The fact that the words spring and cleaning have become nearly inseparable doesn't make the task any easier. Nor does it make it any less avoidable. Just as the changing of the seasons signals a return to warmer weather, it also indicates to those that have spent the winter months slumbering that their excuses have evaporated away along with the snow.

Needless to say, the task of tackling months of neglect in one afternoon or even a long weekend is far easier said than done. While it might seem very little work went into getting things to a state of disarray, undoing all that neglect can prove to be a monumental task. However, with a plan in mind and a little elbow grease, even the biggest jobs can be accomplished.

For those who've had their fill of the hustle and bustle of the big city and yearn for a different way of living, perhaps it's time to embrace the option of acreage life.

With Calgary surrounded by wide open prairies, rolling foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains, opting to live outside city limits has some obvious advantages.

Debbie LeBlanc has spent the last 25 years living on an acreage between Cochrane and Calgary. Having previously lived in Calgary, LeBlanc says the move was encouraged in large part by the ability to be closer to the great outdoors.

Alberta's housing market continues to hold top spot in all of Canada, sitting "head-and-shoulders" above the rest of the province in several economic categories.

The province's place at the top of the national outlook is the topic of a recent release from BMO Capital Markets, which points to employment, wages and interprovincial migration as the biggest reasons for the province's prosperity.

Chestermere's Town Council has approved the master area structure plan for the 2,400 acre Waterbridge Development in West Chestermere.

"After extensive review and hard work by all involved, we're excited to see the plan for Chestermere's West side take place," said Chestermere Mayor Patricia Matthews. "We expect future plans, including the large commercial area in phase one, will be reflective of Chestermere's unique character and anticipate we will be seeing those plans quickly."

Calgary's Chinook Centre is amongst the top 10 most productive malls in North America, according to a report from US publication Retail Insider.

Placing tenth overall and fifth in Canada, the southwest Calgary mall brought in $1,108 per sq. ft. in 2013. In 2012, Chinook Centre ranked seventh overall bringing in $1,055 per sq. ft. while retaining its status as the fifth most productive shopping centre in the country.

One possible concern pointed out in the report is the impact of the declining Canadian dollar on retailers north of the border. With dollar amounts for U.S. shopping centres in US dollars and Canadian centres in Canadian dollars, next year's ranking could change significantly.

With spring finally appearing on the horizon, Calgary's construction season will soon be kicking into high gear. Along with all the new homes breaking ground, contractors around Calgary will also be busy helping to undo the damage done by the June floods that struck the city.

With more than 2,600 buildings impacted as a result of the floods, the City has launched a safety campaign aimed at ensuring all the work is completed in proper fashion.

"We want to ensure property repairs and construction work is done safely and meets all safety codes and standards, resulting in a safe building," notes Kevin Griffiths, chief building official, Development & Building Approvals. "Creating a safe property for our families, tenants or customers requires construction work to meet the standards and requirements of all applicable codes and City bylaws."