CAnadian prices of 15-18 dollars a metre are the exception rather than the rule. Cranston Prints (mostly what Walmart carries) is 9.00 a metre here in Newfoundland. Fabricville runs from 6.00 -15.00 but they often have great sales. My LQS is 7.00 a metre to 10.00 a metre. And there's a discount type store where they sell fabric by the yard at 5.95.
And of course all these places also have sale and some fabric will be lower. I visited one store that had ridiculous prices. I smiled at the lady bought a fat quarter and haven't been back.
And I always think of my metres like this, if I buy 8 metres I have an extra yard over and above if I bought it in yards. Adds up after a while.