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Toys “R” Us Canada Plans More Ontario Store Closures

Toys R Us at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket. Photo: Jaden Lee via Google Maps

Toys “R” Us Canada store closures are set to continue as new court filings confirm at least two more Ontario locations will shut as part of the retailer’s ongoing restructuring under creditor protection. The company has also indicated that additional underperforming stores could be closed as the process moves forward.

The latest developments come only weeks after the retailer sought protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, citing mounting debts, declining sales, and an oversized store network that had become increasingly unprofitable.

Court documents show that the Toys “R” Us store at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket will close by March 31, 2026, following a lease termination agreement with the landlord. The closure represents the latest step in the retailer’s effort to reduce costs and realign its physical footprint.

The company is also seeking court approval to close its store at Niagara Pen Centre in St. Catharines. For that location, Toys “R” Us Canada plans to issue a 30-day disclaimer notice, which would surrender the lease and allow the landlord to reclaim the space.

These two closures are the first specific locations identified since the company entered creditor protection earlier this month.

Filings Signal More Closures Ahead

Toys “R” Us Canada disclosed at the time of its filing that it operated 22 stores nationwide. However, the new court materials make it clear that this figure is not expected to remain stable.

The filings state that, if the CCAA protection period is extended, the company plans to close a subset of underperforming stores and liquidate their inventory. This would occur beyond the specific Newmarket and St. Catharines locations already named in the documents.

Court records describe the closures as part of a broader effort to reduce what the company characterizes as an oversized and historically unprofitable store network while it explores strategic alternatives under court supervision. As a result, the current 22-store count should be viewed as a ceiling rather than a long-term operating plan.

Toys R Us, Pen Centre. Photo: Toys R Us via Google Maps

Current Status of the CCAA Process

Toys “R” Us Canada entered creditor protection in early February 2026, with Alvarez & Marsal Canada appointed as monitor. The firm is overseeing the restructuring process, including negotiations with creditors, operational changes, and potential store rationalization.

The retailer now operates 22 combined Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores across the country. That number follows more than 50 closures over the past two years and exits from entire provinces, including British Columbia and effectively Saskatchewan.

As part of the restructuring, the company has paused its e-commerce operations and limited the redemption window for gift cards. Court filings also disclosed significant debts, including approximately $120 million owed to suppliers, along with substantial rental arrears and other obligations.

Financial Pressures Behind the Filing

Toys “R” Us Canada sought creditor protection after financial and operational pressures left it unable to meet obligations to vendors and landlords while continuing as a going concern. Management concluded that a court-supervised restructuring was the only viable alternative to an abrupt shutdown.

The company disclosed at least $120 million in vendor debt, along with substantial amounts owed to landlords and other creditors. It also faced multiple lawsuits over unpaid bills and rent, which created an immediate need for a stay of proceedings.

Court materials indicate that the retailer posted significant net losses in the months leading up to the filing. One affidavit cited a net loss of roughly $170 million in the ten months ended November 2025. Sales had declined through 2023 and 2024, and many stores had become unprofitable despite earlier cost-cutting efforts.

Over the previous two years, the company had already closed about 53 stores, exited some provinces, reduced staff, and attempted to renegotiate supplier terms. However, these measures did not restore financial stability.

Structural Challenges Facing the Chain

In its filings, Toys “R” Us Canada pointed to inflation and rising labour costs as key factors that pushed operating expenses higher. At the same time, consumers became more price-sensitive, which pressured sales and margins.

The company also cited supply chain disruptions and the continued shift toward e-commerce. These trends intensified competition from online players and big-box retailers, while reducing traffic in the chain’s large-format stores.

Analysts and court documents note that the retailer still carried a heavy legacy lease burden from its 2017 restructuring. At that time, the company did not shed enough underperforming locations, leaving it with costly and inflexible real estate commitments that have weighed on performance.

Why the Company Chose Creditor Protection

Management and the proposed monitor told the court that CCAA protection would provide breathing room to evaluate strategic alternatives. These options include further reducing the store base, selling assets, or pursuing a going-concern transaction.

The company warned that without creditor protection it risked an abrupt cessation of business. Such a scenario would likely reduce recoveries for creditors and immediately jeopardize roughly 650 jobs at the remaining 22 stores.

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Alberta Gift + Home Market Returns to Edmonton

Photo: Canadian Gift Association / CanGift

The Canadian Gift Association continues its 50th-anniversary year with the upcoming Alberta Gift + Home Market 2026, the region’s premier wholesale event for gift, home, fashion, and lifestyle retailers. Scheduled for February 22 to 24 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, the show is positioned as the largest B2B gift market serving Western Canada.

The Alberta Gift + Home Market 2026 follows the association’s recent national show in Toronto, which launched CanGift’s milestone year. The Edmonton event is expected to draw qualified buyers from across the Prairies and Western provinces who value a wholesale sourcing venue closer to home.

Over three days, more than 125 exhibitors from across Canada will present both new and established brands, offering retailers an opportunity to place orders, explore trends, and strengthen supplier relationships. The show is designed as a trade-only marketplace where buyers can source product across a wide range of categories, including giftware, home décor, fashion accessories, and lifestyle goods.

