As rising grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, Edmonton’s city council has approved a motion to dismantle long-standing restrictive covenants that have limited competition in the grocery sector. This decision aims to enhance access to fresh food options in underserved communities, addressing the pressing issue of food deserts that have persisted for years due to outdated property agreements.
A Step Towards Better Food Access
During a council meeting on Tuesday, local leaders highlighted the urgency of reforming property laws that have historically been used by grocery chains to prevent rival stores from opening nearby. Mayor Andrew Knack emphasised the detrimental effects of these covenants, stating, “Food deserts are a real thing. There are communities that have not had the opportunity to have a local grocery store, in some cases, for decades because of the way the rules and these covenants have been designed.”
Restrictive covenants are legal agreements tied to property titles that dictate how the land can be developed or utilised. In many instances, even after a grocery store vacates a location, these covenants continue to bar the establishment of a new grocery outlet, perpetuating accessibility issues for residents.
The Challenge of Accessibility
City councillor Ashley Salvador echoed the mayor’s concerns, noting that many residents in older neighbourhoods lack convenient access to fresh produce. “(It) leaves a lot of communities without access to fresh, healthy food and really creates food deserts,” she remarked. The implications of this issue are particularly evident in areas where residents may rely on public transport or active transportation methods to meet their daily needs.
A case in point is the Lansdowne Centre strip mall in south Edmonton, where a grocery store once thrived but has since been replaced by a thrift store. Michael Janz, another city councillor, pointed out that the space has remained vacant for years, hindering local food access. “So really, this is one of those small changes that can have an outsized impact, but it may take a little bit of time to be realised,” he added.
Advocating for Change
The city council’s motion calls for Mayor Knack to advocate for the removal of these restrictive covenants at the provincial level. Currently, only the provincial government can amend these laws, necessitating collaboration between city officials and provincial authorities. The urgency of this initiative has been reinforced by recent legislative changes in Manitoba, where the removal of similar grocery property controls has successfully stimulated competition in the grocery market.
Mayor Knack noted the importance of this issue extends beyond Edmonton, stating, “This isn’t an Edmonton-only thing; this is an Alberta-wide thing, and I hope there’s a way to make some progress.”
Recent discussions with major grocery chains have revealed a growing willingness among industry leaders to reassess these restrictive agreements. Janz remarked, “They were interested in making changes here, but they want to do so in a way knowing that everybody else will as well.”
Historical Context of Restrictive Covenants
The issue of restrictive covenants is not new to Edmonton. Many date back over a century, including those in the prestigious Glenora neighbourhood. Established in the 1910s, these covenants were intended to maintain the area’s character by limiting development to single-family homes on expansive lots. However, such historical agreements now pose challenges to modern urban development and accessibility.
Dale Nally, Alberta’s Red Tape Reduction Minister, commented that the province has been monitoring developments in Manitoba and is open to exploring similar changes in Alberta. “A motion by city council wasn’t needed as the province has already been monitoring what’s been happening in Manitoba,” he stated.
Why it Matters
The council’s recent motion represents a significant shift in Edmonton’s approach to urban planning and food accessibility. By dismantling restrictive covenants, the city not only seeks to enhance competition among grocery retailers but also aims to ensure that all residents have equitable access to nutritious food. As household budgets tighten, this initiative could have far-reaching effects, potentially transforming how communities engage with their local food systems and alleviating the pressure caused by food deserts. Ultimately, the outcome of this motion may serve as a model for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges across Canada.
