Montreal, for most of Canada's history, was the face of the country. It was culturally, economically, politically, and socially Canada's centre. It was also where the Canadian establishment resided and all the trappings that came with that. One only need walk around Montreal to see evidence of Montreal's former status.
Toronto may have passed Montreal in population 1978-1979 but the re-making of Toronto as Canada's metropolis is an ongoing process. The last piece of the puzzle and most elusive will be the sense of self confidence and cultural maturity that alpha cities all possess. Toronto still suffers from self doubt and persistent feelings that it doesn't measure up. Torontonians seem to be in a mad rush to acquire any and every bauble (like an NFL franchise) it feels will prove that it's a true global metropolis. Ironically, it all comes across as culturally insecure/immature.
Toronto is definitely Canada's top dog today but I sense it will take another generation or 2 before the population takes pride in its self and starts to value its own culture. For now the mindset is still: if it's from here it's crap and must be discarded immediately.
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World's First Documented Baseball Game: Beachville, Ontario, June 4th, 1838.
World's First Documented Gridiron Game: University College, Toronto, November 9th, 1861.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats since 1869 & Toronto Argonauts since 1873: North America's 2 oldest pro football teams
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