eglinton Ave East, for example, a 7 lane behemoth with huge parking lots on both sides). Heading out to Etobicoke or Scarborough every so often puts things into perspective....

[Bdog]

Originally Posted by PoscStudent

Halifax is always considered the main rival for St. John's seeing it's the closest major city but I don't think they no the rivalry is going on.

It's kind of like when Lebron doesn't know that the rivalry between him and Deshawn Stevenson is going on...