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Crombie REIT

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FY2021 Annual Report · Crombie REIT
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Proven Stability and 
Sustainable Growth

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Inside this report 

Crombie at a Glance  

Message from the Chair 

Letter from the CEO 

Who We Are  

Our Purpose 

Crombie’s Priorities 

Stable and Growing Portfolio 

Strategic Partnership with Empire 

Strong Development Pipeline 

Spotlight on Le Duke 

Strong Financial Condition 

Highly Skilled Team and Caring Culture 

ESG Initiatives 

Our Sustainability Commitment 

Financial Review 

Table of Contents  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis  

Management’s Statement of Responsibility 
for Financial Reporting  

Independent Auditor’s Report  

Consolidated Financial Statements  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Property Portfolio  

Unitholders’ Information 

Tenant Profile 

IFC 

2 

4 

6 

7 

8 

10 

12 

14 

16 

18 

20 

22 

24 

25 

84 

85 

89 

93 

126 

128 

IBC 

ABOUT THE COVER 
Le Duke, nestled between the blossoming Griffintown neighbourhood 
and the charming Old Port of Montreal, reached substantial 
completion in the third quarter of 2021. Le Duke, owned in partnership 
with Prince Developments, is anchored by an IGA grocery store and 
contains 387 residential rental units. Live at Le Duke and have the city 
at your doorstep! 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
This document includes statements about our objectives, plans, goals, 
strategies, future growth, financial condition, results of operations, 
cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities. 
These statements are forward-looking because they are based on 
management’s expectations about the future – they are not historical 
facts. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our 
development pipeline size, timing and costs, and yield on investment 
of development, and statements containing words like anticipates, 
expects, believes, estimates, could, intends, may, plans, predicts, 
projects, will, would, foresees and other similar expressions, or 
the negative of these words. For more information and a caution 
about using forward-looking information, see the Forward-Looking 
Information section in the MD&A on page 82. 

NON-GAAP MEASURES 
Certain financial measures in this document, including FFO, AFFO, 
SANOI, debt to trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA, and D/GFV, are 
not defined terms under GAAP; therefore, they are not a reliable 
way to compare us to other companies. See the Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures section in the MD&A on page 79. 

Crombie at a Glance 

Retailer-Related REIT 
Empire owns 41.5% 

$5.4b 
fair value including properties 
held in joint ventures 

$5.3b–$7.5b 
development pipeline future 
investment potential 

295 Properties 
including properties under 
development and 4 properties 
owned in joint ventures 

96.2% 
committed occupancy

About Crombie 

Crombie invests in real estate that enriches local communities and 
enables long-term sustainable growth. As one of the country’s 
leading owners, operators, and developers of quality real estate, 
Crombie’s portfolio primarily includes grocery-anchored retail, 
retail-related industrial, and mixed-use residential properties in 
Canada’s top urban and suburban markets. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

VECTOM 

Major Markets 

Rest of Canada 

Portfolio GLA by Market Class (sq. ft.) 
as of December 31, 2021 

Portfolio Fair Value by Market Class (%) 
as of December 31, 2021 

Annual Minimum Rent (“AMR”)  
by Market Class (%) 
as of December 31, 2021 

43.2% 

32.9% 

39.5% 

30.3% 

40.7% 

33.9% 

26.5% 

26.4% 

26.6% 

*  

Metrics noted above do not include 
properties held in joint ventures.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

1

Message from the Chair 

Crombie’s Board is entrusted with the 
strategic direction of the organization, 
and Trustees advise and support 
Management in achieving key strategic 
objectives. Five years ago, upon 
evaluating the opportunities ahead of us, 
we decided to pursue a growth strategy 
that was a significant departure from 
our then-current state. I am proud to say 
Crombie achieved its five-year strategic 
objectives with very positive results. 

Despite the pandemic, Crombie has performed in a stellar 
fashion. The unit price performance was excellent, as the 
market recognized the value inherent in the business. 
Crombie’s earnings multiple has improved significantly 
over time, moving to the top of the retail REIT space. 
This is due, in large part, to the recognition that Crombie 
remains committed to its long-term strategy, even during 
extraordinarily challenging times. 

Management operated the business very efficiently in 2021, 
especially considering the constraints that impacted so 
much of the commercial real estate industry over the last 
two years. Importantly, the team remained healthy with  
very low levels of COVID-19 infection, and the health,  
well-being, and safe productivity of employees was 
prioritized by Management. Crombie’s overall performance 
has been fantastic, with strong fundamentals, including 
record occupancy levels and consistent leasing activity. 
Major developments have been successful, coming in on 
time and on budget, which gives the Board confidence to 
pursue this ongoing strategic direction for the company.  
We are grateful for the hard work of the Crombie team  
that made these results possible. 

Our Trustees are a dedicated, committed group who 
want success for Crombie. The primary role of Trustees 
is to oversee strategy, and we take our governance 
role very seriously. Our committees meet regularly with 
Management, focusing on human resources, succession, 
audit, investment, governance, and risk management.  

2

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Empire appointed Jane Craighead and Michael Vels to 
the Board and we are pleased to welcome them as they 
both bring valuable experience and credentials. Jane has 
extensive and diverse corporate expertise and her in-depth  
background in human resources has been invaluable 
to the team, and we are grateful for her contributions. 
Michael Vels brings his strong financial background as 
a former Chief Financial Officer of Empire as well as his 
knowledge of the inner working of Empire which is valuable. 

John Eby will be retiring after our May annual general 
meeting, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank him 
for his important contributions to Crombie. He has been a 
Trustee since 2008, and has been a valuable member of the 
Board for that entire period. His wisdom and guidance will 
be missed. On behalf of all Trustees, I wish John all the best 
in his retirement. 

I thank all our Trustees for their commitment and dedication 
in 2021 and commend the Management team for a 
successful year. 

Sincerely, 

J. Michael Knowlton 
Chair

View from Le Duke 
Montreal, Quebec 

Board of 
Trustees 

*Empire appointed Trustee 

J. Michael Knowlton 

Independent Trustee & Chair 

Paul Beesley 
Independent Trustee 

Don Clow 
Trustee 

Jane Craighead 
Independent Trustee* 

Jim Dickson 
Independent Trustee* 

John Eby  
Independent Trustee 

Barbara Palk 
Independent Trustee 

Jason Shannon 
Independent Trustee 

Jana Sobey 
Independent Trustee* 

Paul Sobey 
Independent Trustee* 

Michael Vels 
Trustee* 

Karen Weaver 
Independent Trustee

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

3

Letter from the CEO 

Built the 
Crombie Way 

We entered 2021 with a sense of optimism as vaccines rolled 
out across the country and we envisioned an end to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. The despair of 2020 was replaced 
with hope, and despite waves of illness and lockdowns, 
many of us returned to our offices and resumed a certain 
normalcy for months at a time. At Crombie, our team was 
extraordinarily resilient, remaining steadfastly committed 
to our strategy. This commitment is the primary reason 
Crombie’s total unitholder returns over the last three, five 
and 10 years have been sector-leading, and is evident 
in our strong financial results and the exceptional fair 
value created through the long-term curation of a stellar 
Canadian and primarily grocery-anchored portfolio. 
Crombie’s portfolio is becoming increasingly appreciated 
for its combination of cash flow stability and extraordinary 
growth opportunities, including investments in Empire-
related initiatives and major development projects, that are 
adding diversification from exceptional urban residential to 
industrial properties. 

I’m thrilled to say that we did what we said we would do 
when we embarked on our growth strategy to focus on 
Empire, and development properties five years ago. 
Our team’s execution has been first class as we have 
accelerated the benefits of sharing intelligence and planning 
with Empire and delivered our first six development projects 
on time and on budget despite working through a global 
pandemic for the last two years. We are pleased many 
of our stakeholders have recognized our commitment 
to strategic growth while maintaining strong operating 
performance and sensible balance sheet fundamentals. 

In 2021, we took big strides in improving our business and 
our overall portfolio quality. Grocery-anchored retail is the 
foundation of our business, and it was among the most 
desirable and valuable asset types for the year. In addition, 
residential and retail-related industrial properties are 

4

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

increasingly important in our asset mix, and represent 
an area of significant growth for Crombie in the future. 
Our Leasing and Operations teams achieved record 
occupancy during 2021, including new leases with strong 
covenant tenants and healthy rental growth on renewals. 

Our Development and Construction teams completed 
several successful projects across Canada in 2021, including 
major developments, land-use intensifications, and 
investments in Empire-related modernizations, expansions 
and conversions in their store network. We reached  
many milestones, including the completion of two of 
our major mixed-use residential developments, Zephyr, 
in Vancouver and Le Duke, in Montreal. Zephyr is a an 
exceptional property that was developed in partnership 
with Westbank, arguably the best developer in the 
Vancouver market, who led the joint venture partnership 
to deliver the construction on time and on budget, and to 
lease-up quickly at rents materially above pro-forma.  
In addition, high rents and cap rate compression in the 
Vancouver market produced a better-than-expected 
result. Le Duke is nestled in the heart of Montreal and was 
developed in partnership with a very strong Montreal 
developer, Prince Developments. This development was also 
completed on time and on budget. Leasing commenced in 
late 2021 and is progressing at or above pro-forma rents 
with a projected strong fair value creation. 

Our relationship with Empire remains Crombie’s 
sustainable competitive advantage. We invested 
approximately $200 million in Empire-related initiatives 
in 2021, including conversions to Farm Boy and FreshCo 
banners, modernizations, and began construction of the 
approximately 300,000 square foot Customer Fulfillment 
Centre 3 (i.e., CFC3), in Calgary, as part of the Voilà hub 
and spoke network. We completed CFC2, a 310,000 square 
foot industrial complex in Montreal, in Q4 2020 and 

commenced occupancy in Q1 2021. These industry-leading facilities are part 
of the Ocado-driven, high tech e-commerce solutions to deliver groceries 
to home and grocery store pick-up across Canada. We are proud to work 
alongside one of Canada’s leading grocers as they successfully adapt their 
business to thrill customers in a multitude of ways. 

Crombie has always maintained strong financial condition, as that ensures we 
can weather a financial crisis like we saw in 2020-2021, and enables prudent 
future growth for the long term. Our finance teams were fiercely committed to 
strengthening and improving our balance sheet in 2021. We achieved increases 
in liquidity, a lower cost of capital, and an increase in unencumbered assets 
to $1.8 billion. Significant deleveraging took place throughout the year, with 
a substantial reduction in Debt to Gross Fair Value and Debt to EBITDA. It is 
worth noting that, despite deleveraging, which is dilutive to earnings, we still 
achieved strong financial results, a feat that is not easy to accomplish. 

2021 was a big year for Crombie in formalizing our sustainability journey. 
We achieved many firsts, including our inaugural sustainability report and 
first GRESB submission. We’re very proud of the work we’ve done to focus on 
Environmental, Social and Governance priorities, and we are now pleased 
to focus on measuring, reporting and improving on those efforts. With that 
in mind, we created a new leadership position in January 2022 to oversee 
this important work. Our newly appointed Vice President of Sustainability, 
Dan Bourque, will guide us on this journey with solid leadership, and you can 
read more about Dan on page 22 of this report. 

Our success over the last five years would not be possible without our 
team’s dedication to Crombie and our stakeholders. Crombie is built on high 
performance, an entrepreneurial vision, and a commitment to collaboration. 
We work hard to ensure that Crombie is an equitable, gratifying, and innovative 
workplace. A continued focus on learning and development, and employee-
defined guiding values, which drive our culture, are critical components of our 
employee value proposition. In 2021, our team embarked on an employee-led 
process to update and formalize the values that guide our behaviour. You can 
read how we demonstrate these values in our daily work in the People & Culture 
section of this report. They truly speak to the culture we’ve built at Crombie, 
which serves as the foundation for the strategic work we do everyday.  
We are confident in Crombie’s future, and our engaged, highly skilled, and 
high-performing team will ensure our success well into the future. 

Lastly, Crombie and its predecessors have been in business for more than 
60 years. Our long-term journey and our continued success with industry 
sector leading returns would not be possible without the unwavering support 
of our Board of Trustees. We truly appreciate their strong counsel, especially 
over the last two years with the unprecedented global crisis presented by 
COVID-19 and the follow-on repercussions of the volatility in the capital 
markets, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages. 

Thank you for your continued support of Crombie. 

Sincerely, 

Don Clow FCPA, FCA 
President & Chief Executive Officer 

Senior 
Leadership 
Team 

Don Clow 

President & 
Chief Executive Officer 

Clinton Keay 

Chief Financial Officer &  
Secretary 

Glenn Hynes 

Executive Vice President &  
Chief Operating Officer 

Cheryl Fraser 

Chief Talent Officer &  
Vice President, Communications 

John Barnoski 

Executive Vice President,  
Corporate Development

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

5

Who We Are 

We build and operate 
spaces that people 
want to be part of. 

Our thoughtful designs are 
created to help the people 
who live, work, and play 
there. Functional, smart, 
attractive, and built to a  
high standard. 

We think long term. 

From our developments 
to our investments, to our 
relationships with partners 
and stakeholders, we take 
the long view. It’s not enough 
to be good today, we want 
to build for the future. The 
people we work with need to 
know that we’re committed. 

We make communities 
even better. 

Our properties must make 
a positive impact on the 
community and the people 
who live there. Anyone can 
construct a building; we 
build and operate spaces 
where people thrive. 

We live our values. 

Truth, respect, reliability, 
and accountability aren’t 
just words, they’re actions. 
Though our roots are 
Atlantic Canadian, our 
values are universal. 
We demonstrate our 
commitment to them every 
day, in everything we do. 

Asset Type (% of Fair Value) 

In addition to the $5.0 billion fair value 
of investment properties, Crombie 
holds, at our share, $0.4 billion 
fair value of mixed-use residential 
properties owned in joint ventures 

$5.4B 

81.1% 

2.0% 

7.2% 

2.8% 

6.9% 

Retail 

Office 

Retail-related industrial 

Mixed-use residential properties 
owned in joint ventures 
Other1 

■

■

■

■

■

1  Other includes Properties Under Development 
(PUD) and Land.

6

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Our Purpose 

We own and operate high-quality, sustainable real estate where people live, 
work, shop and play. 

WHO WE DELIVER FOR 

Our Tenants  
and Customers 

Our 
Partners 

Our 
Unitholders 

Our 
People 

Our  
Communities 

WHAT WE HAVE

WHAT WE DO

VALUE WE CREATE 

Strong, stable 
portfolio 

Strategic 
partnership 

Effective and efficient property management 

Strategic acquisitions/dispositions 

Resilient grocery-anchored needs-based properties 
that meet the needs of our tenants, their customers and 
communities 

Stable and growing cash flow 

Strategically engage with Empire to complete 
accretive investments such as conversions, 
modernizations, expansions, and e-commerce 
customer fulfillment centres, as well as 
unlocking major developments 

Accretively optimized portfolio designed to meet Empire 
and Crombie’s current and future needs, including 
unlocking development opportunities 

Development 
pipeline 

Planning and zoning of land 

Design and execution of projects 

High-quality real estate that enhances communities and 
provides sustainable long-term growth 

UNDERPINNED BY 

Reasonable and balanced debt ladder with 
multiple sources of capital and ample liquidity 

Strong financial 
condition 

Disciplined and innovative capital funding 
and management 

Strong balance sheet 

Optimize cost of capital 

Available capital sources 

Minimized financial risk 

A highly skilled team 
that generates strong 
returns by executing 
on strategy and caring 
about the sustainability 
of our properties, 
tenants, communities,  
and environment 

Attract, develop, and retain a talented team 
who are committed to advancing our purpose, 
values, and overall business strategy 

Prioritize employee engagement, 
development, and community outreach 

Focus on environmental, social, and 
governance (“ESG”) footprint, including a 
sustainability strategy centred on creating 
value by developing and operating our 
properties in a way that enhances local 
communities and protects our environment 

Diverse and inclusive team of skilled real estate professionals 

Experienced and focused leadership 

Address the needs of our employees and care for  
our communities 

Minimized environmental impact of our buildings  
and operations 

Strong governance 

Strong risk management and risk appetite framework 

Supported communities

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

7

Farm Boy Nepean 
Ottawa, Ontario

Crombie’s Priorities 

1

Stable and 
Stable and 
Growing Portfolio
Growing Portfolio 

8

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Arie Bitton 

Senior Vice President,  
Leasing & Operations 

“At Crombie, we fulfill our brand 
promise by providing the communities 
in which we operate the tenant mix 
that ensures they will grow and thrive 
well into the future. Our deep and 
meaningful relationships with our 
tenants and strategic partners allow 
us to truly understand and meet their 
needs, and those of their customers 
and communities.” 