A Regional Hub for Western Canadian Retailers

The Alberta Gift + Home Market has long played a strategic role for retailers operating outside major eastern markets. By hosting a large-scale wholesale event in Edmonton, CanGift provides easier access to suppliers for businesses across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

The show’s positioning reflects the realities of Canada’s geography, where travel distances and logistics can shape how retailers approach buying cycles. A regional market allows store owners and buyers to discover products, compare assortments, and negotiate directly with suppliers without the need for cross-country travel.

Over the course of the event, CanGift describes the show as an environment that “inspires, informs, and entertains” qualified attendees while facilitating real business on the trade floor. For many independent retailers and regional chains, the show serves as a key buying opportunity ahead of major seasonal selling periods.

Event Details and Schedule

The Alberta Gift + Home Market 2026 will take place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, located at 7515 118 Avenue NW in Edmonton.

Show hours are scheduled as follows:

Sunday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The trade-only event is open exclusively to qualified retail buyers and industry professionals.

Part of a National 50th-Anniversary Show Calendar

The Edmonton market is one of several major shows taking place across the country in 2026 as CanGift marks its 50th anniversary. The association launched the year with its flagship Toronto Gift + Home Market in January, and the national show calendar continues in Atlantic Canada shortly after the Alberta event.

From March 8 to 10, the Atlantic Gift + Home Market will take place at the Halifax Convention Centre. 

The show will be co-located with the Craft East Buyers’ Expo through a new partnership between CanGift and Craft Alliance Atlantic, creating what organizers describe as one of the largest gift and craft trade events ever held in the Maritimes.

“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for the gift and craft industries in Atlantic Canada,” said Dwayne McKillop, President and CEO of the Canadian Gift Association. “We’re thrilled to work with Craft Alliance Atlantic to spotlight the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit found in this region.”

Bernard Burton, Executive Director of Craft Alliance Atlantic, emphasized the opportunity for retailers to access distinctive regional products. “By collaborating with CanGift, we are creating a national platform in Halifax that connects these makers with retailers looking for distinct, high-quality products,” he said.

The Atlantic show is expected to feature nearly 200 Canadian exhibitors, presenting a curated mix of commercial merchandise and handmade goods across categories such as lifestyle products, souvenirs, food, fashion, fine craft, art, textiles, and wellness.

Toronto Returns in August

The association’s anniversary year will continue with the Fall Toronto Gift + Home Market, scheduled for August 9 to 12, 2026, at the Toronto Congress Centre North building. As the national flagship event, the Toronto show traditionally attracts thousands of buyers and hundreds of exhibitors from across Canada and beyond.

The fall show’s hours will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sunday through Tuesday, with a final day on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Milestone Year for Canada’s Gift Industry

As the Canadian Gift Association marks 50 years, the 2026 show calendar highlights the organization’s ongoing role in connecting suppliers and retailers across a country defined by regional diversity. The Alberta Gift + Home Market 2026 stands as a key part of that national platform, offering Western Canadian buyers direct access to new products, emerging brands, and long-standing supplier relationships.

With its combination of regional accessibility and national reach, the Edmonton event reflects CanGift’s long-term strategy of supporting retailers where they operate, while maintaining a cohesive, coast-to-coast marketplace for Canada’s gift, home, and lifestyle sectors.

*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, contact Craig Patterson at craig@retail-insider.com

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Toronto Gift + Home Market Returns as Canada’s Largest Spring Wholesale Trade Event

Canadian Retail Faces Labour Paradox in 2026

A worker in a grocery store in Canada. Retail staffing and jobs are key words in Canada. Image: WorkBC

Canada’s retail sector is entering 2026 with a growing labour paradox. While the industry has shed thousands of positions, many retailers continue to struggle to fill frontline roles, creating operational pressure across stores.

A new sector report from Altrum on human resources in Canadian retail notes that the industry employs nearly three million people nationwide, yet lost more than 28,000 jobs in March 2025 alone. At the same time, many retailers are finding it difficult to recruit and retain in-store staff, particularly for entry-level and supervisory positions.

The disconnect is partly explained by structural changes in the sector. Corporate and head office roles have been reduced in some organizations, while stores continue to face staffing shortages driven by wages, working conditions, and limited career progression.

The findings illustrate what could be described as a Canadian retail labour paradox, where job losses and hiring challenges occur simultaneously.

Turnover remains the industry’s most pressing issue

High employee turnover continues to define the sector’s labour challenges. According to the report, 42 per cent of retail sales associates say they are considering leaving their jobs due to low wages, volatile schedules, and lack of growth opportunities.

Retail’s annual turnover rate is estimated at about 25.9 per cent, more than double the national average of 11.9 per cent. This constant churn increases recruitment and training costs, while also affecting customer experience on the sales floor.

When experienced staff leave, retailers must repeatedly train new employees, creating a cycle that limits productivity and consistency.

Hiring challenges persist despite job losses

Recruitment has become more difficult even as some positions disappear. The report notes that only 47.9 per cent of recruitment targets were met in 2024, reflecting the growing difficulty of attracting staff to retail roles.

Vacant positions are having measurable operational impacts. Staff shortages are leading to longer customer wait times, declining satisfaction, and increased pressure on managers, many of whom are covering additional shifts.

