When Canadians consider a move to another community or region, perhaps they should ask, "How Canadian is it?"

Canadian-owned corporations are a vanishing element in many local economies. Foreign purchases of Canadian companies shift perspectives, and, possibly even employment, outside the country. Corporate conversions like Bell Canada's recent transformation to an income trust continue to reduce corporate tax contributions. Bell's is predicted to represent C$1.1 billion in lost tax revenues.

If you're searching for a strong Canadian presence in a location you'd like to call home, zero in on educational institutions like colleges and universities. These organizations are usually intent on enriching area communities, and Canada at large, while furthering their own long-term goals for growth and development.

Canadian colleges and universities often provide local contributions beyond their education mandates. Although these institutions reach out to researchers and educators around the world, they do so from a strong foundation in their province or territory of origin. Many universities and most community colleges have satellite campuses -- some quite far flung -- that extend economic and employment benefits beyond the main campus and large urban centres. These organizations, which are significant landowners, employers and economic centres, warrant investigation when considering a community for your next home, as the following two examples demonstrate:

• University of Guelph leased 110 prime acres of its land to a pioneering private developer intent on creating an adult lifestyle housing project that fostered forward-thinking retirement lifestyles based on continued involvement in university cultures. The The Village by the Arboretum, which takes its name from the adjacent on-campus 500-acre green space, today houses over 900 residents in homes that range from single-family houses and condominiums to assisted living units. The on-site medical facility adds another community connection: "The doctors who practice from the Village by the Arboretum Medical Centre serve both the citizens of Guelph, as well as residents of the Village by the Arboretum active-living community."

• University of Victoria, with its main campus situated in the provincial capital city of the same name, fulfills its role as employer and communication centre with commitment beyond typical business standards. In 1985, the University purchased and dramatically renovated a unique 100 acre property in a rural area approximately 22 kilometers north of its campus. A failed business venture and the lack of a buyer had caused hardship for the previous owner and loss of employment in the area. The University researched possible uses for the real estate that would preserve the park-like setting. As a result, the existing building was dramatically renovated to create a state-of-the-art conference centre.
  
  Elevated construction for tree-top living

Opened in 1987, the Dunsmuir Lodge Executive Training & Conference Centre cleverly combines the pleasures of a rural setting with the sophistication of an internationally-renowned conference centre. Guests have included Prime Ministers, Secretaries of State, Foreign Ministers, and government and business leaders from around the world.

General Manager Bill Graham outlined the Lodge's numerous connections to adjacent rural communities and their residents:

• Dunsmuir serves as a local meeting place and celebrates area accomplishments. It hosts a continuing education program designed for community residents. Each month, artistic works from a different area artist are on display.

• Executive Chef Candace Hartley has ties with more than 40 local farms: "Every day, there is a parade of farmers coming up to the Lodge with fruit and vegetables picked that morning. We use local lamb and local fish markets, so, in that way, we support local industry in terms of the farming community."

• The policy is to recruit staff locally and to offer those starting their careers "good training so they can move on from the Lodge." Two thirds of the 65 employees live in the area. Graham feels the local hiring commitment contributes to the quality of service.

• The Conference Centre also functions as a 45-room hotel with a five-star dining room that may be better known in Vancouver than Victoria: "The University wants us to maintain a low profile in that regard so that [Dunsmuir] is not perceived by the local food and beverage and hospitality industry to be in competition with them ... . We will operate at much less than capacity in summer when we could get a premium for bedrooms and the meeting business dies down. We are open to the public, but do not promote that fact. It is difficult in maximizing revenue and making a contribution back to the University. There are very few properties like this in Canada that have that philosophy and exclude a part of their market in order to be community minded."

View of Sidney-by-the-Sea and Gulf Islands

Published: October 24, 2006

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" -- intent on "Challenging The Best Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 7 books and more than 1600 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy... Your Choice! (CatapultPublishing.com), which is filled with suggestions and insight on protecting and using home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?," which identifies 7 common mistakes professionals unknowingly repeat to their detriment, will be published in 2009. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors -- and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking -- a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on blogs, books and topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.