Crombie has continued to curate an optimal 
portfolio, which is becoming increasingly urban 
and diversified. Grocery-anchored retail is the 
foundation of our business, and it is among the 
most desirable and valuable asset classes. 

The strength of grocery-anchored retail assets has been highlighted throughout the 
pandemic for several reasons, including the resilience of everyday needs retailers, 
and the importance of lease term and financial covenant. In addition, residential and 
industrial properties are gaining space in our asset mix and they represent a significant 
growth opportunity in the future. 

The fundamentals of Crombie’s portfolio of 284 active investment properties remain 
solid and our experienced property management team contributes to high occupancy 
rates, tenant satisfaction, consistent renewal rates, and increasing renewal spreads. 
Crombie remains committed to further optimizing our portfolio through modernizations 
and developments, acquisitions of grocery assets, and dispositions of low-growth 
assets, while continuing to advance the quality of our grocery-anchored properties. 

Antonella Talarico 

Associate General Counsel 

“By providing comprehensive advice 
beyond the legal scope, we ensure 
that both legal and business priorities 
are aligned with sound solutions. 
This national consistency in our 
approach facilitates timely resolutions 
and continues to build the trust 
and confidence that Crombie has 
established in the industry.” 

$283m

net property income 

$1.14 

FFO/unit1 

85%

+5.0% 

SANOI1 

$0.97 

AFFO/unit1 

9.3 years

grocery-anchored properties, 
inclusive of retail-related industrial 

weighted average  
lease term 

0.9m sq. ft.

leases renewed 

+3.4%

renewal leasing spread

1  Non-GAAP measure; for additional information, please reference Non-GAAP Financial Measures section in the MD&A. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

9

Farm Boy Nepean 
Ottawa, Ontario

2

Strategic Partnership 
Strategic Partnership 
with Empire
with Empire 

10

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Jelena Plecas 

Vice President, Corporate 
Development Strategy 

“Our ongoing strategic partnership 
with Empire enables us to optimize 
various transactions for both the 
near and long term, to maximize 
value creation, and reach AFFO and 
growth targets. We support, and are 
in alignment with, Empire’s innovative 
strategies, such as e-grocery through 
Voilà, and it is these innovative 
approaches that improve Crombie’s 
overall performance.” 

Ray Zhang 

Director, Market Strategies & 
Analytics, Corporate Development 

“Through in-depth market intelligence 
sharing, we maintain consistent 
communication and collaboration 
with the team at Empire to gain 
alignment on each other’s strategies. 
This unlocks and delivers synergistic 
value between both organizations.” 

Grocery-anchored real estate has historically 
been considered stable with slow growth. We are 
determined to continue to prove that Crombie is not 
only stable during crisis, but is also strong during 
periods of higher economic growth. As the retail 
landscape changes, the needs of the communities 
that Empire serves continue to evolve. 

Our relationship and strategic alignment with Empire offer us the ability to continuously 
drive high-quality, risk-adjusted growth. We remain committed to investing $100 million 
to $200 million annually in Empire-related initiatives. 

Strategic and accretive transactions: 

•  Modernization, acquisition, and expansion of grocery stores; 

•  Store conversions; 

•  Land-use intensifications; 

•  Facilitating Empire’s build-out of their Voilà online grocery home delivery service 

through investments in their network; and 

•  Unlocking of major urban developments. 

Empire represents: 

10.2m sq. ft.

of occupied portfolio GLA 

12.2 years

weighted average lease term 

56.7%

$202m

of annual minimum rent 

spent in 2021 to support Empire-related initatives 

Voilà CFC3 Rendering 
Calgary, Alberta 
Voilà hub and spoke network 

Davie Street 
Vancouver, British Columbia 
Major urban development

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

11

Westhill on Duke Rendering 
Halifax, Nova Scotia

3 Strong Development 
Strong Development 
Pipeline
Pipeline 

12

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Major Developments: 

31

development projects 

6

near-term projects 

• 178,000 sq. ft. commercial GLA 

• 300,000 sq. ft. retail-related 

industrial GLA 

• 1,228,000 sq. ft. residential GLA 

• 1,611 residential units 

25

medium/long-term projects 

• 1,150,000 sq. ft. commercial GLA 

• 9,852,000 sq. ft. residential GLA 

• 11,100 residential units 

2020 Completions 

689,000 sq. ft. 

2021 Completions 

521,000 sq. ft. 

2022 Expected Completions 

820,000 sq. ft. 

Crombie recognizes the key role major developments 
play in our long-term strategy of accelerating fair 
value and AFFO growth, and we have built a first-
class development program of mixed-use real estate. 

Our development pipeline spans from coast to coast, and is comprised of different 
asset opportunities, such as large scale, mixed-use residential and retail-related 
industrial developments, all with varying project durations. Crombie is committed to 
investing $150 million to $250 million annually in our development program, including 
non-major developments. 

Our development program has hit its stride as two more projects reached substantial 
completion in 2021. Zephyr, located on Davie Street in the West End of Vancouver, 
achieved substantial completion in the first quarter of 2021 with lease-up in record time, 
reaching full occupancy in the fall. Leasing momentum continues at Le Duke, in Montreal, 
with 28% leased as of December 31, 2021 (40% as of March 15, 2022), after reaching 
substantial completion in the third quarter of 2021. 

Our dedicated team continues to work on entitling land across the country for major 
development projects. Currently, Crombie has six projects that are fully entitled, two other 
near-term projects where zoning applications have been submitted, and a number of 
additional medium- to long-term projects where entitlement work is actively underway. 
There is a significant opportunity for Crombie to supplement the value creation from 
completed developments with material value creation through the entitlement process,  
a very complementary two-prong approach. 

$5.3b–$7.5b

development pipeline future 
investment potential

Kelowna

1

1

5

Edmonton
Calgary

Victoria

11

1

Vancouver

Halifax
$0.9b–$1.3b

5

Kelowna, 
Vancouver & 
Victoria
$2.5b–$3.9b

Calgary & Edmonton
$0.6b–$0.9b

6

1

Toronto & Hamilton
$1.3b–$1.4b

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

13

Kevin Pritchard, Vice President, 
Development, Western Canada, 
Sid Schraeder, Vice President, Design 
and Construction, Western Canada, 
and Trevor Lee, Senior Vice President, 
Development and Construction,  
were onsite observing the progress  
of our Voilà CFC3 development in 
Calgary, Alberta. 

Le Duke 
Montreal, Quebec

14

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Le Duke 

Grocery stores in urban and suburban markets offer 
significant development opportunities. Le Duke was 
built to include an IGA and incorporates elements 
of an old financial institution previously on site, with 
387 luxury rental apartments overhead. This creative 
approach to design adds value for the retailer and 
the residents, building a neighbourhood in the heart 
of the city.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

15

Davie Street 
Vancouver, British Columbia

4

Strong Financial 
Strong Financial 
Condition
Condition 

16

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Kara Cameron 

Vice President, Accounting &  
Financial Reporting 

“The Accounting and Financial 
Reporting team works diligently to 
deliver clear, concise, and timely 
reporting for internal and external 
stakeholders. In addition to our 
financial reporting requirements, we 
collaborate with individuals across 
the organization on critical decision-
making and strategic transactions to 
pursue future growth initiatives.” 

Brady Landry 

Vice President,  
Financial Analysis & Treasury 

“Real estate is a capital intensive 
business that requires robust 
financial analysis. Accurate and 
timely forecasting is critical to 
ensuring we access the most 
efficient sources of capital on a 
timely basis to maximize returns, 
while also strengthening our 
balance sheet and improving our 
overall financial condition.” 

Achieving optimal portfolio quality is enabled by 
an ongoing focus on strengthening our financial 
condition. It is critically important to maintain a 
strong balance sheet in order to successfully fulfill 
our strategic objectives. 

We have significantly de-risked our business through maintaining ample liquidity, 
improved leverage and cost of capital, and a record-high unencumbered asset pool. 
While we are committed to balance sheet improvement, Crombie recognizes the 
importance of retaining flexibility to pursue strategic growth initiatives. A key component to 
that flexibility is access to multiple sources of capital to fund investments in Empire-related 
initiatives and our development program. Examples of these sources of capital are: 

•  Dispositions – full or partial interests 

•  Equity issuance 

•  Unsecured notes 

•  Mortgages – commercial & residential 

•  Distribution reinvestment plan (DRIP) 

•  Free cash flow 

$508m

available liquidity 

42.9%

debt/GFV1 

$1.8b

fair value of unencumbered assets 

8.25x

debt to adjusted EBITDA (TTM)1

5.1 years

weighted average term to debt maturity 

1  Non-GAAP measure; for additional information, please reference Non-GAAP Financial Measures section in the MD&A. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

17

Elizabeth Engram 
Manager, Marketing &  
Public Relations 

“Crombie leads with powerful 
guiding values that leave no 
question as to how we approach 
business every day, and these 
are not entirely new to us. I have 
witnessed our team live up to these 
values countless times throughout 
my career. Our commitment to 
delivering excellence together 
resonates with me most, as it calls 
for an understanding of each 
others’ needs and motivations, 
along with an appreciation of 
our talents and strengths. We 
often collaborate across many 
departments to support business 
and community needs. The 
outcomes of these cross-functional 
efforts are usually innovative, often 
hugely impactful, and always make 
me proud to work and practice 
public relations for Crombie.” 

Courtney Hall 
Systems Analyst 

Matthew March 
Director, External Reporting 

Dukhee Nam 
Director, Development Analytics 

“In my role, the work is different 
from day to day, and I love that I’m 
learning with each new challenge 
and opportunity I’m given. Crombie 
provides me with the resources 
and support to continually grow on 
both a professional and personal 
level. I know that my strengths are 
valued, and I am empowered and 
encouraged to continually raise the 
bar with empathy and integrity. I’m 
driven to succeed with a company 
that is built on high performance 
and a commitment to collaboration, 
along with a culture that’s inviting, 
friendly, and flexible.” 

“Our guiding values truly capture 
and reflect Crombie’s unique 
culture, and doing what’s right 
is at the foundation of each 
decision. This has been especially 
evident throughout the COVID-19 
pandemic, where Crombie 
provided many forms of ongoing 
support not only to our tenants, 
but also to our team. Personally, 
Crombie has actively encouraged 
and supported my community 
involvement with various charities 
and business groups throughout 
my career. This speaks volumes to 
the type of culture and workplace 
that is fostered, and I’m proud 
to work for an organization that 
prides itself on creating these 
positive impacts.” 

“Crombie is driven by a collective 
goal, focused on positively 
impacting communities across 
Canada with high-quality, 
sustainable real estate. This shared 
objective allows the team to 
collaborate effectively and deliver 
strong results together, while 
staying inherently true to who we 
are. In planning and executing 
many exciting project opportunities 
at Crombie, I work with highly 
experienced and supportive 
colleagues who continually 
empower me to grow and excel.” 

Kyle Quigley 
Manager, Financial Analysis 

Jennifer Sieber 
Vice President, Investments 

Parthiv Trivedi 
Manager, Estimating 

“I am proud to be part of an 
organization that is driven by a 
people-oriented, sustainable 
culture. This foundation, combined 
with the support, resources, and 
exposure that Crombie provides, 
allows me to thrive within the 
industry. Crombie’s team is 
dedicated to achieving success 
together, through staying true to 
our roots and building a space that 
is empowering and inclusive. My 
work is a rewarding challenge, and 
I feel valued in the contributions 
that I bring to the organization.” 

“Early in my time at Crombie, it 
was truly moving to see how the 
organization gathered to mourn 
the loss of a cherished colleague 
and friend to many. It was so 
touching to see how deeply my 
colleagues care for each other and 
the sense of family that’s woven 
into Crombie’s culture. I’ve never 
witnessed such compassion and 
empathy in a business environment, 
and in a manner that resonates 
through the whole organization.  
I observed this same compassion 
and caring repeatedly throughout 
the COVID-19 pandemic, as 
supporting the health and well-being 
of our team is Crombie’s priority.” 

“At Crombie, we embody an 
entrepreneurial spirit that values 
collaboration and diligence to 
pursue new opportunities and 
challenges together. The sense  
of family that permeates 
throughout Crombie is central  
to our culture, and this is what  
I noticed immediately upon joining 
the company. Our leadership 
team routinely advocates that 
Crombie’s success is defined by 
our team. Everyone is considered 
a valued team member, goes 
above and beyond to help 
one another, and hard work is 
well recognized. I’m excited for 
Crombie’s continued growth and 
being part of this journey with a 
great team.” 

Natcha Wannaklang 
Financial Analyst, Financial 
Analysis & Treasury 

“My team is one of the most 
hardworking, supportive, smart, 
and kind groups of people I have  
worked with in my career. 
Through sharing knowledge and 
experiences, and supporting and 
caring for one another, we work 
together to deliver each project 
successfully in order to help 
reach organizational goals and 
objectives. Crombie’s values guide 
the way we approach our work 
and interact with each other, and 
I see these values demonstrated 
across the organization every day.” 

5 Highly Skilled Team 
and Caring Culture 

18

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Ashley Harrison 
Vice President, People & Culture 

“There has been a lot of change 
at Crombie over the past several 
years. In addition to living through 
a global pandemic, our growth 
strategy is in action and delivering 
strong results, and our team 
has been evolving and growing. 
With this in mind, we knew that 
we wanted to update Crombie’s 
guiding values, and input from 
our team would be instrumental 
in doing this well. We issued a 
call for volunteers from across the 
organization to participate, and 
as is typical at Crombie, we were 
flooded with team members who 
were eager to be a part of this 
process. It is this engagement and 
collaboration that led the way 
for capturing the values that will 
ensure we collectively achieve our 
goals and deliver results.” 

Fariche Alleyne 
Property Manager 

“Contributing to the development 
of Crombie’s refreshed guiding 
values has been a valuable 
experience. The process was 
intentional in gathering diverse 
perspectives, and equally as 
intentional in ensuring it was a 
supportive space to share those 
perspectives. When I began at 
Crombie, one thing that quickly 
stood out in my interactions with 
my colleagues was a true sense 
of authenticity. The signifier in 
each interaction was honest, 
transparent communication, 
and I believe this authenticity 
is apparent in each one of the 
guiding values we developed.” 

