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Alberta Economic Fundamentals

Alberta, Idaho to study nuclear role in oilsands

A research partnership between the Alberta and U.S. governments will investigate the possibility of using atomic power to fuel oilsands development.

The Alberta Research Council and the U.S. Energy Department`s main nuclear laboratory in Idaho signed a co-operation agreement Friday calling for work to investigate the potential to use electricity, heat and chemical byproducts produced by reactors proposed north of Edmonton in the region`s oilsands plants.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news...5d-1d60a965b153
 
Selling your losers can be a great way to reduce your capital gains

Edmonton / When it comes to selling investments, the old saying is buy low, sell high.

Tax-loss selling is one of the very few times you might actually sell low.

It`s simply a tax strategy to minimize capital gains from other sources, and only applies to investments outside the RRSP. It can include such things as mutual funds, stocks and property (other than personal residence) like rental property or family cottages.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news...aa-9b2bb55847ac
 
Snooze under starry skies

I should have guessed that after writing a column about the benefits of living in Strathmore a couple of weeks ago, which included a mention of its fine hospital, I would be reminded that High River also has a hospital and is a great place to reside and raise a family.

The town has a population of just over 10,000 and, along with the surrounding communities, is well served by the High River General Hospital. It`s a grand facility for a town of that size, with 32 active treatment and 75 long-term care beds. There is also a 24-hour paramedic service.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/l...1e-5073d168c832
 
`Wal-Mart index` can help buyers

Years ago, I used to look at the "Big Mac Index."

I noted the price of a McDonald`s Big Mac in different cities. Based on what that price was ($1.50 versus $3, say), I would understand the relative strength of the economy in that city.

Then I looked at the "Costco index."

Wherever a Costco store opened was seen as a good place to buy real estate, as that company obviously did its research on the viability of the local economy before opening a new outlet.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/s...1d-75b1a373f942
 
Computer program helps track tenants

A call from a friend with a property problem set Stephane Grenier on the path that would lead him to a million-dollar business.

The friend had just bought a four-plex apartment and was having trouble finding a reasonably priced, easy-to-use computer program that would let him track tenants and maintain an accounting system.

It was a conundrum right up the 34-year-old software developer`s alley.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/n...aa-563686475a5a
 
Resale housing prices predicted to soften

Resale home prices are going to continue to soften in Calgary and across Alberta as the year progresses, providing some affordability relief, says a Royal Bank economist.

In its most recent Housing Affordability survey, the bank found that prices from October to December in Calgary declined as much as $42,000 compared to the July to September period, something that is likely to continue.

"There is a lot of volatility in the quarter-over-quarter price declines that we saw across all home segments in Alberta," says RBC economist Amy Goldbloom.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/n...05-ac09f8da968e
 
Energy security focus of U.S. trade mission

Energy security and economic opportunities were top of mind during a two-day regional trade mission to Alberta led by Washington state Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

The lure of oilsands combined with the hot economy and the prospect of greater cross-border trade brought the delegation to Alberta but energy security was top of mind for congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers during the mission that wrapped up Friday.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/c...60-fb18d1aaf569
 
2007 census reveals bump, but 2006 total reduced

Fort McMurray`s shadow population -- temporary residents often working and living near one of the oilsands sites near the city-- is larger than ever, according to the latest population numbers.
Wood Buffalo`s 2007 municipal census, released Thursday, showed that the region`s temporary resident count has reached 18,572, almost doubling the 10,442 figure recorded in 2006.


http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/Local%20News/388444.html
 
Off the grid

Alberta could generate all the electricity it will need well into the future if only 10 per cent of homes started making their own electricity, says Red Deer MP Bob Mills.

Within the next few weeks, Mills and his wife Nicole will switch their remodelled and expanded farm house to a combination of solar and conventional power.

It will become the first home in Alberta equipped with two power meters: one to measure the power they buy and the other the keep track of the power they sell.

