Alberta

Over time, the deal is also expected to bring stability to the housing market, "reducing the disparity between the cost of a home in Fort McMurray and a similar home in other parts of Alberta.

Alberta's fastest-growing suburban community recorded strong growth again in the past year. In fact, Airdrie's growth rate topped 8.3 per cent from 2010 to 2011, according to the City of Airdire's recent census.

Building activity is rebounding nicely in Calgary these days, with Alberta's largest city releasing figures that put new construction values up 44 per cent for the first seven months of 2011.

While Edmonton's building permit totals may be down slightly from 2010, there's still demand for building space, particularly in the industrial sector, where Colliers International recently reported lower vacancy rates for the overall Edmonton area m

Unlike most airport properties, Skyport lots are sold, not leased, and lots can be used for a wide variety of purposes including hangar-residence combinations. Lots start at around $109,000.

Fears two years ago that downtown Calgary would be awash with vacant office space in 2012 seem a distant memory these days.

"Steady Eddie" may be on his way out the door as Alberta's premier, but not without offering hope to those looking for provincial cash for a new downtown Edmonton arena.

There's more saber rattling going on in northeast Alberta oilpatch municipalities these days, and it's producing threats to curb development.

It seems fast-food franchises and souvenir shops are safe in Banff - for now.

Spring Creek developer Frank Kernick said interest in Canmore from vacation-home buyers is on the upswing again, thanks to an improved oilpatch in Alberta. "The market is chugging along. It's like Calgary. It's not rocking, but it's chugging along.