I would recommend to have a look at Tern. They are "compact cargo", but can be used for commuting as well. They are quite expensive, but if you also want to use the bike for groceries and hauling stuff (or riding kids to school), they are great. They somehow compete with a second car, and for some people this argument offsets the higher price tag.

Since you write "regardless of the budget", one I like is the Orbea Kemen: it's more expensive than the Gazelle (CAD 5k for the base version - it's Shimano, not Bosch that being said): quite light for a bike of this category, it's more a "hardtail MTB with fenders" than a city bike (so less upright position, but without being "agressive" either). Rides well on pavement, and quite capable off-road in dry conditions as well.