Wanted to update this to report on what I've done so far. I did talk with Scotiabank but over the phone, they weren't able to give me an idea of what credit limit they would be able to give me without me actually submitting an application (and having them run an inquiry on my credit report). Sounded like I might be better off going into a branch to have the conversation because on the phone I could only talk to "sales" but in person I could speak with a banking representative. Wasn't going to be able to get there today, so in the meantime, I decided to have another conversation with my own bank. I last spoke to them in April, asking for an increase to my LOC to absorb the balance on my credit card. They only offered me a debt consolidation loan with high monthly payments, and would have cancelled my credit card (which I need because I have to make purchases for work and submit for reimbursements). So all I did at the time was switch to a lower interest rate card, and simmer with resentment because I felt the problem was a failure to understand the nature of my remuneration, which includes both salary and housing allowance. Then over the summer, I got a letter offering to increase the limit on my VISA - which is through the same bank. Confusion - if you're offering me more credit, why wouldn't you offer it to me where I want it???
Today I had a much better time of it. They were able to conditionally approve an increase to my LOC to absorb my credit card balance, bringing the interest rate on the total amount to about 7%. I just need to take proof of income and investments into the branch on Monday for the transfer to take place. I offered that they could reduce the limit on my credit card substantially, which they will do. So now I will only have $12500 available to me on my credit card - I think that'll do!
Am trying to decide whether it's still worthwhile going into a Scotiabank branch to explore the possibilities for that .99% on balance transfers for 9 months with no balance transfer fee. And when I go into the Royal branch on Monday, I must remember to ask about transferring back to a credit card with no annual fee, and with other perks such as points ...