I'm getting along very well with my new House small body steel string. Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, volute, Gotohs, and a cool light green line in the binding. It is viewable at House's website (www.house-guitars.com). I got it primarily to teach with (but it'll see lots of other duty) so it stays in standard tuning most of the time. About a week after getting it, it suddenly decided to open up, and it continues to develop a very nice timbre.

I would also recommend anything built by Marc Beneteau (www.beneteauguitars.com). One of mine, a 1995 6 string, has a nice tight waist and a big sound worthy of any player (Tony McManus liked it this past August). It's my first call guitar.

A former student of mine has a Thompson which always impressed me.

Glen Reid makes some nice and not overly expensive instruments.

These are all Canadian builders. I figured this was what you were aiming for.

Peace, Mooh.