Sorry, I just got curious and looked at the thread.

I hadn't been here before. No one mentioned the Nova Scotia connection.

Several points

1 - Halifax has quite a number of student residences which ARE available at low prices.
2 - Canada 3000 IS out of business, but there are others available, WestJet and Can-Jet, which I'd have to see if they are charter companies, and where they fly to/from.
3 - I'm sure we could have hosting from within the Folk Community. I belong to both the Harbour Folk Society in Halifax and the Helen Creighton Folklore Societies. Also, not far from Halifax, within few hours drive are places with Folk Venues, plus in August we have the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival.
4 - In October/Fall, we would NOT be able to access the Student housing. BUT we have the Celtic Colours Festival up in Cape Breton. 9 days of fantastic music.

I'll have to keep this thread on watch