We are proud of the smart, engaged people 
who enable Crombie to live up to our promise of 
enriching the communities in which we operate. 

Our Operations teams keep our properties safe and our tenants supported, and our 
office teams maintain a focused commitment to keeping our strategy on track. Even 
in the midst of a global pandemic, our people showed remarkable resilience and a 
continued commitment to our core guiding values. These are just a few of the many 
people who strengthen Crombie’s foundation through their fine work every day. 

Crombie is built on high performance, an entrepreneurial vision, and a 
commitment to collaboration. The following values guide our behaviour 
to ensure that we collectively achieve our goals and deliver results. 

Embody Integrity 
Doing what’s right is at the foundation of everything we do. 
Being responsible, accountable, transparent, and honest is part 
of who we are and what we accomplish. 

Care Passionately 
We pride ourselves on our commitment to create positive and sustainable 
impact for our clients, partners, team members, and the environment. 
Our team stays true to our roots and leads by example through active 
community engagement. 

Deliver Excellence Together 
We lead with empathy and strive to truly understand each other in 
a way that maximizes collaboration, quality, and high performance. 
We are at our best when we value each other’s strengths and use our 
one-team approach to have fun while pursuing our common goals. 

Empower One Another 
Everyone is encouraged to bring their unique and authentic self to work. 
We are dedicated to achieving success through building a space where 
everyone is accepted, respected, and celebrated. 

Outperform Expectations 
We are proud of the results we achieve, honour our learnings, and continually 
raise the bar. Our team members are reliable, knowledgeable, and can 
quickly switch gears to face challenges head on.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

19

ESG Initiatives 

At Crombie, we strive to improve communities for the benefit of future generations, 
not just our own. We know that our investments today must enable a better tomorrow. 

We are determined to do the right thing for the long-term 
health of our business, our tenants, and for the 
communities in which we operate. In 2021, we brought 
new focus and energy to our sustainability program 
and advanced a number of environmental, social, and 
governance (ESG) priorities. 

Crombie’s Sustainability Committee is charged with 
developing a roadmap that expands our sustainability 
strategy and identifies key actions, milestones and targets 
that will drive performance improvements across all seven 
of our material topics. Our goal is to make decisions that are 
authentic to our business, core to our culture, and practical 
to achieve in the short, medium, and long term. 

Lynn Valley Rendering 
Vancouver, British Columbia

20

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

~2m sq. ft. of BOMA 
BEST certifications 

48%

average waste diversion rate 
across the portfolio in 2021 

Ecopilot® savings at  
Scotia Square Complex 
since installation in 2019 

HVAC energy savings of 19% 

HVAC cost savings of 17% 

CO2e reduction of 1,215 metric tonnes 

26%

of hires in the year were 
diverse candidates 

54%

of leadership development 
program participants  
are women 

Environmental Performance 

We strengthened our environmental leadership structure, enhanced our ability to 
track and disclose our sustainability performance, and took actions to reduce our 
environmental footprint. 

Our sustainability team is dedicated to lowering our environmental impact by integrating 
sustainable design and construction considerations into new developments. For our 
existing properties, we are employing smart technologies that support waste diversion, 
and energy and water use reduction for our tenants. In order to reduce our carbon 
footprint, we are also pursuing new energy conservation initiatives that will reduce 
energy consumption across the Crombie portfolio. 

We have implemented an industry-leading ESG software platform – built exclusively for 
the global commercial real estate sector – to better track, measure, and report on our 
performance. This baseline has allowed us to assess our performance, which enabled us 
to make our first submission to GRESB1 and to publish our inaugural sustainability report. 

Social Impact 

Crombie’s caring culture is a sustainable competitive advantage and core to our success. 
We are particularly proud that our industry-leading response has kept our employees, 
customers, and tenants safe throughout COVID-19. Our commitment to creating positive 
social impact included helping our small business tenants access federal funding for rent 
relief2, and supporting charitable organizations that play a role in improving the health 
and well-being of their communities through donations of money, time, and space. 

Our team has worked diligently to increase the diversity of our workforce, improve equity 
for all, and build an inclusive culture. In addition to advancing our BlackNorth Pledge,  
we launched an internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Advisory Committee 
to ensure a welcoming workplace for all employees and tenants. We also conducted 
unconscious bias training to make hiring and promotion fairer, and to improve our 
interactions with customers and among colleagues. Our culture of inclusiveness has kept 
employees fully engaged and productive, and helped us attract new talent to our team. 

Board Diversity 

Corporate Governance 

33%

female directors 

100%

independent Board Chair and 
Committee Chairs 

Our Board of Trustees helps steward Crombie’s approach to environmental, social, 
and governance matter for the short- and long-term health and sustainability of 
the company. In 2021, the Board strengthened its governance oversight and risk 
management practices to ensure accountability at all levels of the organization. 
We welcomed Jane Craighead to the Board. Jane is highly qualified with a strong 
understanding of corporate governance and board effectiveness, and a deep expertise 
in executive compensation. In early 2022, Michael Vels was appointed to the Board. 
Michael has a robust financial background, leadership experience, and valuable 
knowledge of our strategic partner, Empire. The board will continue to provide valuable 
guidance to the Executive Leadership team as we enhance the transparency of our ESG 
and climate-related financial disclosures.

1  GRESB is the global ESG benchmark for financial markets, which helps companies assess their ESG performance 
through a standardized and globally recognized framework and allows them to act on ESG data and insights. 

2  In 2020 and 2021, the Crombie Values Small Business team helped tenants receive funding through the Canada 

Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (“CECRA”) program and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (“CERS”) program. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

21

View from Bronte Village 
Oakville, Ontario 

Crombie is committed to embedding sustainability 
principles into the way we do business, our decision-
making processes, and everyday activities. As part of this 
commitment, we introduced a new leadership role: Vice 
President, Sustainability. We were very pleased to promote 
Dan Bourque, former Director of Operations for Crombie, 
to this key position. In his previous roles on Crombie’s 
Operations team, Dan led significant environmental 
initiatives, including achieving national and provincial 
BOMA (Building Owners & Managers Association) awards, 
and overseeing BOMA BEST certified properties within 
Crombie’s portfolio. 

Dan is currently in his fourth year as President of BOMA 
Nova Scotia, whose mandate is to provide commercial 
real estate leadership and support to its members. He also 
serves as a Director on BOMA Canada’s Board of Directors 
to facilitate national initiatives and the exchange of ideas 
that support member associations. Both positions provide 
valuable industry connections and a deep understanding 
of the challenges and opportunities for Crombie’s 
sustainability journey. 

As Vice President, Sustainability, Dan, in collaboration 
across the organization, will work to address Crombie’s 
actions for ESG responsibility, with a priority focus on 
the Environment, to gain a better understanding of our 
sustainability efforts and set targets for improvement 
across our portfolio.

22

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Dan Bourque 
Vice President, Sustainability 

“With the release of our inaugural 
sustainability report in 2021, our 
entire team is responsible to 
continue with this work, identify 
opportunities where we can make 
a difference, and strive to ensure 
sustainability practices are at the 
forefront of everything we do.” 

Our Sustainable  
Development 
Policy 

In 2021, Crombie formalized 
and published its Sustainable 
Development Policy, which 
requires all major development 
and re-development projects 
to undergo a comprehensive 
sustainability evaluation.  
This policy is a key driver of our 
approach to developing existing 
and future real estate assets. 
Sustainability considerations 
are incorporated into all 
aspects of the development 
process to meet key stakeholder 
and community objectives 
and position our portfolio for 
long-term value creation. 
Joint ventures, development 
partners and employees are 
strongly encouraged to adopt 
sustainable practices throughout 
the development process. 

Where people want to 
live, work, shop and play

SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT 2021

Crombie 2021 
Sustainability Report 

Available for download 
May 2022 

Our Sustainability 
Commitment 

Crombie continues to be committed to the well-being of our 
communities. We have embedded sustainability principles 
into the way we do business since our inception. To better 
understand Crombie’s sustainability performance, we are 
improving the measurement of our baseline performance 
and sustainability impact. We are developing policies and 
procedures that will enable us to set targets and implement 
actionable processes necessary to achieve our short- and 
long-term sustainability goals. 

Some of the related policies we updated and implemented in 2021 include: 

•  Crombie’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 

•  COVID-19 Vaccination Policy 

•  Flexible Work Arrangement Policy 

•  Hybrid Workplace Policy 

•  Time Away from Work Policy 

•  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy 

•  Sustainable Development Policy 

OUR MATERIAL TOPICS 

Pillars

Key Topics 

Environmental 

Sustainable design and construction 

Energy consumption 

Social 

Talent attraction, development, and retention 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) 

Health, safety, and well-being 

Governance 

Board composition and governance 

Risk management

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

23

Financial Review 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis    

25 

Risk Management 

Key Highlights                       

COVID-19 Impact                                          

Glossary of Terms 

Portfolio Review 

Market Class 

Asset Type 

Tenant Profile 

Same-Asset Properties 

Strategic Acquisitions and Dispositions 

Operational Performance Review 

Occupancy and Leasing Activity 

New Leasing Activity 

Renewal Activity 

Lease Maturities 

Financial Performance Review 

Operating Income Attributable to Unitholders 

Net Property Income 

Funds from Operations (FFO) 

Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) 

Distributions to Unitholders 

Amortization of Tenant Incentives 

General and Administrative Expenses 

Finance Costs – Operations 

Depreciation, Amortization, and Impairment 

Selected Balance Sheet Information 

Development 

Completed Developments 

Development Pipeline 

Near-Term Projects 

Capital Management 

Capital Management Framework 

Investment Grade Credit Rating 

Strong Capital Structure 

Debt Metrics 

Debt Profile 

Debt Maturities 

Outstanding Unit Data 

Cash Flows 

Available Credit Line Liquidity 

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Guarantees 

Financial Instruments 

24

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

 25 

 29 

31 

32 

32 

34 

35 

36 

37 

39 

39 

40 

40 

41 

42 

43 

43 

45 

46 

46 

47 

47 

48 

48 

49 

50 

50 

51 

51 

57 

57 

57 

58 

58 

61 

63 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

Risk Management Framework 

Risk Factors Related to the Business of Crombie 

Financial Risk Management 

Risk Factors Related to the Units 

Ownership of Senior Unsecured Notes 

Other Disclosures 

Related Party Transactions 

Use of Estimates and Judgments 

Controls and Procedures 

Quarterly Information 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

Forward-looking Information 

Management’s Statement of Responsibility  
for Financial Reporting 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Property Portfolio 

Unitholders’ Information 

Tenant Profile 

68 

68 

68 

71 

72 

73 

74 

74 

74 

76 

77 

79 

82 

84 

85 

89 

93 

126 

128 

IBC 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of 
the consolidated financial condition and financial performance of 
Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (“Crombie”) should be read in 
conjunction with Crombie’s audited consolidated financial statements 
as at and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. 

Except for per unit, gross leasable area (“GLA”) and square footage (“sq. ft.”) 
amounts and where otherwise noted, all amounts in this MD&A are reported in 
thousands of Canadian dollars. 

The information contained in the MD&A, including forward-looking statements, 
is based on information available to management as of February 23, 2022, 
except as otherwise noted. 

Additional information relating to Crombie, including its latest Annual 
Information Form, can be found on the SEDAR website for Canadian regulatory 
filings at www.sedar.com. 

For definitions of certain acronyms and specialized terms we use in this 
document, refer to the “Glossary of Terms” on page 31. 

FOOTNOTES 

* NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 
Some of the financial measures we provide in this document are non-GAAP 
financial measures that have no standardized meaning under International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and therefore may not be comparable 
to similar measures presented by other companies. See “Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures”, starting on page 79, for more information on Crombie’s non-GAAP 
financial measures and reconciliations thereof. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
Some of the information we provide in this document is forward-looking and 
therefore could change over time to reflect changes in the environment in 
which we operate and compete. See “Forward-looking Information”, starting 
on page 82, for more information.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

We use financial and operational metrics to measure our performance.  
These key metrics are highlighted below: 

FINANCIAL METRICS 
(in thousands except GLA and per Unit amounts) 

Property revenue 

Q4 2021 

Year 2021 

$103,832 

$408,892 

Q4 2020 $97,060  +6.98% 

Year 2020 $388,733  +5.19% 

The increase in property revenue in the quarter and on an annual basis is 
due primarily to increased rental revenue from development activity, strong 
occupancy, and modernizations. Lease termination income contributed 
additionally to  the  increase, offset  in part  by increased  tenant  incentive 
amortization from modernizations. 

Operating income attributable to Unitholders 

Q4 2021 

Year 2021 

$78,730 

$155,401 

Q4 2020 $17,157  +358.88% 

Year 2020 $67,608  +129.86% 

The increase in operating income attributable to Unitholders in the quarter is driven 
primarily by gain on disposal of investment properties, gain from equity accounted 
investments, income from completed developments, strong occupancy, and lease 
terminations. Additional contributing factors were lower impairments recognized 
on retail properties compared to the same period in 2020, and reduced finance 
costs from operations due to the early partial redemption of senior unsecured 
notes in 2020. The increase is offset in part by higher general and administrative 
expenses caused primarily by increased annual incentive amounts, and a higher 
Unit price and its impact on Unit-based compensation plans, and loss from equity 
accounted investments. 

On an annual basis, the growth in operating income is a result of gain on disposal 
of investment properties, a reduction in bad debt expense as a result of decreased 
collection risk in 2021, gain from equity accounted investments, and increased income 
and lower impairments as noted for the quarter. This is offset in part by higher 
general and administrative expenses resulting from increased Unit price, loss from 
equity accounted investments resulting from residential development projects as they 
move toward revenue stabilization when revenue earned will exceed expenses, and 
by increased finance costs from operations due to reduced capitalized interest. 

Net property income 

Q4 2021 

Year 2021 

$71,402 

$283,031 

Q4 2020 $67,815  +5.29% 

Year 2020 $258,861  +9.34% 

The growth in net property income for the quarter compared to the same period in 
2020 is primarily due to income from completed developments, lease termination 
income, strong occupancy, and higher supplemental rents from modernizations and 
capital improvements. 

On an annual basis, the primary driver of the increase is reduced bad debt 
expense resulting from decreased collection risk in 2021, as well as the factors 
impacting the quarter.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

25

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL METRICS (CONTINUED)

Same-asset property cash NOI* 

Q4 2021  $64,442 

Year 2021  $253,162 

+2.40% 

+4.96% 

Q4 2020 $62,935 

Year 2020 $241,203 

FFO* per Unit 

Q4 2021 

$0.29 

Year 2021 

$1.14 

Q4 2020 $0.27  +7.41% 

Year 2020 $1.05  +8.57% 

FFO* payout ratio 

Q4 2021 

78.0% 

Year 2021 

78.1% 

Q4 2020 83.2%  -5.2% 

Year 2020 84.6%  -6.5% 

AFFO* per Unit 

Q4 2021 

$0.25 

Year 2021 

$0.97 

Q4 2020 $0.23  +8.70% 

Year 2020 $0.88  +10.23% 

26

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

The increase in same-asset property cash NOI for the quarter compared to the 
same period in 2020 is primarily due to lease termination income, strong occupancy, 
and higher supplemental rents from modernizations and capital improvements. 

On an annual basis, the primary driver of the increase is reduced bad debt 
expense resulting from decreased collection risk in 2021, as well as the factors 
impacting the quarter. 

