By Sedat Ogeturk, Tony Hernandez, Dogan Tirtiroglu and Maurice Yeates

The latest research from the CSCA focuses on the evolution of real estate investment trusts (REITs) in Canada from 2017 to 2021. Building on CSCA research, our analysis highlights the increasing importance of retail-focused REITs within the Canadian REIT marketplace. With our retail lens, we note the key trends impacting the REIT industry over the last five years - a period of considerable upheaval for retailers due to the pandemic and structural shifts in the balance between physical space needs and e-retail demand. Major Canadian retail REITs are increasingly directing attention to redevelopment opportunities to position for future growth.