A report from the BMO economist Sal Guatieri suggests that the spring homebuying season is already booming inToronto and Vancouver. Data from the Toronto Real Estate Board showed sales were up 11 per cent in the year to February while prices increased eight per cent. In Vancouver sales were up 21 per cent year-over-year and prices rose 6.4 per cent. Guatieri said that the early start for those two markets would be the exception rather than the rule, with Alberta and Newfoundland expecting to be softer markets, Saskatchewan seeing falling prices, and Quebec and Atlantic Canada remaining stable.