FFO per Unit increased for the quarter from the same period in 2020 primarily due 
to increased net property income from development completions, strong occupancy, 
and lease terminations. Reduced finance costs from operations resulting from the early 
partial redemption of unsecured notes in the fourth quarter of 2020 also contributed to 
the increase in FFO per Unit. This is offset in part by higher general and administrative 
costs which were primarily the result of increased annual incentive plan amounts, and 
the impact Unit price on Unit-based compensation plans. 

On an annual basis, the primary drivers of the increase are reduced bad debt 
expense resulting from decreased collection risk in 2021, increased income from 
retail-related industrial developments, lease terminations, strong occupancy, 
and modernizations. This is offset in part by increased general and administrative 
costs resulting from the impact of Unit price on Unit-based compensation plans, 
loss from equity accounted investments due to operating results from residential 
development projects as they move toward revenue stabilization when revenue 
earned will exceed expenses, and higher finance costs from operations. 

The improved payout ratios for the quarter and year resulted from higher FFO, offset 
in part by higher total distributions due to increased number of Units outstanding 
from the issuance of 6,025,000 Units in the second quarter of 2021. 

The increase in AFFO per Unit for the quarter is primarily due to income from completed 
developments, strong occupancy, and lease terminations, as well as reduced finance 
costs from operations. This is offset in part by higher general and administrative costs, 
primarily the result of increased annual incentive plan amounts, and the impact of an 
increased Unit price on Unit-based compensation plans in 2021. 

On an annual basis, reduced bad debt expense resulting from decreased collection 
risk in 2021 is the primary cause of the increased FFO, with increased income from 
modernizations and  the sources  noted  for the quarter.  This  is offset by  increased 
general and administrative costs due to the impact of Unit price on Unit-based 
compensation plans, loss from equity accounted investments resulting from operating 
results from residential development projects as they move toward revenue stabilization 
when revenue earned will exceed expenses, and higher finance costs from operations. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL METRICS (CONTINUED)

AFFO* payout ratio 

Q4 2021 

90.5% 

Year 2021 

91.8% 

Q4 2020 98.7%  -8.2% 

Year 2020 101.0%  -9.2% 

OPERATIONAL METRICS 

Renewals (GLA) 

Q4 2021 

Year 2021 

97,000 

905,000 

Q4 2020 200,000  -103,000 

Year 2020 758,000  +147,000 

Renewal spreads 

Q4 2021 

5.0% 

Year 2021 

3.4% 

Q4 2020 4.5%  +0.5% 

Year 2020 4.1%  -0.7% 

Committed occupancy 

Year 2021 

96.2% 

Year 2020 96.4%  -0.2% 

Economic occupancy 

Year 2021 

95.6% 

Year 2020 94.0%  +1.6% 

The increased AFFO described above resulted in an improvement in both the quarter 
and annual payout ratios, offset in part by higher total distributions due to the 
increased number of Units outstanding from the issuance of 6,025,000 Units in the 
second quarter of 2021. 

Renewal activity in the quarter consisted of 61,000 square feet in Rest of Canada, 
23,000 square feet in Major Markets, and 13,000 square feet in VECTOM. 

Year to date, renewal activity consisted of 478,000 square feet in Rest of Canada, 
225,000 square feet in VECTOM, and 202,000 square feet in Major Markets. 

The primary driver of the renewal growth in the quarter and year to date was retail 
plaza renewals at an increase of 6.1% and 3.9% over expiring rental rates, respectively. 

Crombie’s committed occupancy of 96.2% included 114,000 square feet of committed 
space in the quarter. Approximately 90,000 square feet of committed space is in 
VECTOM and Major Markets,  including  42,000  square  feet  at our  Scotia Square 
complex in downtown Halifax. 

Strong economic occupancy is primarily due to new leases of 710,000 square 
feet, largely at our major retail and retail-related industrial development projects, 
outpacing lease expiries and other changes by 371,000 square feet. Notable new 
leases include Empire’s Voilà par IGA Customer Fulfillment Centre (“CFC”) in Montreal 
and the Voilà by Sobeys spoke at The Queensway Commons.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

27

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL CONDITION METRICS 

Interest coverage ratio* 

Q4 2021 

3.13x 

Year 2021 

3.06x 

Q4 2020 2.77x  +0.36x 

Year 2020 2.90x  +0.16x 

Debt to gross fair value* (D/GFV) 

Q4 2021 

42.9% 

Q4 2020 49.4%  -6.5% 

Q4 2020 

49.4% 

Q4 2019 48.9%  +0.5% 

The improvement in interest coverage ratio for the quarter compared to the same 
period in 2020 is due to reduced interest on unsecured notes, and the increase 
in property revenue resulting primarily from completed developments, strong 
occupancy, and lease terminations. 

On an annual basis, increased property revenue is the driver of the improved ratio, 
offset in part by increased finance costs from operations from new mortgages and 
unsecured debt and reduced capitalized interest on completed developments. 

Since the fourth quarter of 2020, fair value of investment properties increased 
by $211,000 primarily from lower capitalization rates, acquisitions, and completed 
developments. This increase, along with higher fair value of investment in 
joint ventures resulting from the completion of multi-use residential properties 
at Davie Street and Le Duke, and reduced outstanding debt, resulted in the 
improvement in D/GFV compared to the prior year. 

Debt to gross fair value*, applying cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt, is 42.9% at Q4 2021 (Q4 2020 – 48.8%). 

Debt to trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA* (D/EBITDA) 

Q4 2021 

8.25x 

Q4 2020 9.73x  -1.48x 

The improvement in D/EBITDA ratio compared to the same period in 2020 is due 
to lower outstanding debt at the fourth quarter of 2021 resulting from mortgage 
maturities, lower outstanding balances drawn on credit facilities, and increased 
property revenue resulting primarily from completed developments, strong 
occupancy, and lease terminations. 

Debt to trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA*, applying cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt, is 8.23x (Q4 2020 – 9.48x). 

Available liquidity – unutilized credit facilities 

Q4 2021 

$507,777 

Q4 2020 $471,708  +7.65% 

The increase in available liquidity from the fourth quarter of 2020 is primarily due to 
lower outstanding balances drawn on credit facilities resulting from proceeds from 
the issuance of unsecured notes in the third quarter of 2021.

28

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

COVID-19 IMPACT 

OPERATIONS 
COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in early 2020, and persisted 
throughout 2021. With essential grocery-anchored properties accounting 
for approximately 78% of Crombie’s annual minimum rent, our portfolio 
is proving resilient through successive waves of COVID-19. Crombie 
has responded to the crisis to ensure the health and safety of our 
employees, tenants, and customers, while minimizing the impact on 
our earnings and cash flow. Crombie’s tenants have largely remained 
operational and, as a result, we have collected approximately 99% 
of our contractual rents for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our 
major development program, while slightly impacted by supply chain 
challenges and COVID-19 related delays, had a successful year. 
Vancouver’s Davie Street residential project reached completion and 
full occupancy, Montreal’s Le Duke reached substantial completion (and 
began leasing), Oakville’s Bronte Village neared substantial completion 
(and began leasing), and the Voilà CFC3 in Calgary began construction. 
(Please refer to the “Development” section of this MD&A for further 
details on each project.) 

to any employees who test positive for the virus. We are aware that 
this will impact some of our tenants as well and we will continue 
discussions to determine their needs. We remain committed to the safety 
of our employees, tenants, and communities. Although not significant, 
COVID-19 related inefficiencies and delays have increased risk around 
date and cost of project completions, as well as pace of residential 
lease-up stabilization, on our major development program. We have 
focused on strengthening our balance sheet and have secured ample 
liquidity to ensure stability over the long-term. 

OTHER CONSTITUENTS 
Crombie’s business continuity plan contains mechanisms to ensure we 
complete all public company filings on a timely basis, maintain key internal 
and disclosure controls, and continue to meet all other ordinary course 
business obligations. COVID-19 related impacts are further discussed in 
the following sections of this MD&A: “Financial Performance Review”, “Risk 
Management”, “Other Disclosures”, and “Forward-looking Information”. 

OMICRON VARIANT 
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 appeared in Canada in November 
2021. The variant’s high level of transmissibility has led to record 
numbers of infections across the country, and the reintroduction of 
lockdown measures in many provinces. While it is too early to determine 
the full impact this will have, Crombie has acted swiftly to ensure the 
safety of employees by asking those who can, to work from home, 
giving time as needed for vaccine booster shots, and providing support 

FINANCIAL 
In order to ensure Crombie is doing its part to contribute to the 
resilience of its tenants during the pandemic, management continues 
to actively work with tenants who are seeking rental concessions. Most 
of Crombie’s leases require that rent be paid on the first day of each 
month. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, 
we have collected the following approximate contractual rents: 

Retail

Office

Retail-related industrial

Total

Three months ended  
December 31, 2021 

Year ended  
December 31, 2021 

% of Gross  
Rent Collected 

% of Gross Rent,  
Total Portfolio 

% of Gross  
Rent Collected 

% of Gross Rent,  
Total Portfolio 

99%

100%

100%

99%

90%

5%

5%

100%

99%

100%

100%

99%

90% 

6% 

4% 

100% 

Crombie assesses, on a tenant-by-tenant basis, losses expected with its rent receivable in determining its provision for doubtful accounts. Crombie’s 
assessment is subjective due to the forward-looking nature of the situation. As a result, the provision for doubtful accounts is subject to a high degree 
of uncertainty and is made based on assumptions which may not prove to be accurate with the unprecedented uncertainty caused by COVID-19. 

Based on its review, Crombie recorded a bad debt expense of $811 for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $10,894 for the same period in 
2020, of which Crombie considers $9,807 to be attributed to the impact of COVID-19. 

Crombie continues to navigate the effects of COVID-19. Although parking revenue remains depressed as compared to pre-pandemic levels, there has 
been significant improvement in bad debt expense.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

29

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following tables further outline what management estimates to be the material impacts of COVID-19 on Crombie’s operating performance. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021: 

(In thousands of CAD dollars, except per  
Unit amounts and as otherwise noted)

FFO*

AFFO* 

Same-Asset 
Property  
Cash NOI* 

Same-Asset Property  
Cash NOI* Growth 

Actual results – year ended December 31, 2021

$  185,032

$

1.14 

$  157,532 

$

0.97 

$  253,162 

$  11,959 

4.8% 

$

Per Unit

$

Per Unit

$

$

% 

Adjusted for: 

Bad debt expense

Rent abatements

Parking revenue1

811

— 

789

0.01

— 

— 

811

— 

789

0.01

— 

— 

420

— 

789

(4,933)

(1,465)

(1,926)

(2.0)% 

(0.6)% 

(0.8)% 

Adjusted results – year ended December 31, 2021

$  186,632 

Adjusted results – year ended December 31, 2020

$ $180,893 

$

$

1.15 

$  159,132 

1.15 

$  155,309 

$

$

0.98 

$  254,371 

$

3,635 

1.4% 

0.98 

$  250,736 

(1) Parking revenue is calculated as the decrease in parking revenue from the same period in the prior year, which Crombie has attributed to the impact of COVID-19. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020: 

(In thousands of CAD dollars, except per  
Unit amounts and as otherwise noted)

FFO*

AFFO* 

Same-Asset 
Property  
Cash NOI* 

Same-Asset Property  
Cash NOI* Growth 

$

Per Unit

$

Per Unit

$

$

% 

Actual results – year ended December 31, 2020

$  165,850 

$

1.05 

$  138,963 

$

0.88 

$  241,203 

$ 

(10,217)

(4.1)% 

Adjusted for: 

Bad debt expense1

Rent abatements2

Parking revenue3

Organizational realignment severance costs

9,807

1,012

2,715

1,509

0.06

0.01

0.02

0.01

9,807

2,315

2,715

1,509

Adjusted results – year ended December 31, 2020

$  180,893 

Actual results – year ended December 31, 2019

$  175,539 

$

$

1.15 

$  155,309 

1.16 

$  148,632 

$

$

0.06

0.01

0.02

0.01

5,353

1,465

2,715

— 

5,353

1,465

2,715

— 

2.1% 

0.6% 

1.1% 

—% 

0.98 

$  250,736 

$

(684)

(0.3)% 

0.98 

$  251,420 

(1) Crombie considers bad debt expense for Q2 to Q4 2020 only to be attributed to the impact of COVID-19. 
(2) Total amount of rent abatements recognized for AFFO* purposes, primarily related to the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (“CECRA”), was $2,315. Where qualifying tenants 

had accounts receivable balances, Crombie elected to treat the abatements as a credit loss under IFRS 9. In cases where insufficient accounts receivable balances existed, Crombie applied IFRS 16 and 
treated the abatements as a lease modification, which was averaged over the life of the lease as straight-line rent. For purposes of FFO*, the abatements were partially offset by the straight-line rent 
impact of $(1,303). 

(3) Parking revenue is calculated as the decrease in parking revenue from the same period in the prior year, which Crombie has attributed to the impact of COVID-19.

30

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

Adjusted debt*

Adjusted EBITDA*

AFFO* 

AMR

CFC

CMA

Represents debt excluding transaction costs, which Crombie feels is a more relevant presentation of indebtedness. 
Adjusted debt is a non-GAAP measure that is used in the calculation of our debt to gross fair value. 

Represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization excluding certain items such as amortization 
of tenant incentives, impairment of investment properties and gain (loss) on disposal of investment properties. Adjusted 
EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is used as an input in several of our debt metrics. 

Adjusted funds from operations. Crombie follows the recommendations of REALPAC’s February 2019 white paper 
in determining AFFO. 

Annual minimum rent. This represents fixed minimum rent in the annual amount payable by the tenant pursuant to the 
terms of the lease. 

Customer fulfillment centre. 

Census metropolitan area. 

Committed occupancy

Represents current economic occupancy plus future occupancy of currently vacant space for which lease contracts are 
currently in place. 

D/GFV*

Debt to gross fair value. 

Economic occupancy

Represents space currently occupied (excluding residential). 

ESG

Fair value

FFO*

GLA

IFRS

Environmental, social, and governance. 

The amount at which an asset or liability could be exchanged between two knowledgeable, willing and unconnected 
parties in an arm’s length transaction. 

Funds from operations. Crombie follows the recommendations of REALPAC’s February 2019 white paper in determining FFO. 

Gross leasable area (excluding residential). 

International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Investment in joint  
ventures, fair value* 

Investment in joint ventures, accounted for at cost under the equity method, adjusted to reflect Investment properties 
measured at fair value for calculation of D/GFV*. 

Lease termination income  Revenue derived from fees resulting from the early termination of a lease. Lease termination occurs when a tenant 

desires to end occupancy prior to the end date in the lease terms. 

Major Markets

Modernization

A Crombie-specific definition that includes Abbotsford-Mission, Barrie, Chilliwack, Halifax, Hamilton, Kitchener-
Cambridge-Waterloo, Oshawa, Quebec City, Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, and Winnipeg, as defined by Statistics Canada 
2016 CMA/CA boundaries. 

A capital investment to modernize/renovate Crombie owned grocery store properties in exchange for a defined return 
and potential extended lease term. 

NAV

Net asset value. 

Net property income

Property revenue less property operating expenses, which excludes certain expenses such as interest expense and 
indirect operating expenses. 

Property cash NOI*

Property NOI on a cash basis, excluding non-cash straight-line rent recognition and non-cash tenant incentive amortization. 

Proportionate ownership

Represents Crombie’s proportionate interest in the financial position and results of operations of its entire portfolio, taking 
into account the difference in accounting for joint ventures using proportionate consolidation versus equity accounting. 