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradv...f_the_grid.html
 
Dawson Bridge next one to close for rehabilitation

EDMONTON - Perhaps it`s the curse of being River City, but Edmonton is facing more bridge repair.

As work on the James MacDonald Bridge heading into downtown winds to a close, the city is beginning preparations for its next bridge fix -- the Dawson Bridge next to the Riverdale neighbourhood.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news...4c6&k=92743
 
Snowmobilers snap up Crowsnest property

While some people consider winter to be off-season when it comes to making use of their recreation property, others look forward to the arrival of snow -- in particular, snowmobilers.

As rough mountain trails get smoothed over with deep snow, it opens up vast areas for snowmobilers to explore the scenery and beauty of the outdoors during winter.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news...fe-466dce9217c3
 
New plans in works for Longview Trail

High River town council and the Municipal District of Foothills are talking about traffic lights.
Not just any traffic lights.
The town wants to install lights at 7th Street and Highway 2A.
After a roundtable discussion last week, three motions were forwarded to Monday`s council meeting.


http://www.highrivertimes.com/News/388510.html
 
Bylaw on lookout for nuisance properties

Spring time can be a busy time for Wetaskiwin bylaw officers.
Now that a majority of the winter`s snowfall has melted away, peace officers will be out enforcing the city`s nuisance bylaw.
The bylaw covers such areas as derelict vehicles, nuisance properties that are considered unsightly or untidy because of excessive amounts of garbage on the property or structures that show signs of excessive physical deterioration.

http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/News/386785.html
 
Study reveals lower taxes in Stony

An annual study done by the City of Edmonton gave Stony Plain a better rating on property taxes than Spruce Grove.

The study, which compared nine municipalities in the Capital Region, indicated that Stony Plain had the lowest average tax, while Spruce Grove had the second highest average tax, behind St. Albert.

According to the numbers presented, Stony Plain`s property taxes are $461 less than Spruce Grove. The average property and utility charges for a single detached house is $4,243 in Stony Plain and $5,350 in Spruce Grove.

http://www.stonyplainreporter.com/Top%20Stories/388218.html
 
Greater Nisku offsite levy given first reading

Receiving a notice his offsite levy rate would jump from $3,000 an acre to $35,000 acre came as a jolt to Richard Nickel. His 2006 development permit stated he could expect to pay the lesser fee.
With a cheque in hand, Nickel presented his case to Leduc County March 25 after council reconvened the public hearing into the Greater Nisku Offsite Levy bylaw.

http://www.leducrep.com/News/387760.html
 
No break for construction industry

Although the numbers may fool many, City of Camrose chief building inspector Doug Delmage knows that new developments are coming fast and furiously.
This year`s building development dollar values may seem to be lower than previous years, but it is because contractors are catching up on permits pulled last year.
"It`s going to look like it`s slowing down but it isn`t. We`re still trying to catch up from last year. It hasn`t slowed down a bit," said Delmage, who is currently anticipating a lot of multi-million dollar projects in the next two years.

http://www.camrosecanadian.com/News/388506.html
 
Drayton Valley`s man of vision

In 1973 the population of Drayton Valley was less than 4,000. The town had seen scarcely any growth since the initial oil boom ended more than a decade earlier. Things were so slow that Mayor Lloyd MacLean suggested that the town abandon its motto "Oil Capital of the World," since it clearly wasn`t true and was in danger of making the community a laughing stock.

http://www.draytonvalleywesternreview.com/...ies/387069.html
 
Imperial Oil Sands plans dealt blow
CALGARY -- The federal government has revoked a key water permit for Imperial Oil Ltd.`s proposed $8-billion Kearl oil sands mine, delaying work on a major new oil sands development as environmental scrutiny of the massive projects around Fort McMurray intensifies. Imperial, which is majority-owned by Exxon Mobil Corp., has been granted an expedited court hearing, scheduled for early May, on its application to overturn the decision. The company says the lost permit could mean a delay of one or more years, according to an affidavit.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...331.RIMPERIAL31
 
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