Greatest Boom Ever

Cochrane town council appears poised to approve its 2026 budget at next week’s regular meeting, following last night’s committee of the whole session to review a draft that includes revisions requested during deliberations.     Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/4w7npf92  

With Edmonton’s civic election now six weeks in the rear-view mirror, it is a good moment to reflect on a few issues that had a big presence in the campaign, those that  didn’t , and how some from both categories are now playing out with the new council.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/464mbdhb  

Many people dream of escaping the 9-5 rat race.  In order to  succeed at this endeavor, one must realize that leverage and cash flow are essential to reaching one's goal. At this point, some believe that real estate is the answer and that when someone runs out of their own capital, they should joint venture their way to finding more money to buy more properties. This completely misses the point that the best joint venture partner one could ever have is owning your own business! It will teach you how to market yourself, deal in negotiations, present business plans to  bankers  and other useful skills that propel one forward. A business in and of itself can give you everything you  desire  in terms of financial freedom far beyond owning  numerous  rental properties which is what real estate seminars want you to believe. Below is the video of my favorite dialogue from the 2010 movie "The Social Network". Please have a look:   Video:  https:...

The price for natural gas is set to climb again, while power prices remain at the minimum mandated rate.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/5dnm3vuc     

An extra $81 billion over five years for updating and ramping up Canada’s defence systems — and holding up Canada’s end for NATO — represents great opportunity for Alberta companies, Peter MacKay says.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/bd8vb3v6  

Renting an infill apartment?       Better ask about a parking spot.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/mur69mcc     

A new commercial centre is in the works for a rapidly developing pocket of southwest Edmonton, with a multi-use complex set to be constructed in Windermere.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/yt52z6xa  

A group representing oil and gas drillers says it’s expecting a slight uptick in activity next year in Canada.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/2pahkp7b  

In line with typical seasonal trends, sales, new listings and inventory levels all slowed relative to last month.    https://www.creb.com/News/CREBNow/2025/December/december_2025_stats/  

Cochrane town council will review its revised draft of the 2026 budget tonight during a committee of the whole meeting, following deliberations that have resulted in a larger operational budget than initially proposed by town administration.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/4tpf8yfk  

Calgary lost nearly a quarter of its treated water supply last year due to leaky pipes, so the city has launched a program to address that problem more quickly. The catastrophic  Bearspaw feeder main break  last June only accounted for 0.5 per cent of the city’s 22 per cent water loss in 2024, according to the city. It’s an issue the city says it's been trying to get a handle on for decades. According to data provided by the city, Calgary’s water loss has been above 20 per cent for at least five years. Over that time, it peaked in 2019, when it hit 24 per cent.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/4thfneeh