REALPAC

Real Property Association of Canada. 

Rest of Canada (“RoC”)

A Crombie-specific definition that includes all remaining geographies outside of VECTOM and Major Markets. 

Retail

Includes our substantial retail portfolio with commercial reflecting certain few additional properties which comprise both 
retail and office space. These properties have been consistently included in our retail category. 

Retail-related industrial

Retail-related industrial includes retail distribution centres and customer fulfillment centres (“CFC”) owned in major 
urban markets. 

Same-asset properties*

Properties owned and operated throughout the current and comparative reporting periods, excluding any property 
that was designated for redevelopment, or was subject to disposition of a portion of its GLA during either the current 
or comparative period. 

Sq. ft.

Square footage. 

Unencumbered assets

Represents assets that have not been pledged as security or collateral under a credit agreement or mortgage. 

VECTOM

WATM

Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal, as defined by Statistics Canada 2016  
CMA/CA boundaries. 

Weighted average term to maturity. 

Zoning applications 
submitted 

A formal municipal re-zoning application has been submitted for the purpose of achieving a new land use 
(ie. residential, mixed-use) and generally to obtain higher levels of density and height. 

*  See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, starting on page 79, for more information on Crombie’s non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations thereof.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

31

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

PORTFOLIO REVIEW 

As at December 31, 2021, Crombie’s property portfolio consisted of full 
ownership interests in 224 investment properties, and partial ownership 
interests in 60 investment properties held in joint operations. The partial 
ownership interests are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet and 
income statement, based on our proportionate ownership in such joint 
operations. Together these 284 properties contain, at Crombie’s share, 
approximately 17.9 million square feet of GLA in all 10 provinces. 

Crombie also holds partial ownership interests in seven joint ventures, 
four of which currently hold properties. These joint ventures are all 
subject to equity accounting. As such, the results of these equity 

accounted investments are not included in certain financial metrics, such 
as net property income, property cash NOI*, same-asset property NOI*, 
or in operating metrics such as occupancy and GLA, unless specifically 
indicated that such metrics are presented on a proportionate 
consolidation basis. 

MARKET CLASS 
Crombie’s presence in high-growth VECTOM and Major Markets has 
been increasing through acquisitions and large-scale, mixed-use 
developments, to strategically elevate portfolio quality and strength. 

PORTFOLIO GLA BY MARKET CLASS (SQ. FT.) 

PORTFOLIO FAIR VALUE BY MARKET CLASS (%) 

as of December 31, 2021 

as of December 31, 2021 

43.2% 

30.3% 

32.9% 

40.7% 

26.5% 

26.4% 

VECTOM 

Major Market 

Rest of Canada 

VECTOM 

Major Market 

Rest of Canada 

The table below provides details of the average capitalization rate (weighted by stabilized 12-month trailing NOI) by market class: 

VECTOM

Major Markets

Rest of Canada

Weighted average portfolio capitalization rate

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

4.73%

5.91%

6.55%

5.65%

4.92% 

6.07% 

6.73% 

5.86% 

Throughout the year, capital recycling, development completions, and 
strong demand for grocery-anchored assets all helped to compress our 
weighted average capitalization rate by 21 basis points. 

For an explanation of the determination of capitalization rates, see the 
“Other Disclosures” section of this MD&A, under “Investment Property 
Valuation” in the “Use of Estimates and Judgments” section.

32

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Crombie’s portfolio diversification by market class as at December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: 

GLA (sq. ft.) 

January 1, 
2021 

Net 
Acquisitions 
(Dispositions)

VECTOM

5,588,000

Major Markets

4,619,000

Rest of Canada

7,793,000

(176,000)

112,000

(138,000)

Other1 

December 31, 
2021 

6,000

5,418,000

(8,000)

4,723,000

65,000

7,720,000

Total

18,000,000

(202,000)

63,000

17,861,000

Number of 
Investment 
Properties

87

62

135

284

% of AMR

33.9%

26.6%

39.5%

% NOI 

33.9%

26.4%

39.7%

100.0%

100.0%

Economic 
Occupancy 

Committed 
Occupancy 

99.7%

94.2%

93.5%

95.6%

99.7% 

96.1% 

93.8% 

96.2% 

GLA (sq. ft.) 

January 1, 
2020 

Net 
Acquisitions 
(Dispositions)

Other1 

December 31, 
2020 

Number of 
Investment 
Properties

VECTOM

5,295,000

Major Markets

4,597,000

Rest of Canada

7,666,000

2,000

(17,000)

46,000

291,000

5,588,000

39,000

81,000

4,619,000

7,793,000

Total

17,558,000

31,000

411,000

18,000,000

89

59

136

284

% of AMR

32.3%

26.3%

41.4%

% NOI 

33.1%

26.7%

40.2%

100.0%

100.0%

Economic 
Occupancy 

Committed 
Occupancy 

93.5%

94.8%

93.8%

94.0%

99.0% 

96.1% 

94.7% 

96.4% 

(1) Changes in GLA included in Other include increases for completed developments and additions/expansions to GLA on existing properties, and decreases primarily related to GLA removal in preparation 

for property redevelopment. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, three investment properties 
at full interest and two investment properties at partial interest were 
disposed of in VECTOM and Major Markets. This is partially offset by 
the acquisition of four investment properties and two properties under 
development in these markets, resulting in a net decrease in GLA of 
64,000 square feet. Four investment properties at full interest and one 
investment property at partial interest were disposed of in the Rest of 
Canada, this is partially offset by the acquisition of three investment 
properties, resulting in a net decrease in GLA of 138,000 square feet in 
Rest of Canada. 

When compared to December 31, 2020, the percentage of total annual 
minimum rent generated from VECTOM increased by 160 basis points, 
while Major Market total annual minimum rent increased by 30 basis 
points and Rest of Canada decreased by 190 basis points. The increase 
in VECTOM is primarily due to the completion of the base building for 
the Voilà par IGA CFC in Montreal, the opening of the Voilà by Sobeys 
spoke at The Queensway Commons in Toronto, and the first quarter 
acquisition of a freestanding Sobeys store in Edmonton. 

As at December 31, 2021, committed and economic occupancy stand 
at 96.2% and 95.6%, respectively. Committed occupancy decreased by 
20 basis points compared to December 31, 2020. Economic occupancy 
increased 160 basis points compared to December 31, 2020. Throughout 
the year, 139,000 net square feet of GLA has been removed from the 
portfolio. The net decrease in GLA is due to 430,000 square feet of 
dispositions, partially offset by the addition of 228,000 square feet 
from acquisitions and 63,000 square feet of other changes throughout 
the portfolio, primarily development activity. New leasing activity for 
the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled 710,000 square feet at 
an average rate of $20.92 per square foot. Approximately 55.6% of 
Crombie’s new leases are at completed major development properties, 
demonstrating continued progress in leasing our development space.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

33

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ASSET TYPE 
Retail properties represent 84.3% of Crombie’s GLA and 90.4% of annual minimum rent at December 31, 2021 compared to 83.7% of GLA and 91.8% 
of annual minimum rent at December 31, 2020. The main driver of the improved diversification is due to the addition of completed retail-related 
industrial developments and new leases for the Voilà hub and spoke network, which increased from 4.2% to 5.7% as a percentage of total annual 
minimum rent. 

PORTFOLIO GLA BY ASSET TYPE (SQ. FT.) 

PORTFOLIO FAIR VALUE BY ASSET TYPE (%) 

as of December 31, 2021 

as of December 31, 2021 

84.3% 

2.2% 

7.5% 

2.9% 

87.4% 

10.4% 

5.3% 

Retail 

Office 

Retail-related industrial 

Retail 

Office 

Retail-related industrial 

Other1 

(1) Other includes Properties Under Development (PUD) and Land. 

Crombie’s portfolio diversification by asset type as at December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: 

GLA (sq. ft.) 

January 1, 
2021 

Net 
Acquisitions 
(Dispositions)

Other1 

December 31, 
2021 

Number of 
Investment 
Properties

Retail

Office

15,064,000

(47,000)

35,000

15,052,000

Retail-related industrial

1,983,000

(155,000)

953,000

—

1,000

27,000

954,000

1,855,000

Total

18,000,000

(202,000)

63,000

17,861,000

275

5

4

284

GLA (sq. ft.) 

January 1, 
2020 

Net 
Acquisitions 
(Dispositions)

Other1 

December 31, 
2020 

Number of 
Investment 
Properties

Retail

Office

Retail-related industrial

14,910,000

31,000

123,000

15,064,000

965,000

1,683,000

—

—

(12,000)

953,000

300,000

1,983,000

Total

17,558,000

31,000

411,000

18,000,000

275

5

4

284

% of AMR 

90.4%

3.9%

5.7%

100.0%

Economic 
Occupancy 

Committed 
Occupancy 

95.6%

87.4%

100.0%

95.6%

96.0% 

91.8% 

100.0% 

96.2% 

% of AMR 

91.8%

4.0%

4.2%

100.0%

Economic 
Occupancy 

Committed 
Occupancy 

95.5%

89.1%

84.9%

94.0%

96.0% 

94.2% 

100.0% 

96.4%

(1) Changes in GLA included in Other include increases for additions/expansions to GLA on existing properties and decreases primarily related to GLA removals in preparation for property redevelopment. 

34

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2021, retail GLA had a net decrease of 
47,000 square feet due to the disposition of seven investment properties 
at full interest and two investment properties at partial interest totalling 
275,000 square feet, which was partially offset by the acquisition of 
seven investment properties totalling 228,000 square feet. The fourth 
quarter disposition of a 50% non-managing interest in the Voilà par 
IGA CFC, in Montreal, resulted in a decrease of 155,000 square feet 
to retail-related industrial GLA. 

Economic occupancy improved by 160 basis points compared to 
December 31, 2020 while committed occupancy decreased by 20 basis 
points. A significant amount of activity occurred throughout the year 
resulting in slight decrease of portfolio GLA due to net disposition activity, 
partially offset by development activity. In the first quarter of 2021, 
the Voilà par IGA CFC entered economic occupancy from committed 
occupancy. This is Crombie’s first CFC completed with Empire, and 
it further diversifies our portfolio mix. In the fourth quarter of 2021, 
Crombie disposed of a 50% non-managing interest of the Voilà par IGA 
CFC to Nexus REIT. Committed occupancy in our office portfolio is at 
91.8%, a decrease from 94.2% at December 31, 2020, primarily attributable 
to tenants vacating at our five office properties throughout 2021. 

Through our mixed-use development strategy, Crombie is evolving from 
defensive grocery-anchored retail to a balance of grocery-anchored 
retail and retail-related industrial, as well as large-scale mixed-use 

properties, creating long-term value for local communities and 
Unitholders. Grocery-anchored retail will continue to grow and, as a 
result of our development strategy, we expect our residential and retail-
related industrial asset types to make up a greater percentage of our 
total portfolio in the future. 

As equity accounted joint ventures are not reflected in this information 
the applicable residential square footage, occupancy, and asset mix 
details of these joint ventures are not included herein. 

TENANT PROFILE 
We build and own a high-quality, resilient, and diversified portfolio, 
backed primarily by grocery tenants, that delivers consistent long-term 
earnings and cash flow stability. As at December 31, 2021, 78% of 
our annual minimum rent was generated from grocery-anchored 
properties, inclusive of retail-related industrial, compared to 77% at 
December 31, 2020. The increase is primarily due to our retail-related 
industrial tenants, specifically, the CFC supporting Voilà par IGA in 
Montreal and a spoke for Voilà by Sobeys in Toronto. These necessity-
based tenants have stable underlying income and cash flows, are more 
resilient to changes in economic cycles and evolving retail trends, and 
form a solid foundation for organic same-asset property cash NOI* 
and AFFO* growth. 

TENANTS BY INDUSTRY (% OF AMR) 

1.4% 

1.6% 

1.9% 

1.9% 

3.1% 

3.4% 

3.5% 

3.9% 

4.1% 

4.7% 

5.7% 

6.2% 

58.6% 

Necessity-Based 
Retailers1 

Office & Hotel 
Tenants 

Retail-Related 
Industrial Tenants 

Medical, Professional 
& Personal Services 

Restaurants — 
Quick Service & Cafe 

Bank and 
Financial Services 

Apparel & 
Accessories 

Value-Focused 
Retailers 

Entertainment, 
Sporting Goods & 
Stationary Retailers 

Home Improvement, 
Furniture & 
Auto Supplies 

Restaurants — 
Full Service 

Other 

Fitness Facilities 
& Supplements 

(1) Necessity-based retailers include tenants that provide essential products and services, and predominantly fall into the following categories: grocery, pharmacy, liquor, cannabis, convenience store, 

gasoline and pet supplies.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

35

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table illustrates the 20 largest tenants in Crombie’s portfolio of investment properties, as measured by their percentage contribution to 
total annual minimum rent, as at December 31, 2021. 

Tenant

Empire Company Limited1

Shoppers Drug Mart

Province of Nova Scotia

Dollarama

Bank of Nova Scotia

GoodLife Fitness

Cineplex

CIBC

Canadian Tire Group

Government of Canada

Leon’s Furniture

Restaurant Brands International

Royal Bank of Canada

Bank of Montreal

SAQ/Province of Quebec

Metro

TJX Companies

Bell Canada

Giant Tiger

Staples

Total

% of AMR

56.7%

2.6%

1.7%

1.5%

1.1%

1.1%

1.0%

1.0%

1.0%

0.9%

0.7%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.5%

0.5%

0.5%

0.5%

0.4%

GLA (sq. ft.) 

Average Remaining 
Lease Term

DBRS Credit Rating 

10,223,000

12.2 years

228,000

366,000

311,000

173,000

210,000

207,000

132,000

158,000

130,000

112,000

63,000

55,000

84,000

65,000

88,000

120,000

85,000

188,000

86,000

6.7 years

5.7 years

5.2 years

2.2 years

7.1 years 

9.2 years 

14.7 years

5.1 years

2.7 years

9.1 years 

4.9 years 

2.3 years

4.9 years

7.6 years

5.9 years

6.6 years 

3.4 years

3.7 years 

2.0 years 

BBB(low) 

BBB(high) 

A(high) 

BBB 

AA 

AA 

BBB 

AAA 

AA(high) 

AA 

AA(low) 

BBB 

BBB(high) 

74.1%

13,084,000 

(1) Includes Sobeys and all other subsidiaries of Empire Company Limited. 

Other than Empire, which accounts for 56.7% of annual minimum rent 
and Shoppers Drug Mart, which accounts for 2.6% of annual minimum 
rent, no other tenant accounts for more than 1.7% of Crombie’s annual 
minimum rent. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, Empire also represents 51.3% 
of total property revenue. Total property revenue includes annual 
minimum rent, as well as operating and realty tax cost recovery income 
and percentage rent. These additional amounts can vary by property 
type, specific tenant leases and where tenants may directly incur and 
pay operating and realty tax costs. 

The weighted average remaining term of all Crombie leases is 
approximately 9.3 years, which decreased 0.2 years as compared 
to December 31, 2020. This remaining lease term is influenced by the 
average Empire remaining lease term of 12.2 years, which decreased 
0.3 years from December 31, 2020. 

Crombie continues to work in partnership with Empire, aligning our 
strategies to maximize value creation through property acquisitions, 
modernizations, store conversions, participation in the build-out of 

Empire’s Voilà online grocery home delivery hub and spoke network, 
land-use intensifications, and the unlocking of major developments. 
Crombie acknowledges that not all retail is performing equally. 
Recognizing that, Crombie is focused on fostering relationships in our 
needs-based properties that are performing very well and are poised 
for future growth. 

