You can take the boy out of Saskatchewan, but, as the saying goes, you'll never completely take Saskatchewan out of the boy.

"The first place I ever bought was probably midway through my second year pro (with the Florida Panthers),'' said Shaunavon-born and Frontier-raised Rhett Warrener, a four-season Calgary Flame whose non-negotiable warrior mentality was an indispensable and under-appreciated component of the franchise's unexpected '04 trek to the Stanley Cup final.

Decorated Canadian curler Ben Hebert has fond memories of his first home in Regina, though it will forever be tied to an unhappy event.

"We moved in May of 2009, right after we lost the world final in Moncton," he said. "That's how I remember it.

Selection, convenience and one-of-a-kind design continue to draw crowds to CrossIron Mills 

Bigger isn't always better. However, CrossIron Mills is a classic example of the perfect combination of quantity and quality. The ambitious retail development has enjoyed smooth sailing, even through periods of economic downturn, and become the go-to shopping centre for area residents and visitors alike.

Located in Rocky View County, just north of Calgary on Highway 2, CrossIron Mills occupies 1.4 million square feet across 674 acres of land. It offers 200 specialty stores and premium-brand outlets, as well as 17 large-format anchor stores.

While mall patrons sing its praises, some feared the timing of its launch in 2009 might start things off on the wrong foot.

According to a report by Laurentian Bank Securities economic growth within Alberta and Saskatchewan is expected to outpace Canada's other provinces and territories.

The Provincial Monitor stated the two Prairie Provinces will be the driving force behind the national average while the central and eastern provinces will report a weaker performance than the national average.