Retail roles often struggle to compete with other sectors on pay and working conditions. Average hourly wages in stores range from about $15 to $19.75, depending on the province. Many roles are part-time or seasonal, which further reduces their appeal to workers seeking stable income.

Skills gaps widen as retail becomes more digital

The shift toward omnichannel retailing and digital operations is also exposing a growing skills gap.

Nearly 68 per cent of companies report that employees lack some of the skills required for their roles. At the same time, 45 per cent of retail workers say they feel unprepared for digital transformation due to insufficient training.

Retail employees receive an average of just 12 hours of training per year, which is often insufficient as roles become more complex and technology-driven.

As a result, experienced staff carry heavier workloads, while companies struggle to promote internally or improve productivity.

Employee experience varies widely across locations

The report also highlights the importance of consistent employee experience across multi-store organizations.

Only 16 per cent of retail employees say they love what their company stands for, while 37 per cent say they do not feel heard by their employer. Additionally, 67 per cent report high levels of stress related to workload.

Frontline managers play a central role in shaping employee experience. However, practices often vary significantly from store to store, creating inconsistencies that can affect engagement and retention.

Diversity gaps affect both hiring and performance

The report identifies diversity, equity, and inclusion as another critical challenge.

About 39 per cent of candidates say they have turned down a job because they perceived the organization as non-inclusive. At the same time, research cited in the report suggests that stores perform better when employee diversity reflects customer demographics, with potential sales gains tied to better representation.

This creates both a social and financial incentive for retailers to build more inclusive workplaces.

Recognition emerging as a strategic retention tool

Across all six major HR challenges, the report positions employee recognition as a key strategic lever.

Companies with strong recognition practices see voluntary turnover rates that are 31 per cent lower than those without such programs. Recognition also contributes to higher engagement and job satisfaction, with 78 per cent of employees reporting improved satisfaction when their efforts are acknowledged.

The report argues that structured recognition programs, tied to company values and supported by frontline managers, can improve retention, engagement, and performance across multi-site retail organizations.

A sector at a turning point

Taken together, the findings suggest that Canadian retail is entering a period of structural adjustment. Job losses in corporate roles are occurring at the same time that stores struggle to attract and retain frontline workers.

This Canadian retail labour paradox reflects deeper changes in workforce expectations, compensation structures, and the nature of retail work itself.

For many retailers, the next phase of competition may depend less on store formats or product assortments, and more on their ability to recruit, train, and retain engaged employees in an increasingly complex labour market.

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Generative AI vs RPA: Key Trends Shaping 2026 Enterprise

Enterprises entering 2026 face a clearer – but more complex – automation landscape. Alongside long-established Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Generative AI is changing how organizations think about software-driven work. Teams investing in AI software development services are now weighing deterministic automation against probabilistic, language-driven systems that can reason, generate, and adapt. Understanding where each approach fits is becoming a strategic necessity rather than a technical curiosity.

Two Automation Paradigms, One Enterprise Reality

What RPA Still Does Best

RPA is built around rules, scripts, and predictable outcomes. Bots mimic human actions in user interfaces – logging into systems, copying data, validating fields, and triggering workflows. By 2026, RPA remains deeply embedded in finance, HR, procurement, and compliance-heavy environments because it offers:

  • High reliability for structured, repetitive tasks
  • Clear audit trails and deterministic behavior
  • Low risk when processes are stable and well-defined

However, RPA struggles when inputs vary, documents are unstructured, or decisions require interpretation rather than rules.

Where Generative AI Changes the Equation

Generative AI operates on probability and context. Instead of following rigid scripts, it can summarize contracts, draft responses, classify tickets, or generate code from natural language prompts. In enterprise settings, its value lies in handling ambiguity and scale:

  • Interpreting unstructured data such as emails, PDFs, and chat logs
  • Supporting knowledge work with drafting, analysis, and synthesis
  • Adapting to changing inputs without constant reconfiguration

The trade-off is reduced predictability. Outputs can vary, requiring new validation, governance, and human oversight models.

Key Trends Defining 2026

1. Convergence Through Hyperautomation

Rather than replacing RPA, Generative AI is being layered on top of it. AI handles understanding and decision-making; RPA executes actions across systems. This hybrid model – often called hyperautomation – allows enterprises to automate end-to-end processes that were previously fragmented.


Example: An AI model interprets an incoming customer complaint, extracts intent and priority, and passes structured instructions to RPA bots that update CRM records, issue refunds, or escalate cases.

2. Human-in-the-Loop Becomes Standard

In 2026, fully autonomous enterprise AI remains rare. Organizations increasingly design workflows where humans review, approve, or correct AI outputs before execution. This approach balances efficiency with accountability, especially in regulated sectors.

3. Governance Shifts From Scripts to Models

RPA governance focused on version control and process documentation. Generative AI governance adds new layers: model selection, data provenance, prompt management, and bias monitoring. Enterprises are formalizing review boards and audit mechanisms to manage these risks.

4. Skills and Cost Profiles Diverge

RPA development relies on process analysts and low-code tools. Generative AI initiatives require data engineering, model evaluation, and security expertise. By 2026, organizations are segmenting teams accordingly rather than expecting a single “automation” skill set to cover both.