SAME-ASSET PROPERTIES 
Crombie measures certain performance and operating metrics on a 
same-asset basis to evaluate the period-over-period performance 
of those properties owned and operated by Crombie. “Same-asset” 
refers to those properties that were owned and operated by Crombie 
for the current and comparative reporting periods. Properties that will 
be undergoing a redevelopment in a future period, including adjacent 
parcels of land, and those having planning activities underway are also 
in this category until such development activities commence and/or 
tenant leasing/renewal activity is suspended. Same-asset property cash 
NOI* reflects Crombie’s proportionate ownership of jointly operated 
properties (and excludes any properties held in joint ventures).

36

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Crombie Owned Properties 

Investment Properties 
(“IP”) 

Properties Under 
Development (“PUD”)

Same-asset properties

Adjustments 

Acquisitions – 2021

Acquisitions – 2020

Other1

Active and Completed Major Developments2

Total

267

7

3

3

4

17

284

—

1

2

3

1

7

7

Sub-total 

267

8

5

6

5

24

291

Additional Properties 
in Joint Ventures (“JV”)

—

—

—

1

3

4

4

Total 

267 

8 

5 

7 

8 

28 

295 

(1) Other includes investment properties that have been designated for repositioning, land parcels included in PUD, or non-active major developments within a JV. 
(2) Active and Completed Major Development includes: 

Davie Street retail (IP) 
Avalon Mall retail (IP) 
Belmont Market retail and office (IP) 
Pointe-Claire CFC (IP) 
Calgary CFC (PUD) 
Davie Street residential (JV) 
Le Duke (JV) 
Bronte Village (JV) 

Davie Street was developed as both a commercial (Crombie owned) 
and residential (Joint Venture owned) development. Davie Street is 
treated as two properties, one Crombie owned Investment Property 
(retail) and a separate Completed Major Development (residential 

rental  property) within the 1600  Davie  Limited  Partnership Joint 
Venture (Additional Properties in Joint Ventures – Active and Completed 
Major Developments). 

STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS 
As at December 31, 2021, GLA at Crombie’s interest was 17.9 million square feet compared to 18.0 million square feet as at December 31, 2020. The net 
decrease in GLA of approximately 100,000 square feet was driven by 430,000 square feet of dispositions, partially offset by 228,000 square feet of 
acquisitions and the addition of 60,000 development square footage entering GLA. 

ACQUIRED GLA BY MARKET CLASS (SQ. FT.) 

DISPOSED GLA BY MARKET CLASS (SQ. FT.) 

year ended December 31, 2021 

year ended December 31, 2021 

22.0% 

48.9% 

47.5% 

52.5% 

29.1% 

VECTOM 

Major Market 

Rest of Canada 

VECTOM 

Rest of Canada 

Strategic Acquisitions 
Through strategic and selective acquisitions of high quality, primarily 
grocery-anchored, assets, Crombie intends to continue to enhance 
overall portfolio quality in urban and top tier markets. Crombie’s 
acquisitions are intended to add strategic value to the portfolio, 
while leading to strong AFFO* accretion and NAV growth. During the 
year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie completed acquisitions of 

seven income-producing properties, and two development (PUD) 
properties for a total aggregate purchase price of $62,887 excluding 
transaction and closing costs. These acquisitions added 228,000 square 
feet and potential for future density to be added to Crombie’s GLA. 
Six of the nine acquisitions are located in VECTOM and Major Markets 
strengthening Crombie’s presence in these markets, in line with our 
strategy. The remaining three acquisitions are grocery-anchored assets 
in Rest of Canada markets, of which two were acquired from Empire. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

37

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Date

Property

Location

Vendor

Strategy 

2021 First Quarter 

February 10, 2021

Grand Bay Plaza

Grand Bay, NB

Related Party

Income-producing

February 26, 2021

Harvester Road

Burlington, ON

Third Party

Development

March 18, 2021

Henderson Highway  Winnipeg, MB

Related Party

Income-producing

March 18, 2021

Sargent Avenue

Winnipeg, MB

Related Party

Income-producing

March 25, 2021

Tamarack

Edmonton, AB

Related Party

Income-producing

March 26, 2021

Alpine Avenue

Winnipeg, MB

Related Party

Income-producing

March 29, 2021

Coldwater Road

Coldwater, ON

Third Party 

Income-producing

2021 Second Quarter 

June 10, 2021

Calgary CFC

Calgary, AB

Third Party

Development

2021 Third Quarter 

July 6, 2021

Highland Street

Haliburton, ON

Related Party

Income-producing

Total acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2021

Total acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2020

(1) Prices are stated before transaction and closing costs 

Ownership 

Number of 
Investment 
Properties 

Interest

Sq. ft. 

Price1

1

—

1

1

1

1

1

6

—

1

7

3

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

26,000

$

—

24,000

33,000

50,000

55,000

16,000

204,000

3,242 

6,400 

6,300 

7,800 

5,260 

15,600 

1,690 

46,292 

100%

—

11,885 

100%

24,000

4,710 

228,000

$  62,887 

125,000

$  40,790 

Strategic Dispositions 
Over the years, Crombie has worked to optimize its portfolio through 
traditional dispositions of non-core and/or low growth assets and 
innovative partnerships. In line with our strategy of recycling capital 
through dispositions at or above IFRS fair values, we used the proceeds 
raised to fund major development projects, increasing Crombie’s 
concentration in VECTOM and Major Markets, as well as other higher-
value opportunities. Some of these opportunities include supporting 
Empire’s growth into urban markets, acceleration of e-commerce, 

and completion of major mixed-use developments. This disposition 
strategy has resulted in a reduction of our in-place mortgage debt, 
which enabled growth in our unencumbered asset pool. Three 
investment properties at full interest and two investment properties 
at partial interest were disposed of in VECTOM and Major Markets. 
Four investment properties at full interest and one investment property 
at partial interest were disposed of in Rest of Canada markets. 

Date

2021 First Quarter 

Property Type 

Total dispositions at 100% interest

Three Retail Assets

2021 Third Quarter 

Total dispositions at 100% interest

One Retail Asset

2021 Fourth Quarter 

Total dispositions at 100% interest

Five Retail Assets3

Total dispositions at 50% interest

One Retail-related Industrial Asset

Total dispositions for the year ended December 31, 2021

Total dispositions for the year ended December 31, 2020

Number of 
Investment 
Properties 

Interest

Sq. ft. 

Ownership 

Net 
Property 
Income1

Price 

3

1

3

—

7

5

100%

30,0002

$

937

$

41,970 

100%

28,000

872

15,000 

100%

217,000

50% 

155,000

372,000

430,000

94,000

2,715

—

2,715

54,035 

98,183 

152,218 

$

$

4,524

$  209,188 

2,318 4

$  38,010 

(1) Reflects actual net property income earned for the full year ended December 31, 2020. Total actual net property income earned in 2021 for all disposed properties prior to disposition was $7,268, 

as reflected in our consolidated results. 

(2) Square footage totalling 33,000 for one of the disposition properties was removed from GLA in the second quarter of 2020 as the property was slated for redevelopment. 
(3) Two of the five assets represent partial dispositions of retail assets as certain CRU space was sold and grocery retail space retained. 
(4) Reflects actual net property income earned on 2020 dispositions for the full year ended December 31, 2019. Total actual net property income earned in 2020 for all disposed properties prior 

to disposition was $2,156, as reflected in our consolidated results.

38

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 

OCCUPANCY AND LEASING ACTIVITY 
The portfolio occupancy and committed activity by market class and asset type for the year ended December 31, 2021 was as follows: 

VECTOM

Major Markets

Rest of Canada

January 1, 
2021 

5,225,000

4,381,000

7,310,000

Occupied Space (sq. ft.) 

Net 
Acquisitions 
(Dispositions) 

New 
Leases1 

Lease 
Expiries 

Other 
Changes2 

December 31, 
2021 

Economic 
Occupancy 

Committed 
Space 
(sq. ft.)3 

Total 
Committed 
Space 
(sq. ft.) 

Committed 
Occupancy 

(176,000) 

357,000

(5,000)

1,000

5,402,000

99,000 

146,000

(37,000) 

(138,000)

4,451,000

(138,000) 

207,000

(47,000) 

(113,000)

7,219,000

99.7%

94.2%

93.5%

95.6%

1,000

5,403,000

89,000

4,540,000

24,000

7,243,000

114,000 

17,186,000

99.7% 

96.1% 

93.8% 

96.2% 

Total

16,916,000

(215,000)  710,000

(89,000) 

(250,000)

17,072,000

Occupied Space (sq. ft.) 

January 1, 
2021 

Net 
Acquisitions 
(Dispositions) 

New 
Leases1 

Lease 
Expiries 

Other 
Changes2 

December 31, 
2021 

Economic 
Occupancy 

Committed 
Space 
(sq. ft.)3 

Total 
Committed 
Space 
(sq. ft.) 

14,384,000

(60,000) 

326,000

(78,000) 

(189,000) 

14,383,000

849,000

—

53,000

(11,000)

(57,000)

834,000

95.6%

87.4%

72,000  14,455,000

42,000

876,000

Committed 
Occupancy 

96.0% 

91.8% 

1,683,000

(155,000)

331,000

—

(4,000)

1,855,000

100.0%

—

1,855,000

100.0% 

Retail

Office

Retail-related 
industrial

Total

16,916,000

(215,000)

710,000

(89,000) 

(250,000)

17,072,000

95.6%

114,000 

17,186,000

96.2% 

(1) New leases include new lease and expansions to existing properties. 
(2) Other changes include amendments to existing leases; lease terminations and surrenders; bankruptcies; and space certifications. 
(3) Committed space represents lease contracts for future occupancy of currently vacant space. Management believes such reporting, along with reported lease maturities, provides more balanced 

reporting of overall vacant space. 

Overall leased space (occupied plus committed) has decreased from 
96.4% at December 31, 2020 to 96.2% at December 31, 2021. During 
2021, Crombie had a net decrease from dispositions of 215,000 square 
feet, which is greater than the decrease of 202,000 square feet of 
GLA from net dispositions due to a vacancy at one acquisition property. 
Additionally, Crombie had new leases outpace lease expiries by 
621,000 square feet. 

Leasing activity at major developments included in occupancy continued 
throughout the year, with approximately 395,000 square feet of new 
leases in economic occupancy at Avalon Mall (93.3%), Belmont Market 
(91.2%), Davie Street Retail (100.0%) and Voilà par IGA CFC (100.0%). Equity 
accounted joint ventures are not included in this reporting. 

Leased space in our retail properties portfolio was 96.0% at December 31, 
2021, which remained constant from 96.0% at December 31, 2020. Leased 
space in office properties was 91.8% at December 31, 2021, decreased 
from 94.2% at December 31, 2020. This was primarily due to certain 

tenants vacating at our five office properties throughout 2021. Leased 
space in retail-related industrial properties of 100.0% at December 31, 
2021 remained constant from 100.0% at December 31, 2020. Retail-related 
industrial provides stability with solid NOI growth and long lease terms, 
and also provides growth opportunities through an increased presence 
in e-commerce. During the first quarter of 2021, the Voilà par IGA CFC in 
Montreal and the Voilà by Sobeys spoke at The Queensway Commons 
in Toronto moved into economic occupancy. 

The portfolio weighted average annual minimum rent per occupied 
square foot for our income-producing properties was $16.94 as at 
December 31, 2021 compared to $16.74 as at December 31, 2020. The 
1.2% increase in average annual minimum rent per occupied square foot 
was due to new leases (including development space), contractual rent 
increases within existing leases, and increased rent from modernizations. 
The increase also reflects strategic commitment to portfolio quality 
improvement through both dispositions of non-core, low growth assets, 
and a positive return from modernizations with Empire.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

39

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

NEW LEASING ACTIVITY 

NEW LEASING BY MARKET CLASS (SQ. FT.) 

NEW LEASING BY ASSET TYPE (SQ. FT.) 

year ended December 31, 2021 

year ended December 31, 2021 

29.2% 

50.3% 

45.9% 

20.5% 

46.6% 

7.5% 

VECTOM 

Major Markets 

Rest of Canada 

Retail 

Office 

Retail-related industrial 

New leases increased occupancy by 710,000 square feet at December 31, 2021, at an average first year rate of $20.92 per square foot. 

Crombie is focused on increasing its presence in VECTOM and Major Markets. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 70.8% of new leases, equivalent to 
503,000 square feet, were completed in these markets. New leases of 207,000 square feet occurred in Rest of Canada markets. The vast majority of the 
portfolio’s vacancy is within this market, however, Crombie is pleased with the new leasing activity throughout 2021. 

At December 31, 2021, 114,000 square feet of GLA at an average first year rate of $18.76 per square foot was committed with tenants expected to take 
possession throughout 2022. VECTOM and Major Markets represent 90,000 square feet of committed space, including 42,000 square feet at our 
Scotia Square complex in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

RENEWAL ACTIVITY 

RENEWAL BY MARKET CLASS (SQ. FT.) 

year ended December 31, 2021 

RENEWAL BY ASSET TYPE (SQ. FT.) 

year ended December 31, 2021 

)
s
0
0
0
’
(

.
t
f

.

q
S

600

400

200

0

)
s
0
0
0
’
(

.
t
f

.

q
S

900

600

300

0

VECTOM

Major 
Markets

Rest of 
Canada

Retail

Office

2021 Renewals

Early renewals completed

2021 Renewals

Early renewals completed

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, renewal activity for our portfolio was as follows: 

Three months ended December 31, 2021

Year ended December 31, 2021 

Sq. ft.

60,000

37,000

97,000

Rate PSF

Growth %

Sq. ft.

Rate PSF

Growth % 

$

$

$

18.00

25.70

20.91

1.3%

9.5%

5.0%

513,000

392,000

905,000

$

$

$

17.56

19.52

18.41

3.4% 

3.5% 

3.4%

2021 Renewals

Early Renewals Completed

Total

40

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the three months ended December 31, 2021, Crombie renewed 
83,000 square feet of retail renewals with an increase of 5.5% over 
expiring rental rates. Driving this growth was 58,000 square feet of 
renewals at retail plazas, with an increase of 6.1% over expiring rental 
rates. Renewal spreads are based on the first year rate and do not 
factor in any additional rental step-ups that may take place throughout 
the lease term. When comparing the expiring rental rates to the 
average rental rate for the renewal term, Crombie achieved an increase 
of 6.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2021. 

Crombie’s renewal activity for the year ended December 31, 2021 
included retail renewals of 872,000 square feet with an increase of 3.5% 
over expiring rental rates. Driving this growth was 684,000 square feet 
of renewals at retail plazas, with an increase of 3.9% over expiring rental 
rates. Office renewals of 33,000 square feet were completed with an 
increase of 1.4% over expiring rental rates. 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie demonstrated 
portfolio stability with approximately 47.2% of renewals occurring in 
VECTOM and Major Markets. Total renewal growth was positively 
impacted by the 225,000 square feet of renewals in VECTOM at an 
average first year rate of $26.00 per square foot, an increase of 3.1% over 
expiring rental rates. Major Markets saw renewals of 202,000 square 
feet, with an increase of 5.5% over expiring rental rates or an average 
first year rate of $19.38 per square foot. The remaining 478,000 square 
feet of renewals was in the Rest of Canada at an average first year rate 
of $14.42, which is an increase of 2.7% over expiring rental rates. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie achieved an increase 
of 6.5% when comparing the expiring rental rates to the average rental 
rate for the renewal term versus 3.4% when comparing the expiring 
rental rates to the first year of renewal. 

