Specsavers has appointed Jane Hoban as Managing Director of its Canadian operations effective March 1, 2026. The leadership change comes as the company marks five years in Canada, expanding from its first store in British Columbia to more than 270 locations across nine provinces and one territory. Hoban will guide the next phase of growth, aiming to expand access to affordable eyewear and eyecare while strengthening the brand’s national presence. Previously Trading Director for Specsavers in Australia and New Zealand, she brings extensive experience in marketing, product, and e-commerce leadership to the role. (Specsavers Canada – www.specsavers.ca)………….
Over the weekend, the City of Mississauga unveiled the new gym and Raptors 905 practice court at Paramount Fine Foods Centre-Sportsplex at 5600 Rose Cherry Place in Mississauga. A shared amenity between the City of Mississauga and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, during the basketball season, Raptors 905 will have an allocation of 75 percent of the gym time, with the remaining 25 percent available for community use. In the off‑season, this allocation will shift, with community use increasing to 75 percent and Raptors 905 using the court 25 percent of the time. (Paramount Fine Foods Centre – www.paramountfinefoodscentre.com)……….
Professional services and investment management firm Colliers has launched a Sale and Investment Solicitation Process on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., acting as court-appointed receiver for the owners of Fairmont Le Château Montebello in Québec’s Papineau region. Set on about 925 acres along the Ottawa River, the 210-room luxury resort is recognized as the world’s largest log structure and has hosted major events including the 1981 G7 Summit. The offering includes the hotel, a Stanley Thompson-designed golf course, marina, spa, meeting space, restaurants, and 685 acres of development land. About $17 million in upgrades were completed between 2019 and 2025. Initial bids are due April 7, 2026. (Colliers International Group Inc. – www.coprorate.colliers.com)……….
The Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a community for sharing sector-specific cybersecurity information and intelligence, and Retail Council of Canada have announced a strategic partnership to strengthen cybersecurity across Canada’s retail sector. By combining RH-ISAC’s global threat intelligence with RCC’s knowledge of the Canadian retail market, the initiative will help retailers address rising digital threats such as fraud and ransomware. RCC members will gain access to RH-ISAC cybersecurity resources, including real-time threat alerts, industry intelligence, and a complimentary trial membership. The partnership will also offer regional workshops in Vancouver and Toronto featuring hands-on training and networking with cybersecurity experts, helping retailers better protect their businesses, employees, and customers from increasingly sophisticated cyber risks. (Retail Council of Canada – www.retailcouncil.org)……..
First Capital REIT has announced plans to redevelop Westmount Shopping Centre in Edmonton, to modernize the property while strengthening its role as a community gathering place. Central to the plan is a new exterior breezeway called The Porch, creating a clear east–west connection through the site and improving visibility, walkability, and access to nearby transit, schools, parks, and community amenities. A new landscaped parking area on the west side will provide a more welcoming arrival and better site access. Additional improvements include enhanced pedestrian routes, accessibility upgrades, façade renovations, updated landscaping, and a refreshed brand identity, all designed to create a more attractive, functional, and vibrant destination for shoppers and local residents. Opportunities in the 1200 to 25,000 square foot range will be available and the construction timeline is 2026-2027. First Capital’s Ben Jasper is handling the leasing. (First Capital REIT – www.fcr.ca)………..
Happy St Patrick’s Day……March 17th is the day in the year when everyone is Irish and green apparel is in. May your troubles be less and your blessings be more………………have a great day.
And due to a travel schedule, Developers & Chains will not be issued on Wednesday, March 19th. The next issue will be on Monday, March 23rd……………