Choosing the Right Tool in 2026: Risks and Limitations to Watch

Model drift

Generative AI behavior can gradually shift as underlying data, prompts, or usage patterns change over time. What once produced consistent results may begin to vary, affecting accuracy and reliability. Without regular evaluation and recalibration, these subtle changes can introduce hidden risks into automated business processes.

Explainability gaps

Unlike RPA scripts that follow transparent, rule-based logic, Generative AI decisions are often opaque. Tracing how a specific output was produced can be difficult, which complicates audits, compliance checks, and error analysis, especially in environments where accountability and regulatory clarity are essential.

Operational overhead

While Generative AI can improve flexibility, it also introduces new operational demands. Continuous monitoring, output validation, and model governance require time and expertise. If these needs are not addressed early, the effort to maintain quality and control may reduce the overall efficiency gains of automation initiatives.

Conclusion: Planning Beyond the Comparison

By 2026, the question is no longer “Generative AI or RPA?” but “How do they work together responsibly?” RPA remains the backbone of reliable process execution, while Generative AI expands automation into areas once reserved for human judgment. Organizations that align each technology with its strengths and invest equally in governance are better positioned to navigate the next phase of enterprise automation.

The most sustainable strategies treat automation as an evolving system, not a single tool choice.

How Canadian Retailers Can Protect Their Stores and Staff in Uncertain Times

Owning a retail shop in Canada is a rewarding challenge. You get the rush of the holiday season, the quiet days of January inventory, and the connection with your local neighborhood. But lately, the job feels a little heavier. Between shifting economic trends and worries about crime, store owners are looking for ways to keep their doors open and their people safe without losing sleep every night.

You don’t need a massive security budget to make a difference. Often, the best defense comes from small, practical changes that make your business a harder target and a safer place to work.

Check Your Corners and Lights 

Thieves generally look for the path of least resistance. They want to get in and out without being seen. Your job is to make that difficult. Start by walking around your property at night. Is the back entrance bathed in shadow? Is the side alley dark? Installing motion-sensor lights in these areas is a cheap, effective way to spook someone before they even try a door handle.

Inside the store, look at your layout through the eyes of a shoplifter. High-value items shouldn’t be tucked away in blind spots where your staff can’t see them. Move expensive stock closer to the register or in direct view of the main floor. If you have cameras, make sure they are actually recording and that the angles cover the entrances clearly.

Give Your Team the Right Tools

Your employees are your eyes and ears. When they feel confident, they make better decisions. Training shouldn’t just be about how to use the point-of-sale system; it needs to cover safety too.

Talk to them about what to do if they see something suspicious. More importantly, give them permission to prioritize their own safety over merchandise. If a situation gets heated or someone tries to rob the store, they need to know that you support them stepping back and letting the police handle it. A team that feels supported is more alert and less anxious.

Have a Backup Plan That Works

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things go wrong. A winter storm might burst a pipe, or a break-in could damage your storefront. This is where your financial safety net matters most. A well‑structured insurance policy can help reduce the financial impact of unexpected events.

Working with a provider like Aviva Insurance can help you explore coverage options tailored to common risks Canadian businesses face. Whether it is liability issues or property damage, having the right partner may mean a bad week doesn’t turn into a permanent closure. It allows you to recover quickly and get back to business.

Lock Your Digital Doors Too

We spend so much time worrying about the physical lock on the front door that we forget the computer in the back office. Small retailers are common targets for cyberattacks because hackers assume they have weaker security than big corporations.

Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure and separate from the network customers use. Update your passwords regularly, and don’t use “123456.” Teach your staff to be skeptical of weird emails asking for sensitive information. A little bit of digital hygiene protects your customer data and your reputation.

You built your business with hard work and long hours. Protecting it shouldn’t feel like an impossible task. By tightening up your physical security, backing up your staff, and ensuring your insurance is solid, you create a foundation that can weather the storms. It’s about being prepared so you can focus on what you do best: serving your community.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. We are not responsible for actions taken based on this information. Always consult a qualified professional.

Primaris REIT announces “strong” Q4 and full year 2025 results

Photo: Primaris
Photo: Primaris

Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust announced Wednesday financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, disclosing it has entered into leases at five of the 11 disclaimed Hudson’s Bay locations.

“Primaris significantly augmented its portfolio in 2025 recycling capital with $1.6 billion of leading enclosed shopping centre acquisitions, and $400 million of non‑core dispositions,” said Patrick Sullivan, President and Chief Operating Officer. “These transactions have materially advanced Primaris’ ambition of Becoming the First Call for retailers in Canada, while elevating the quality of our portfolio and driving structurally higher internal growth.”

Patrick Sullivan
Patrick Sullivan

“In 2026, Primaris will continue to leverage the competitive advantages of its mall management platform, differentiated financial model, portfolio scale, and clear and focused strategy, delivering best-in-class operating and financial results, including growth in FFO per unit,” said Alex Avery, Chief Executive Officer. “We expect to build on the strength of our scarce and valuable mall management platform to drive performance from our existing properties, as well as create value through strategic transactions.”