Crombie proactively manages its lease maturities, taking advantage 
of opportunities to renew tenants prior to expiration. During the year 
ended December 31, 2021, approximately 392,000 square feet of 
renewals related to future year expiries were completed. 

LEASE MATURITIES 
The following table sets out, as at December 31, 2021, the number of leases maturing during the periods indicated, the renewal area, the percentage 
of the total GLA of the properties represented by such maturities and the estimated average rent per square foot at the time of expiry. 

Year

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

Thereafter

Total

Number of Leases1 

Renewal Area (sq. ft.)

% of Total GLA 

Average Rent  
per sq. ft. at Expiry 

327

161

177

141

141

96

57

91

47

86

264

1,588

1,275,000

708,000

868,000

1,142,000

962,000

824,000

714,000

1,068,000

625,000

1,096,000

7,904,000

17,186,000

7.1%

4.0%

4.9%

6.4%

5.4%

4.6%

4.0%

6.0%

3.5%

6.1%

44.2%

96.2%

$

15.77 

18.80 

18.11 

16.16 

17.11 

18.39 

17.29 

19.06 

16.47 

19.49 

20.18 

$

18.80 

(1) Assuming tenants do not holdover on a month-to-month basis or exercise renewal options or termination rights. 

The following table sets out, as at December 31, 2021, the number of Empire leases maturing during the periods indicated, the renewal area, the 
percentage of the total GLA of the properties represented by such maturities, and the estimated average rent per square foot at the time of expiry. 

Year

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

Thereafter

Total

Number of Leases1

Renewal Area (sq. ft.)

% of Total GLA 

Average Rent  
per sq. ft. at Expiry 

17

3

4

7

16

10

9

17

8

13

196

300

235,000

8,000

89,000

255,000

353,000

335,000

307,000

596,000

294,000

508,000

7,243,000

10,223,000

1.3%

—%

0.5%

1.4%

2.0%

1.9%

1.7%

3.3%

1.7%

2.8%

40.6%

57.2%

$

8.95 

32.12 

10.42 

13.34 

13.97 

14.09 

15.68 

16.40 

13.62 

16.61 

20.22 

$

18.57 

(1) Assuming tenants do not holdover on a month-to-month basis or exercise renewal options or termination rights.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

41

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 

Property revenue

Property operating expenses

Net property income

Net property income margin percentage

Other items: 

Gain on disposal of investment properties

Gain from equity accounted investments

Impairment of investment properties

Depreciation and amortization

General and administrative expenses

Finance costs – operations

Income (loss) from equity 
accounted investments

Operating income before taxes

Taxes – current

Operating income attributable to Unitholders

Finance costs – distributions to Unitholders

Finance (costs) income – change in fair value 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance

2019 

$  103,832

$ 

97,060

$

6,772

$  408,892

$  388,733

$

20,159

$  398,741 

32,430

71,402

68.8%

42,762

15,525

(1,300)

(18,805)

(7,367)

(22,639)

(685)

78,893

(163)

78,730

(36,637)

29,245

67,815

69.9%

4,164

—

(4,500)

(19,506)

(5,493)

(24,912)

(411)

17,157

—

17,157

(35,211)

(3,185)

125,861

129,872

3,587

(1.1)%

283,031

258,861

69.2%

66.6%

38,598

15,525

3,200

701

(1,874)

2,273

56,525

15,525

(2,539)

(75,763)

(25,484)

(92,788)

3,335

—

(6,600)

(75,567)

(20,534)

(91,808)

(274)

(2,941)

(72)

61,736

155,566

67,615

(163)

61,573

(1,426)

(165)

(7)

155,401

67,608

(144,559)

(140,302)

4,011

24,170

2.6%

53,190

15,525

4,061

(196)

(4,950)

(980)

(2,869)

87,951

(158)

87,793

(4,257)

117,645 

281,096 

70.5% 

81,803 

— 

(6,000) 

(74,313) 

(23,721) 

(97,316) 

334 

161,883 

(8) 

161,875 

(150,169) 

of financial instruments

(1,018)

(725)

(293)

(2,972)

805

(3,777)

(1,337) 

Increase (decrease) in net assets attributable 

to Unitholders

$  41,075

$ 

(18,779)

$  59,854

7,870

$ 

(71,889)

$  79,759

$  10,369 

Operating income attributable to Unitholders 

per Unit, Basic

Basic weighted average Units outstanding  

(in 000’s)

Distributions per Unit to Unitholders

$

$

0.48

164,592

0.22

$

$

0.11

158,239

0.22

0.37

0.96

6,353

162,130

—

$

0.89

$

$

0.43

157,448

0.89

$

$

0.53

4,682

—

$

$

1.07 

151,666 

0.89 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$  64,442

$  62,935

$  46,948

$  42,305

$

0.29

$

0.27

78.0%

83.2%

$  40,468

$  35,679

$

0.25

$

0.23

1,507

4,643

0.02

(5.2)%

4,789

$  253,162

$  241,203

$  11,959

$  251,420 

$  185,032

$  165,850

$

1.14

$

1.05

$

$

19,182

$  175,539 

0.09

$

1.16 

78.1%

84.6%

(6.5)%

76.9% 

$  157,532

$  138,963

$  18,569

$  148,632 

0.02

$

0.97

$

0.88

$

0.09

$

0.98 

90.5%

98.7%

(8.2)%

91.8%

101.0%

(9.2)%

90.8%

Other Non-GAAP Performance Metrics 

Same-asset property cash NOI*

FFO*

FFO* per Unit – basic

FFO* payout ratio, excluding 2019 

special distribution (%)

AFFO*

AFFO* per Unit – basic

AFFO* payout ratio, excluding 2019 

special distribution (%)

42

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OPERATING INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNITHOLDERS 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

Operating income attributable to Unitholders increased by $61,573, 
or 358.9%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily due to 
gain on disposal of investment properties of $42,762, including $27,904 
from the sale of a 50% non-managing interest in the Pointe-Claire 
CFC, gain from equity accounted investments of $15,525 resulting from 
distributions received from 1600 Davie Limited Partnership in excess 
of our investment in the joint venture, increased income of $1,963 from 
completed developments, $1,000 from renewals and new leasing, and 
$913 from lease terminations. Additionally, an impairment of $1,300 
was recognized on one retail property during the quarter, which was 
$3,200 lower than the impairment related to four retail properties in 
the fourth quarter of 2020. Finance costs from operations was lower by 
$2,273 primarily due to the early partial redemption of Series B senior 
unsecured notes in 2020. The growth in operating income was offset 
in part by increased general and administrative expenses of $1,874 
primarily as a result of an increase of $940 in salaries and benefits 
resulting from higher annual incentive plan amounts, and an increase 
in Unit price and its impact on Unit-based compensation plans of $813. 

Operating income attributable to Unitholders increased by $87,793, or 
129.9%, on an annual basis. Gain on disposal of investment properties 
increased by $53,190, including $27,904 from the sale of a 50% 
non-managing interest in the Pointe-Claire CFC in the fourth quarter 
of 2021. Net property income increased $24,170 due to a reduction in 
bad debt expense of $10,082 as a result of decreased collection risk 
in 2021; new income from completed developments of $7,700; $3,346 
from lease terminations; $2,100 from renewals and new leasing; an 
increase in modernization income of $2,100 offset by higher tenant 
incentive amortization of $1,961; and increased percentage rent of $1,284 
resulting from tenants converting to percentage rent leases. During 
the fourth quarter of 2021, Crombie received a distribution of $25,000 
from 1600 Davie Limited Partnership, of which $15,525 was treated as 
a gain from equity accounted investments as a result of this distribution 
exceeding our investment in the joint venture. Additionally, impairments 
of $2,539 were recognized on two retail properties during the year which 
was $4,061 lower than the impairments related to six properties in the 
prior year. The improved operating income for the period was offset 
in part by increased general and administrative expenses of $4,950, 
primarily the result of an increase in Unit price and its impact on Unit-
based compensation plans of $5,764, offset in part by decreased salaries 
of $1,121 and higher severance costs in 2020. Additionally, losses from 
equity accounted investments were $2,941 for 2021 compared to $72 for 
the year ended December 31, 2020, as residential development projects 
move toward revenue stabilization, when revenue earned will exceed 
expenses. Finance costs from operations increased by $980 due primarily 
to lower capitalized interest on developments of $1,738 and increased 
interest on long term debt of $705 from the addition of new mortgages 
and unsecured debt, offset in part by decreased interest on credit facilities 
of $1,557 resulting from lower average outstanding balances in the year. 

NET PROPERTY INCOME 
Management uses net property income on a cash basis (property cash NOI*) as a measure of performance as it reflects the cash generated by 
properties period-over-period. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A, starting on page 79, for a more detailed discussion 
on property cash NOI*. 

Net property income on a cash basis*, which excludes non-cash straight-line rent recognition and amortization of tenant incentive amounts, is as follows: 

Net property income

Non-cash straight-line rent

Non-cash tenant incentive amortization1

Property cash NOI*

Acquisitions and dispositions property cash NOI*

Development property cash NOI*

Acquisitions, dispositions and development 

property cash NOI*

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

$  71,402

$

67,815

$

3,587

$  283,031

$  258,861

$

24,170 

(1,998)

5,249

74,653

2,204

8,007

(2,036)

4,859

70,638

1,878

5,825

38

390

4,015

326

2,182

(9,486)

19,811

(9,112)

17,849

293,356

267,598

10,635

29,559

7,286

19,109

(374) 

1,962 

25,758 

3,349 

10,450 

10,211

7,703

2,508

40,194

26,395

13,799 

Same-asset property cash NOI* 

$  64,442

$  62,935

$

1,507

$  253,162

$  241,203

$  11,959 

Adjusted for management’s estimate of the material 

impacts of COVID-19: 

Decrease in parking revenue

Rent abatements

Bad debt expense

—

—

260

854

178

(32)

Same-asset property cash NOI*, adjusted for COVID-19

$  64,702

$  63,935

$

(1) Refer to “Amortization of Tenant Incentives” on page 47 for a breakdown of tenant incentive amortization.

(854)

(178)

292

767

789

—

420

2,715

1,465

5,353

(1,926) 

(1,465) 

(4,933) 

$  254,371

$  250,736

$

3,635 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

43

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Development properties include properties earning cash NOI that are currently being developed and/or have recently completed development. 
Change in cash NOI from development properties period-over-period is impacted by the timing of commencement and completion of each 
development project. The nature and extent of development projects result in operations being impacted minimally in some instances, and more 
significantly in others. Consequently, comparison of period-over-period development operating results may not be meaningful. The redevelopment 
of Avalon Mall was substantially complete in the fourth quarter of 2020 and its NOI inclusive of COVID-19 impact is reflected in the above table in the 
“Development” section. 

Same-asset property cash NOI* by asset type and market class is as follows: 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

%

2021

2020

Variance

VECTOM

Major Markets

Rest of Canada

$  23,154

$  21,394

$

1,760

8.2%

$  88,750

$  84,459

$

17,444

23,844

17,571

23,970

(127)

(126)

(0.7)%

(0.5)%

70,843

93,569

66,359

90,385

4,291

4,484

3,184

Same-asset property cash NOI*

$  64,442

$  62,935

$

1,507

2.4%

$  253,162

$  241,203

$  11,959

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

Retail1

Office

Retail-related industrial2

2021

2020

Variance

$  58,629

$

57,156

$

1,473

2,815

2,998

2,811

2,968

4

30

Same-asset property cash NOI*

$  64,442

$  62,935

$

1,507

%

2.6%

0.1%

1.0%

2.4%

2021

2020

Variance

$  229,648

$  217,963

$

11,685

11,583

11,931

11,418

11,822

165

109

$  253,162

$  241,203

$  11,959

% 

5.1% 

6.8% 

3.5% 

5.0% 

% 

5.4% 

1.4% 

0.9% 

5.0% 

(1) Retail includes our substantial retail portfolio and reflects certain additional properties which comprise both retail and office space. These properties have been consistently included in our retail category. 
(2) Retail-related industrial includes retail distribution centres owned in Toronto (100%), Montreal (50%), and Calgary (50%), and a spoke facility owned in Toronto (100%). 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

Same-asset property cash NOI increased by $1,507, or 2.4%, compared to 
the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily due to $994 from lease terminations, 
$599 in tenant recoveries related to a property tax reassessment, an 
increase of supplemental rents of $305 from modernizations and capital 
improvements, and strong occupancy, offset in part by increased bad 
debt expense of $292 (expense of $260 on same-asset properties in the 
fourth quarter of 2021 compared to recovery of $32 in the same quarter 
of 2020). Same-asset property cash NOI adjusted for the removal of what 
management estimates to be the impacts of COVID-19 increased 1.2% 
compared to the same period in 2020. 

On an annual basis, same-asset property cash NOI increased 5.0% 
compared to 2020 primarily due to a reduction in bad debt expense on 
same-asset properties of $5,388 as a result of decreased collection risk 
in 2021, increased lease termination income of $2,638, strong occupancy, 
an increase of supplemental rents of $1,927 from modernizations and 
capital improvements, and $615 in tenant recoveries related to property 
tax reassessments. Same-asset property cash NOI adjusted for the 
removal of what management estimates to be the impacts of COVID-19 
is $254,371, an increase of 1.4% compared to the adjusted results for the 
year ended December 31, 2020. 

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, net property income increased 
by $3,587 and property cash NOI increased by $4,015. In addition to the 
factors affecting same-asset property cash NOI, the growth was driven 
by increased rent of $1,963 from development activity. 

On an annual basis, net property income increased by $24,170 and 
property cash NOI increased by $25,758 compared to the same period in 
2020, primarily for the same reasons affecting same-asset property cash 
NOI, and by increased income of $7,700 from completed developments.

44

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO)* 
Crombie follows the recommendations of the Real Property Association of Canada (“REALPAC”)’s January 2022 guidance in calculating FFO*. This 
update from the February 2019 white paper had no impact on Crombie’s FFO calculation. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this 
MD&A, starting on page 79, for a more detailed discussion on FFO. 

The reconciliation of FFO for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

Increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders

$  41,075

$ 

(18,779)

$  59,854

$

7,870

$ 

(71,889)

$  79,759 

Add (deduct): 

Amortization of tenant incentives

Gain on disposal of investment properties

Gain from equity accounted investments

Impairment of investment properties

Depreciation and amortization of investment properties

Adjustments for equity accounted investments

Principal payments on right of use assets

Internal leasing costs

5,249

(42,762)

(15,525)

1,300

18,437

841

58

620

4,859

(4,164)

—

4,500

19,183

109

57

604

390

(38,598)

(15,525)

(3,200)

(746)

732

1

16

19,811

(56,525)

(15,525)

2,539

74,359

2,267

225

2,480

17,849

(3,335)

—

6,600

74,316

176

220

2,416

1,962 

(53,190) 

(15,525) 

(4,061) 

43 

2,091 

5 

64 

Finance costs – distributions to Unitholders

36,637

35,211

1,426

144,559

140,302

4,257 

Finance costs (income) – change in fair value  

of financial instruments

1,018

725

293

2,972

(805)

FFO* as calculated based on REALPAC recommendations

$  46,948

$  42,305

Basic weighted average Units (in 000’s)

FFO* per Unit – basic

FFO* payout ratio (%)

164,592

158,239

$

0.29

78.0%

$

0.27

83.2%

$

$

4,643

$  185,032

$  165,850

6,353

0.02

(5.2)%

162,130

157,448

$

1.14

78.1%

$

1.05

84.6%

$

$

3,777 

19,182 

4,682 

0.09 

(6.5)% 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The increase in FFO of $4,643 is primarily due to increased net property 
income (an increase of $3,587 compared to the fourth quarter of 
2020) which resulted from increased income of $1,963 from completed 
developments, strong occupancy, and $913 from lease terminations. 
Additionally, finance costs from operations was lower by $2,273 primarily 
due to the early partial redemption of Series B senior unsecured notes 
in 2020. The improved net property income is offset in part by increased 
general and administrative expenses of $1,874 primarily as a result of an 
increase of $940 in salaries and benefits resulting from higher annual 
incentive plan amounts, and an increase in Unit price and its impact on 
Unit-based compensation plans of $813. 

