A University of Alberta study recently examined supermarket closures in the City of Edmonton since 1970. The study addressed the prevalence of restrictive covenants (legal agreements that limit the sale of food on former supermarket sites) which are often used when the original operator moves to another location and wants to prevent competition from a new operator buying the former site.
The study identified former supermarket sites across the city, primarily in older neighbourhoods. In six such neighbourhoods access to alternative food stores within walking distance is effectively eliminated. This has profound effects on the local community and even conflicts with Edmonton’s promotion of “walkable” neighbourhoods, healthy lifestyles and environmentally sustainable growth.
Undertaken by Dr. Nairne Cameron, the study entitled Community Report on Restrictive Covenants on Supermarket Sites in Edmonton was funded by the Centre for Urban Health Initiatives and supported by EFCL and the Highlands & District Community League. The hypothesis was that the closure of supermarkets, coupled with the prohibition of any other operating store on the sites, may have negative consequences for local residents’ access to healthy food and for the overall quality of the community. This may be particularly acute in mature neighbourhoods where it may be difficult, if not impossible, for another retailer to assemble land and obtain approvals to build another supermarket.
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