Sport Chek pulls out of Edmonton City Centre as mall highlights 'significant safety issues'
One of the biggest tenants in Edmonton City Centre (ECC) mall is closing its doors for good.
Sport Chek and Atmosphere will close permanently on March 12.
When reached for comment, the company did not provide a reason for the store closing.
Sean Kirk, ECC general manager, told CTV News Edmonton he’s disappointed by the news, adding the mall's ownership group has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in downtown Edmonton, but is hesitant to invest more because of safety issues.
“The significant safety issues we have had to endure to-date has exacerbated the already difficult pandemic loss of tenancies and workers. We have no confidence to make any new material investments in ECC until we see a concerted and sustained effort to improve existing conditions,” he said in a written statement.
“Simply put, the current state of downtown Edmonton and perceived lack of urgency from different levels of government is hindering hundreds of millions of dollars in future investments from organizations such as ours."
The news comes the same day the province says it has delivered on a promise to spend $5 million on the downtown core.
The City of Edmonton received $4 million and has promised more live events, promotion, graffiti removal, cleaning, and snow removal.
The other million went to the Downtown Business Association, which will be used for beautification, start-up expenses for retail, pop-up retail spaces and marketing.
The province also cited its social issues task force and money for improved access to services addressing addictions and homelessness as proof of its performance in downtown Edmonton.
The NDP says the government’s support is too little, too late.
“Downtown Edmonton continues to struggle with high office vacancy rates, a lack of vibrancy, and concerns about safety,” said MLA David Shepherd in a news release.
“This funding was promised in the budget, but is only being delivered now — almost a year later — and is a fraction of what is required to support the revitalization of the city’s core.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.