tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584846.post-76669188618367823502008-03-25T17:26:00.000-05:002008-03-25T17:26:00.000-05:00GB - Since surpassing Montreal in the 1950s or so, Toronto has been the financial center of Canada. In that regard, and others, it's the NY City of Canada. Its economy wasn't dominated by manufacturing like Buffalo's was in its heyday. Toronto has a much more favorbale position on the Great Lakes with a lot less snowfall and wind than Buffalo. Canada doesn't have a Sun Belt for Toronto residents to move away to without having to change citizenship. Canada does not have 45 or so others states with much lower taxes and friendlier business environments than Ontario. <BR/><BR/>Those are a few quick reasons why there's a big difference between TO and Buffalo's growth directions. Many other reasons for sure. I'm not saying Albany has no blame. The biggest problems Albany creates for Buffalo and Rochester are the added costs for doing business here. Population and wealth follow businesses and private sector jobs.<BR/><BR/>Instead of Toronto, it makes more sense to compare Buffalo at this point in time with other Rust Belt cities in highly-taxed anti-business states. Pittsburgh, Detroit, Youngstown, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com