Alex Avery
Alex Avery

Rags Davloor, Chief Financial Officer, added: “Our differentiated financial model, anchored by low leverage and a low payout ratio, has been a critical factor in Primaris’ ability to capitalize on the unique market opportunity in the Canadian mall sector. This disciplined approach provides meaningful financial flexibility, allowing us to pursue strategic transactions while maintaining one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry.”

Rags Davloor
Rags Davloor

Quarterly Financial and Operating Results Highlights

  • $188.3 million total rental revenue (net of $1.0 million negative impact from HBC);
  • $800 per square foot total same store sales productivity;
  • +6.8% Same Properties Cash Net Operating Income growth (or +2.6% excluding the positive impact of prior year adjustments and the negative impact from disclaimed Hudson’s Bay Company;
  • 90.6% committed occupancy, 87.2% in-place occupancy (including vacancy from HBC locations disclaimed in the quarter of 624,000 square feet), and 81.7% long-term in-place occupancy;
  • +11.3% weighted average net rent per square foot spread on renewing leases across 310,000 square feet;
  • +11.6% Funds from Operations per average diluted unit growth to $0.513; (or $0.492 per unit excluding the positive prior year impacts and the negative impact from disclaimed HBC locations);
  • 42.3% FFO Payout Ratio
  • $60.8 million in net income;
  • $5.3 billion total assets;
  • 5.8x Average Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA;
  • $644.3 million in liquidity;
  • $4.8 billion in unencumbered assets; and
  • $21.21 Net Asset Value per unit outstanding.

Annual Financial and Operating Results Highlights

  • +5.6% Same Properties Cash NOI growth;
  • +7.4% weighted average net rent* per square foot spread on renewing leases across 1,276,000 square feet;
  • +9.2% FFO per average diluted unit growth to $1.846; and
  • 46.7% FFO Payout Ratio;

Quarterly Business Update Highlights

  • Raises 2026 FFO per unit guidance range from $1.83 to $1.88, to $1.85 to $1.90;
  • Acquired Promenades St-Bruno in Montreal, Quebec;
  • Disposed of Northland and Northland Professional Centre in Calgary, Alberta, for consideration of approximately $154 million;
  • Settled and cancelled the $100 million unsecured bilateral non-revolving term facility;
  • Entered into leases at five locations with disclaimed HBC spaces;
  • Increased the distribution rate by 2.3%, from $0.86 to $0.88 per unit per annum, effective December 31, 2025;
  • Issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured green debentures with interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.845% per annum, and a weighted average term to maturity of 6.2 years, reducing the weighted average interest rate to 5.07%;
  • Issued 11,448,599 Trust Units on a bought-deal basis for net proceeds of $162 million; and
  • Purchased for cancellation 515,000 Trust Units under the Trust’s normal course issuer bid program for proceeds of $8.0 million at an average price per unit of approximately $15.49, representing a discount to NAV per unit of approximately 27.0%.
Indigo at Sherwood Park Mall (Image: Sherwood Park Mall / Primaris REIT)

Primaris said it has full control of all 1.3 million square feet of former Hudson’s Bay Company gross leasing area and has accelerated negotiations with retailers. 

“The Trust’s leasing strategy is twofold: firstly, execute long term leases with single tenant and multi-tenant configurations, (“Re-leasing Plans”) where appropriate; and secondly, repurpose and subdivide space (“Redevelopment Plans”), to accommodate multiple large format tenants, and/or high-value CRU. While design, permitting, and planning activities are underway, Primaris is executing short term leases with reputable tenants, to restore rental income until Re-leasing and Redevelopment Plans are completed,” it explained.

“To date, Primaris has entered into leases at five of the eleven disclaimed locations. A temporary tenant at Conestoga Mall opened at the end of 2025, with the remaining four tenants taking possession in the first quarter of 2026, and opening in the second quarter.

“With strong demand from retailers for space and improved visibility into Primaris’ Redevelopment Plans, management now anticipates the retention and redevelopment of a greater portion of the former HBC space than previously contemplated. The capital investment to redevelop this space is now expected to be in the range of $175 million to $225 million.”

Primaris is Canada’s only enclosed shopping centre focused REIT, with ownership interests in leading enclosed shopping centres located in growing Canadian markets. The current portfolio totals 15.2 million square feet, valued at approximately $5.2 billion at Primaris’ share.

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Why You Keep Falling Off Your Fitness Plan (and How to Fix It)

If you’ve ever started a fitness plan feeling motivated, only to abandon it weeks later, you’re not alone. This cycle is incredibly common and has little to do with laziness or lack of willpower. The real issue is usually the structure of the plan itself. At Fitness Refined, the emphasis is on understanding why people fall off track and rebuilding fitness routines that work with real life rather than against it.

You Rely Too Much on Motivation

One of the biggest reasons people quit their fitness plans is overreliance on motivation. Motivation is emotional and temporary—it naturally rises and falls. When your plan depends on feeling inspired every day, it’s bound to fail the moment life gets stressful, busy, or exhausting.

How to fix it:
Build systems instead of relying on motivation. Schedule workouts at the same time, tie them to existing routines, and create non-negotiable habits. Consistency comes from structure, not inspiration.

