Alberta Avenue Knife Sales Under Scrutiny

In Edmonton, Alberta Avenue has become a focal point in discussions about knife sales at convenience stores, as city officials contemplate restrictions. In June, the Edmonton Police conducted a survey on 118 Avenue and discovered that approximately 14 out of 20 stores were selling knives, with three more stores identified on 107 Avenue. A shopper found knives priced around $25, noting significant variation in inventory across stores, from one to over 40 knives on display. Store owners reported selling a modest average of one or two knives weekly, although some claimed higher sales rates. Roy Ho, a convenience store owner with a 15-year history in the business, described knives as collectibles that contribute only about 5% to his revenue. He emphasized that while he cannot control how customers use the knives, his intent is to provide them for collection purposes, not criminal activities. Ho stated that if restrictions were implemented, he would adapt to new licensing requirements but expressed skepticism about their impact on crime rates. Many store owners maintain their right to sell knives legally, highlighting the need for diverse inventory to survive economically, and assert their commitment to continuing sales until any formal restrictions are enacted.