I applied as inland spouse in toronto, I just received my interview letter for granting PR status today.
My timeline:
Application sent/received: 2004-02-02 (sent) / 2004-02-06 (received)
Start processing: 2004-03-23
AIP letter received:2004-07-16
Decision made letter: 2004-07-26
Interview letter received: 2004-10-25
interview date: 2004-11-08
After second letter, it only takes 3-4 months to get your interview letter and 4 weeks for PR card from Toronto Scarborough case center. The CIC agent told me. So it proves it doesn't have to take long time to apply within Canada.