Your Plan Is Too Aggressive

Many people jump into fitness with unrealistic expectations—working out six days a week, cutting calories drastically, or doing intense workouts right away. While this approach feels productive at first, it quickly leads to burnout, soreness, and mental fatigue.

How to fix it:
Scale your plan down. Start with fewer workouts, shorter sessions, or lower intensity. A plan you can stick to for months is far better than one you can only survive for two weeks.

You’re Chasing Results Instead of Habits

Focusing solely on outcomes like weight loss or muscle gain can backfire. When results don’t appear quickly, frustration sets in, and motivation drops. This creates a cycle of starting and stopping.

How to fix it:
Shift your focus to habit-building. Measure success by how consistently you show up rather than how your body looks in the mirror. Results are a byproduct of habits, not the other way around.

You Don’t Have a Backup Plan

Life is unpredictable. Work deadlines, family obligations, illness, and travel can easily disrupt a perfectly planned routine. When people miss one workout, they often give up entirely because their plan doesn’t account for disruptions.

How to fix it:
Create flexible options. Have a short home workout, a walking routine, or a low-effort alternative ready for busy days. The goal is to keep the habit alive, even when conditions aren’t ideal.

You’re Doing Workouts You Don’t Enjoy

If you hate your workouts, quitting is only a matter of time. Many people force themselves into routines they believe they “should” do rather than ones they actually enjoy.

How to fix it:
Choose activities you genuinely like—or at least don’t dread. Strength training, walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, or sports all count as exercise. Enjoyment increases consistency far more than intensity does.

You Expect Perfection

Missing a workout often triggers an all-or-nothing mindset: “I’ve already failed, so why continue?” This thinking turns small setbacks into full-blown abandonment.

How to fix it:
Redefine success. Missing a workout isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. Focus on not missing twice in a row. Progress is built through recovery and resilience, not perfection.

You Haven’t Made It Convenient

When workouts require too much effort to start—driving far, searching for equipment, or deciding what to do—it’s easy to procrastinate and eventually quit.

How to fix it:
Reduce friction. Prepare workout clothes in advance, keep equipment visible, or choose a gym close to home. The easier it is to start, the more likely you’ll follow through.

You’re Not Tracking the Right Things

Many people track only scale weight or physical appearance, which can fluctuate for reasons unrelated to progress. This leads to discouragement even when you’re doing things right.

How to fix it:
Track behaviors instead of outcomes. Log workouts completed, steps taken, or days you stayed active. These metrics are fully within your control and reinforce consistency.

You Haven’t Defined Your “Minimum”

On low-energy days, people often skip workouts entirely because they feel they can’t perform at their best. Over time, these skipped days add up.

How to fix it:
Set a minimum standard—something so easy you can do it even on your worst days. This could be a five-minute walk, light stretching, or one exercise. Keeping the habit alive matters more than intensity.

Final Thoughts

Falling off your fitness plan doesn’t mean you lack discipline—it usually means the plan wasn’t designed for sustainability. By lowering expectations, focusing on habits, building flexibility, and removing unnecessary barriers, fitness becomes something you return to naturally rather than something you constantly restart. The key isn’t trying harder; it’s building smarter systems that support long-term consistency.

The Benefits of Bundling Car and Home Insurance in Ontario

Most Ontario homeowners don’t think about bundling insurance until something nudges them to. A renewal jumps more than expected. A claim turns into more phone calls than it should. Or someone points out they’re paying two insurers to manage what is, realistically, one household.

For many people, insurance stays in the background until friction appears. It’s only when time, money, or stress enter the picture that the structure of coverage starts to matter. Bundling tends to show up at that moment—not as a promotion, but as a practical fix.

Car insurance in Ontario and home insurance are usually treated as separate decisions. Different quotes. Different timelines. Different assumptions. It’s not wrong, but it often creates more work than value. Bundling brings those decisions together, and for a lot of people, that’s where things start to make more sense.

When policies are separated, changes to one part of life don’t always carry over to the other. A growing family, a renovated home, or a new commute might affect risk in multiple ways, but those connections are easy to miss when coverage is siloed.

Across Ontario, bundling has become more common not because insurers push it, but because homeowners start looking for fewer moving parts. Less admin. Fewer surprises. More control over how coverage behaves year to year.

In a province where insurance pricing, underwriting rules, and risk factors can shift quickly, that sense of control is valuable. Homeowners want coverage that evolves with them, not policies that constantly need untangling.

What bundling actually looks like in practice

A car and home insurance bundle simply means both policies are managed together instead of independently. That can happen under one insurer, or through a brokerage that coordinates both policies across insurers.

In practice, bundling is less about changing coverage and more about changing how coverage is handled. The structure stays familiar, but the oversight becomes more intentional.

What it doesn’t mean is reduced protection. Your car and your home are still insured separately, with their own coverages and limits. Bundling just aligns how they’re handled. That alignment makes it easier to review policies side by side, rather than in isolation. It also helps ensure decisions made on one policy don’t accidentally create gaps elsewhere.

For many households, that alignment shows up in small but useful ways. One renewal instead of two. One conversation when something changes. A clearer picture of where coverage overlaps, or where it doesn’t. Over time, those small efficiencies reduce the chance of missed updates, forgotten documents, or outdated coverage lingering longer than it should.

