Saskatchewan-Manitoba

Regina's rock-bottom office vacancy rate may be rising for the first time in years due to a rush of new construction.

Brightenview will break ground this fall and take between 18 and 24 months to complete the project according to CEO Joe Zhou, who dismissed the many skeptics. "The train has left the station," Zhou told reporters. "There is no turning around.

The largest shopping centre in Canada is being proposed for tiny - population 640 - Dundurn, Saskatchewan as China-based Brightenview Development says it plans to bring hundreds of Asian manufacturers direct to the North American heartland.

The rising population has prompted the construction of a new middle school, which opened last fall, and a new high school, scheduled to be finished next year.

With a retail vacancy rate of 1.97 per cent, the lowest in Saskatchewan and perhaps in North America, Saskatoon is also on track for record retail sales this year.

Inflow of people "Regina is attracting workers from across Canada and around the world," said Mayor Michael Fougere, noting many people are returning to a city they left for greener pastures years ago. Population growth in Saskatchewan hit 6.

The 22-year old 201 Portage tower is going to lose its title as the tallest building in Winnipeg. The 33-storey structure will be eclipsed by a new tower by Fortress Real Developments Inc.

Lingerie is hot, discount sporting goods are not. That appears to be the message from a couple of major retail players in Winnipeg.

A growing number of Winnipeg retailers are turning to the Internet's most powerful search engine to increase the visibility of their businesses.

Shyness is not going to be a problem for the newest star of the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Recently arrived from the Toronto Zoo, Hudson is the first polar bear at the zoo since 2008.