Foulab was actually the impetus for this conversation. I used to live in Montreal, although I only heard about it after I left (from an old friend). It's a great, lean, model and I definitely intend to visit next time I am in Montreal.
Saturday House was my other inspiration. I used to attend religiously when I lived in Seattle, and was always impressed with the level of discussion and the collective intelligence of the members. It seemed like it should have been the center of something bigger.
While you’re researching, check out Montreal’s Foulab: http://www.foulab.org/ http://makekw.org/montreals-foulab-featured-documentary-shor...