Why bundled policies are often cheaper — but not always in obvious ways

Insurers tend to price bundled policies more favourably because they see a broader relationship instead of a single risk. That’s where the headline savings come from. In Ontario, bundled discounts can reach around 15%, depending on the situation.

Those discounts are often the first thing people notice, but they’re rarely the full story.

But the more interesting savings often show up later.

When auto and home policies are tied together, pricing tends to behave more predictably. Increases on one side are sometimes softened by adjustments on the other. It doesn’t mean premiums never rise — they do — but the swings are often less dramatic than when policies are managed in isolation.

Bundled clients also tend to review their coverage more consistently, which helps avoid overpaying for protections that no longer fit or missing ones that suddenly matter.

For homeowners who’ve been surprised by renewal jumps in the past, that stability matters.

Why bundling reduces friction, not just cost

Anyone who has managed multiple policies knows the feeling. Two renewal dates. Two sets of documents. Two explanations every time you call with a question.

That fragmentation can turn simple updates into drawn-out processes, especially when life changes don’t fit neatly into one policy category.

Bundling strips a lot of that away. One renewal cycle. One place to review coverage. One point of contact when something changes, like a new vehicle, a renovation, or a shift in how the home is used.

It also reduces decision fatigue. Instead of constantly revisiting insurance in pieces, homeowners can deal with it in a more complete, less disruptive way.

It’s not flashy, but it’s practical. And practical tends to win when insurance stops being theoretical and becomes something you actually have to use.

Where coverage quality quietly improves

One of the least talked-about benefits of bundling is how it affects coverage quality.

When auto and home policies are reviewed together, gaps are easier to spot. Liability limits that made sense years ago might not anymore. Deductibles may be misaligned. Optional protections might be missing entirely.

These issues often go unnoticed when policies renew automatically without a broader review.

Looking at everything as a single household picture — instead of two disconnected policies — makes those issues easier to catch before they matter.

In Ontario, where rebuild costs, vehicle repair expenses, and liability exposures continue to rise, that kind of proactive review can be just as important as saving money.

The claim-time reality most people don’t think about

Insurance usually feels simple until it isn’t.

Claims are where complexity shows up. Timelines overlap. Questions multiply. Stress creeps in. Bundled policies don’t eliminate claims problems, but they often reduce confusion. There’s less guessing about who handles what, and fewer handoffs between unrelated systems. When policies are coordinated, information flows more smoothly, and homeowners spend less time repeating the same details to different parties.

For many homeowners, that clarity alone is worth more than the discount.

How Western Financial Group approaches bundling in Ontario

Western Financial Group doesn’t bundle by locking clients into a single insurer. Instead, it works across a network of Canadian insurers and coordinates car and home coverage as a unit. That approach allows bundling to stay flexible rather than restrictive.That difference matters. It means bundling doesn’t come at the cost of flexibility. Policies can still be adjusted, reviewed, or moved if pricing or circumstances change.

For Ontario homeowners, this approach tends to work better over time. Coverage stays aligned as vehicles change, homes are updated, or life simply moves on. Instead of starting over every few years, adjustments happen within a system that already understands the full picture.

It also makes it easier to compare options at renewal without dismantling the entire setup.

Getting real value out of a bundle

Bundling works best when it’s treated as ongoing, not set-and-forget. Insurance needs evolve quietly, and bundled policies make it easier to keep pace without constant disruption.

Asking about additional discounts helps, but so does revisiting coverage when something changes. New vehicles. Home upgrades. Shifts in how a property is used. Those details matter more than most people realize. Even with a bundle in place, checking the market occasionally keeps pricing honest. A good brokerage can do that comparison without turning it into a full restart.

A more grounded way to think about bundling

Bundling car and home insurance isn’t a trick. It’s not about squeezing out the biggest advertised discount and calling it a win. It’s about simplifying how coverage is managed, reducing the chance of surprises, and keeping insurance aligned with how your household actually works.

For many homeowners, bundling through Western Financial Group delivers savings, yes — but more importantly, it delivers fewer headaches and better continuity over time. And for most people, that’s what makes insurance feel like it’s doing its job.

Equipment Leasing Canada Expands Vancouver Presence with New Office Opening

Businesses across Canada now have enhanced access to specialized equipment financing support following the opening of a new office for Equipment Leasing Canada in Vancouver.

The company has officially established operations at 5780 Victoria Drive, Unit #250, Vancouver, BC V5P 3W7, strengthening its ability to serve businesses locally while continuing to support clients nationwide.

Supporting Canadian Businesses Through Flexible Equipment Financing

Equipment Leasing Canada focuses on helping businesses acquire the essential tools, machinery, and vehicles they need to grow and operate efficiently. The company provides equipment leasing solutions that allow organizations to obtain critical assets without the burden of significant upfront capital investment.

By offering tailored financing solutions, Equipment Leasing Canada supports a wide range of industries including transportation, construction, manufacturing, medical, and other equipment-intensive sectors. The company works closely with businesses of varying sizes, helping them secure financing structures suited to their operational goals and financial circumstances.

