Why is this? The development of shopping malls and the ubiquitous use of the automobile since WWII diminished the need for local corner stores, most of which in Edmonton are now gone. There are several reasons why this business has survived so long. By good fortune the location continues to serve a willing neighbourhood, aided by a large seniors’ complex nearby. Family-run corner stores are typically not viable as businesses anymore, supplanted by chain convenience stores and car- oriented malls. The fortunate location of this corner store has contributed to its longevity.  The decision to transform the buildings in 1965 brought gravitas to this prominent location and to the Lee family businesses. The multi- generational Lee family is an important link that has helped secure the continuity of this important corner store, allowing it to flourish well into the twenty-first century. Perhaps even more important for the conservation of Lees’ Food Market is, first, the strong family ownership during the first half of its life and, second, the beneficial stewardship over the last 23 years by a dedicated conservationist, current owner Joe Clare, who has deliberately resisted persistent redevelopment pressures for this prominent corner location – prominent for its central location in this neighbourhood and also because of its visibility to a recently-completed light rail urban transit line. Under normal circumstances, progress would typically dictate that this type of urban location would be densified with new development that would probably erase the former memories of the site.  Edmonton has a progressive City Plan that supports the conservation of this important historic resource. From the 2020s Edmonton City Plan, Charter Bylaw 20,000: Essential City - Not everything in The City Plan is about making something new. Much of our work is about keeping things the same. A critical part of The City Plan is rooted in stewardship and preserving the attributes most valued by Edmontonians today that were handed down to us from previous generations. As a community, in return, we continue to deliver on what makes for a safe and liveable city as part of our gift to future generations. This is the essential city and it comes to life through many of the Intentions and Directions of The City Plan. Future City - Cities are constantly evolving and responding to a changing world. Expressing and igniting transformative change is necessary to allow the city to respond to emerging opportunities and deliberately shape the place we want to live in. We have an opportunity to proactively alter Edmonton’s course. This is the future city and it comes to life through the Big City Moves and many Intentions and Directions that collectively will help us transform.
David Murray
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on site review 43: architecture and t ime
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