A proposed 2024 budget includes a 9% property tax increase for residential properties as well as a 1.5% increase to bolster a fund dedicated to building transit and housing.

The demolition of the former Ledo Hotel at 300 Elgin Street started on January 8 and is expected to take four weeks to complete.

The deal marks Stantec's second hefty acquisition in two months, as the Edmonton-based firm launches a three-year strategic plan to increase net revenue by roughly 60 percent.

While eight provinces reported gains in their respective residential sectors, those gains were offset by losses of more than $230 million in both of British Columbia and Quebec.

The result came as the number of full-time jobs fell by 23,500 in December, offset by a gain of 23,600 part-time jobs.