A Strategic Vancouver Expansion

The opening of the Vancouver office represents a strategic step in expanding accessibility for clients throughout Western Canada while strengthening national service capabilities. Vancouver’s dynamic business landscape, diverse industry base, and role as a major economic hub make it an ideal location for the company’s continued growth.

With a local presence, Equipment Leasing Canada is positioned to provide personalized service and responsive support for businesses seeking equipment financing solutions.

Benefits of Equipment Leasing for Businesses

Equipment leasing has become an increasingly popular option for Canadian businesses seeking financial flexibility. Leasing can provide several key advantages, including:

Improved Cash Flow Management
Leasing allows businesses to spread the cost of equipment over manageable monthly payments rather than making large upfront purchases. This helps preserve working capital for day-to-day operations and future investments.

Access to Modern Equipment
Through leasing programs, businesses can obtain up-to-date equipment and technology that supports productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in rapidly evolving industries.

Flexible Financing Structures
Equipment Leasing Canada offers customized lease terms designed to align with business cycles, revenue streams, and growth strategies, helping organizations secure financing that fits their unique needs.

Potential Tax Advantages
In many cases, lease payments may be treated as operating expenses, which can offer potential tax benefits depending on a company’s financial structure.

Nationwide Service with Personalized Support

While the new Vancouver location strengthens the company’s regional presence, Equipment Leasing Canada continues to assist clients across the country. By working with an extensive network of financing partners, the company helps businesses navigate complex equipment financing requirements and secure solutions that traditional lending channels may not always accommodate.

As Canadian businesses continue to invest in growth and modernization, Equipment Leasing Canada’s expanded footprint reinforces its commitment to providing accessible, flexible equipment financing solutions designed to support long-term success.

Contact Information

Businesses interested in learning more about equipment financing options or speaking with a leasing specialist can contact Equipment Leasing Canada directly at 1-833-924-9554. The company welcomes inquiries from organizations across Canada in need of equipment financing and offers consultations to help businesses explore leasing solutions tailored to their equipment and growth needs.

Cineplex sets annual records for box office and concession per patron

The Palms at The Rec Room Granville, photo credit: Tom Belding (CNW Group/Cineplex)

Cineplex Inc. released on Wednesday its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2025. Its total annual revenue rose by 0.8% from the previous year to $1.28 billion.

2025 Highlights:

  • Generated $91.6 million in Adjusted EBITDAaL compared to $89.9 million in the prior year 
  • Reported net loss of $36.9 million, an improvement of $67.3 million relative to the prior year net loss of $104.2 million
  • Set annual records for Box Office Per Patron at $13.29 and Concession Per Patron at $9.72 
  • International film product contributed 11.2% of total box office revenues, the highest share in Cineplex’s history 
  • Premium experiences accounted for 43.2% of total box office revenues, the highest annual percentage since 2018 
  • Cinema Media revenue grew by 13.1% over prior year and delivered record cinema media per patron of $2.12 
  • Completed sale of Cineplex Digital Media for gross proceeds of $70 million in cash
  • Location-Based Entertainment segment EBITDAaL Margin increased to 15.9%, up from 15.4% in the prior year 
  • Renewed the Normal Course Issuer Bid Program and repurchased 636,602 common shares for cancellation

“Moviegoers continue to demonstrate that nothing compares to the shared experience of watching immersive content at our theaters, and the strength of our programming and experiences is what truly sets us apart”, said Ellis Jacob, President & CEO. “2025 continued to display the vital role that diverse content and premium experiences play in bringing guests to our theatres. International programming delivered its highest contribution on record and premium formats delivered their highest share of our box office since 2018, broadening audience reach and enriching the theatrical experience. These factors supported strong guest engagement throughout the year and contributed to record box office per patron and record concession per patron in 2025. 

Ellis Jacob

“In a crowded advertising market, our media business continues to demonstrate the importance of a highly engaged and highly attentive audience. With extensive audience data and a full range of media offerings, we provide advertisers with a powerful platform to deliver targeted and impactful campaigns, contributing to record cinema media per patron results in 2025. 

“Our LBE business continues to contribute meaningfully to our overall results. While the broader industry faces macroeconomic pressures, our focus on optimizing operations has stabilized same store margins year over year. 

“This year we took further steps to strengthen our balance sheet, improve liquidity and return value to shareholders through the sale of CDM. Proceeds from the sale provided the funds to repurchase shares under our NCIB and going forward, offer flexibility to reduce leverage, pursue additional share repurchases subject to our debt agreements, and support broader corporate priorities. 

“While the 2025 film slate offered depth across genres, it lacked mega-blockbuster films. This will certainly change with the 2026 slate shaping up to be much stronger, with multiple major tentpoles and an even deeper lineup that will attract a broad base of Canadian moviegoers. This expanded slate signals the strength and opportunity within both the industry and our business, and we remain focused on leveraging this environment to advance our strategic priorities and deliver growth.” 

Cineplex is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. Cineplex has 170 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. It operates The Rec Room, Playdium, Cineplex Junxion. It also operates successful businesses in cinema media (Cineplex Media), alternative programming (Cineplex Events) and motion picture distribution (Cineplex Pictures).

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