On an annual basis, FFO increased $19,182 primarily due to improved 
net property income (an increase of $24,170 year over year) due to 
a significant reduction in bad debt expense of $10,082 resulting from 
decreased collection risk in 2021, increased income of $7,700 from 
completed developments, an increase of $3,346 in lease termination 
income, $2,100 from renewals and new leasing, and an increase in 
modernization income of $2,100. The growth in net property income 
is partially offset by increased general and administrative expenses 
of $4,950 primarily related to the impact of increased Unit price on 
Unit-based compensation plans of $5,764, offset in part by $1,509 of 
severance costs in the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, losses from 
equity accounted investments were $2,941 for the period compared to 
$72 for the year ended December 31, 2020, resulting from operating 
results from residential development projects as they move toward 
revenue stabilization, when revenue earned will exceed expenses, and 
finance costs from operations increased by $980 due primarily to lower 
capitalized interest on developments of $1,738 and increased interest 
on long term debt of $705 from the addition of new mortgages and 
unsecured debt, offset in part by decreased interest on credit facilities 
of $1,557 due to a lower average balance outstanding compared to the 
prior year.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

45

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ADJUSTED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (AFFO)* 
Crombie follows the recommendations of REALPAC’s January 2022 guidance in calculating AFFO* and has applied these recommendations to the 
AFFO amounts included in this MD&A. The new guidance resulted in no impact to Crombie’s AFFO calculation. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures” section of this MD&A, starting on page 79, for a more detailed discussion. 

The reconciliation of AFFO for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

FFO* as calculated based on REALPAC recommendations

$  46,948

$  42,305

$

4,643

$  185,032

$  165,850

$

19,182 

Add (deduct): 

Amortization of effective swap agreements

Straight-line rent adjustment

Straight-line rent adjustment included in Income from 

equity accounted investments

Internal leasing costs

Maintenance expenditures on a square footage basis

—

—

(1,998)

(2,036)

144

(620)

(4,006)

—

(604)

(3,986)

—

38

144

(16)

(20)

—

(9,486)

509

(2,480)

(16,043)

510

(9,112)

—

(2,416)

(15,869)

(510) 

(374) 

509 

(64) 

(174) 

AFFO* as calculated based on REALPAC recommendations

$  40,468

$  35,679

Basic weighted average Units (in 000’s)

AFFO* per Unit – basic

AFFO* payout ratio (%)

164,592

158,239

$

0.25

$

90.5%

0.23

98.7%

$

$

4,789

$  157,532

$  138,963

$  18,569 

6,353

0.02

(8.2)%

162,130

157,448

$

0.97

$

0.88

$

91.8%

101.0%

4,682 

0.09 

(9.2)% 

For further details on Crombie’s maintenance expenditures, refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A. 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The increase in AFFO is largely due to the impacts on FFO as 
described above. 

The improvement in AFFO is primarily due to the same factors 
impacting FFO as described above. 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS 
A trust that satisfies the criteria of a REIT throughout its taxation year will not be subject to income tax in respect of distributions to its Unitholders that 
would otherwise apply to trusts classified as specified investment flow-through entities (“SIFTs”). 

Crombie has organized its assets and operations to satisfy the criteria contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada) in regard to the definition of a 
REIT. Crombie’s management and its advisors have completed an extensive review of Crombie’s organizational structure and operations to support 
Crombie’s assertion that it met the REIT criteria throughout 2021 and continues to do so. The relevant tests apply throughout the taxation year and as 
such the actual status of Crombie for any particular taxation year can only be ascertained at the end of the year. 

Pursuant to Crombie’s Declaration of Trust, cash distributions are to be determined by the Trustees at their discretion. Crombie intends, subject to 
approval of the Board of Trustees, to make distributions to Unitholders of not less than the amount equal to the net income and net realized capital 
gains of Crombie, to ensure that Crombie will not be liable for income taxes. 

Details of distributions to Unitholders are as follows: 

Distributions to Unitholders

Distributions to Class B Voting Unitholder1

Total distributions

FFO* payout ratio

AFFO* payout ratio

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

$  21,645

$

20,810

14,992

14,401

$  36,637

$  35,211

$

$

835

591

$  85,416

$  82,917

59,143

57,385

1,426

$  144,559

$  140,302

78.0%

90.5%

83.2%

98.7%

(5.2)%

(8.2)%

78.1%

91.8%

84.6%

101.0%

$

$

2,499 

1,758 

4,257 

(6.5)% 

(9.2)% 

(1) Crombie Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Crombie, has also issued Class B LP Units. These Class B LP Units accompany the Special Voting Units, are the economic equivalent of a Unit, and are 

exchangeable for Units on a one-for-one basis.

46

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Pursuant to the requirement of National Policy 41-201, Income Trusts and Other Indirect Offerings, the table below outlines the differences between 
operating income attributable to Unitholders and cash distributions, in accordance with the policy guidelines. 

Operating income attributable to Unitholders

$  78,730

$

17,157

$  61,573

$  155,401

$

67,608

$

87,793 

Monthly distributions paid and payable

(36,637)

(35,211)

(1,426)

(144,559)

(140,302)

(4,257) 

Operating income attributable to Unitholders in excess 

(shortfall) of distributions paid and payable

$  42,093

$ 

(18,054)

$  60,147

$  10,842

$ 

(72,694)

$  83,536 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

Monthly distributions paid for the three months and year ended 
December 31, 2021 and 2020 were funded with cash flows from 
operating activities and borrowing on the revolving credit facility. 

On January 14, 2022, Crombie declared distributions of 7.417 cents per 
Unit for the period from January 1, 2022 to and including January 31, 
2022. The distributions were paid on February 15, 2022, to Unitholders 
of record as of January 31, 2022. 

On February 15, 2022, Crombie declared distributions of 7.417 cents per 
Unit for the period from February 1, 2022 to and including February 28, 
2022. The distributions will be paid on March 15, 2022, to Unitholders of 
record as of February 28, 2022. 

AMORTIZATION OF TENANT INCENTIVES 
Tenant incentives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of existing leases and the amortization is shown as a reduction in property 
revenue. From time to time, Crombie invests in value-enhancing property modernizations that result in lease amendments. These investments are 
amortized over the lease term and reduce the associated increase in property revenue. 

Regular tenant incentive amortization

Modernization tenant incentive amortization

Total amortization of tenant incentives

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2,890

2,359

5,249

$

$

$

$

2020

2,988

1,871

4,859

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

$

$

98

$

11,021

(488)

8,790

(390)

$

19,811

$

$

11,288

6,561

17,849

$

$

267 

(2,229) 

(1,962) 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 
The following table outlines the major categories of general and administrative expenses: 

Salaries and benefits

Unit-based compensation1

Professional fees

Public company costs

Rent and occupancy

Other

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

$

2021

3,555

2,576

323

198

146

569

$

2020

2,615

1,763

442

151

133

389

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

$

(940)

(813)

119

(47)

(13)

(180)

$

11,287

$  12,408

$

1,121 

8,537

1,782

1,154

565

2,159

2,773

1,676

1,209

569

1,899

(5,764) 

(106) 

55 

4 

(260) 

General and administrative expenses

$

7,367

$

5,493

$

(1,874)

$  25,484

$  20,534

$

(4,950) 

As a percentage of property revenue

7.1%

5.7%

(1.4)%

6.2%

5.3%

(0.9)% 

(1) Unit-based compensation includes both employees and trustees. 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The higher expenses in the quarter are primarily due to an increase 
of $940 in salaries and benefits resulting from higher annual incentive 
plan amounts, and an increase in Crombie’s Unit price and its impact 
on Unit-based compensation plans resulting in increased costs of $813. 
General and administrative expenses excluding the impact of Unit-
based compensation of $2,576 is 4.6% of property revenue. 

On an annual basis, the increase in expenses is primarily due to 
an increase in Crombie’s Unit price and its impact on Unit-based 
compensation plans, resulting in increased costs of $5,764. This is 
offset in part by reduced salaries and benefits of $1,121 due to savings 
in 2021 related to organizational realignment in the second quarter of 
2020 and the associated $1,509 of severance in that quarter. General 
and administrative expenses excluding the impact of Unit-based 
compensation of $8,537 is 4.1% of property revenue.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

47

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCE COSTS – OPERATIONS 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

Fixed rate mortgages

$  11,833

$  11,921

$

Floating rate term, revolving, and demand facilities

Capitalized interest

Senior unsecured notes

Interest income on finance lease receivable

Interest on lease liability 

Finance costs

Amortization of deferred financing charges

358

(1,037)

10,364

(144)

523

21,897

742

517

(1,287)

12,542

(95)

479

24,077

835

88

159

(250)

2,178

49

(44)

2,180

93

$  49,169

$  48,801

$

(368) 

1,896

(3,593)

40,741

(548)

2,056

89,721

3,067

3,453

(5,331)

40,404

(387)

1,862

88,802

3,006

1,557 

(1,738) 

(337) 

161 

(194) 

(919) 

(61) 

Finance costs – operations

$  22,639

$  24,912

$

2,273

$  92,788

$  91,808

$

(980) 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

Finance costs decreased by $2,180 primarily due to reduced interest on 
unsecured notes resulting from the early partial redemption of Series B 
senior unsecured notes in 2020. 

Annually, finance costs increased by $919 primarily due to reduced 
capitalized interest on development properties of $1,738, and increased 
interest on long term debt of $705 from the addition of new mortgages 
and unsecured debt, offset in part by lower interest on credit facilities of 
$1,557 resulting from lower average outstanding balances in the year. 

DEPRECIATION, AMORTIZATION, AND IMPAIRMENT 
Crombie’s total fair value of investment properties exceeds carrying value by $1,150,558 at December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 – $921,974). 
Crombie uses the cost method for accounting for investment properties, and increases in fair value over carrying value are not recognized 
until realized through disposition or derecognition of properties, while impairment, if any, is recognized on a property by property basis when 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

Same-asset* depreciation and amortization

$  15,994

$

16,137

Acquisitions, dispositions and development  

depreciation/amortization

Depreciation and amortization

Impairment

2,811

3,369

$  18,805

$  19,506

$

1,300

$

4,500

$

$

$

143

$

64,317

$  64,966

558

701

11,446

10,601

$  75,763

$  75,567

3,200

$

2,539

$

6,600

$

$

$

649 

(845) 

(196) 

4,061 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $701 is due most 
notably to dispositions, offset in part by the commencement of 
depreciation in the first quarter of 2021 on the substantially completed 
developments at the Pointe-Claire CFC and Avalon Mall, an increase of 
$486 over the fourth quarter of 2020, and by acquisitions. 

The $196 increase in depreciation and amortization on an annual basis 
is due to depreciation on the substantially completed developments at 
the Pointe-Claire CFC and Avalon Mall, which resulted in an increase 
of $2,282, and acquisitions. This is partially offset by dispositions and by 
accelerated depreciation due to the partial demolition of a building at 
the Avalon Mall site in the first quarter of 2020.

48

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie recorded 
impairments totalling $2,539 on two properties, one for $1,239 in the 
third quarter as the result of a partial disposition which closed on 
December 14, 2021. The fourth quarter impairment of $1,300 was due 
to continuing high vacancy rates and the departure of a major tenant 
at a retail property in Rest of Canada during the year. Impairment 
was determined as the amount by which carrying value, using the 

cost method, exceeded the recoverable amount for that property. The 
recoverable amount was determined to be the property’s fair value 
defined as the higher of the economic benefit of the continued use of 
the asset or the selling price less costs to sell. To calculate the benefit of 
the continued use of the asset, Crombie utilized the present value of the 
estimated future cash flows, discounted using a discount rate based on 
the risk associated with the property. 

SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 

Total Assets

Investment properties, carrying value

Investment properties, fair value

Investment properties held in joint ventures, carrying value

Investment properties held in joint ventures, fair value

Total Debt1

Total non-current financial liabilities

Number of Units outstanding (in 000’s)

As at December 31, 

2021

2020

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,023,676

3,875,442

5,026,000

288,114

387,000

2,426,184

$ 

1,960,143

164,803

$

$

$ 

$

$

$

$

4,105,438

3,893,026

4,815,000

225,127

225,127

2,627,132

2,192,047

158,258

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Variance

(81,762)

(17,584)

211,000

62,987

161,873

(200,948)

(231,904)

6,545

$

$

$ 

$

$

$

$

2019 

3,920,267 

3,796,326 

4,605,000 

149,299 

148,799 

2,465,224 

2,073,212 

151,743 

(1) Total debt consists of total liabilities in Crombie’s financial statements excluding the financial liabilities to REIT Unitholders and to holders of Class B LP Units, shown on the balance sheet as net assets 

attributable to Unitholders. 

The lower total assets (a difference of $81,762 compared to the prior 
year) is driven primarily by dispositions of investment properties of 
$148,981, offset in part by additions to tenant incentives of $69,704. 
The increase of $211,000 in fair value of investment properties resulted 
from capitalization rates compression, acquisitions, and completed 
developments. Investment properties held in joint ventures increased 
in both carrying value (increase of $62,987 over the prior year) and fair 

value ($161,873 compared to the prior year) due to the completion of 
developments at Davie Residential in the first quarter of 2021 and Le 
Duke in the third quarter of 2021. The decrease in total debt of $200,948 
is driven by the repayment of mortgages ($163,414) and credit facilities 
($33,493) during the year, funded by dispositions and the issuance of 
Series J senior unsecured notes in the third quarter of 2021.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

49

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

DEVELOPMENT 

Property development is a strategic priority for Crombie to improve NAV, 
cash flow growth and Unitholder value. With urban intensification an 
important reality across the country, Crombie is focused on evaluating 
and undertaking major mixed-use developments at certain properties, 
where incremental costs to develop are greater than $50,000 and 
where development may include residential, commercial and/or retail-
related industrial (“Major Developments”). This discussion of Crombie’s 
development activities contains forward-looking information. Refer 
to the “Forward-looking Information” section of this MD&A starting on 
page 82 for additional information regarding such statements and the 
related risks and uncertainties. 

Crombie has the potential to unlock significant value within its current 
pipeline of 31 major development properties over the next fifteen 
years. Crombie benefits from having solid income (FFO and AFFO) 
generated by most of these properties while working through the 
various approvals, entitlements, and advance preparations required 
before each major development can commence. Crombie currently 
achieves in-place NOI on existing assets not yet under construction. 

Crombie has a strategic relationship with Empire. The majority of our 
development properties currently have Empire as an anchor tenant. 
Our strategic relationship enables us to unlock value and transition from 
existing operating properties to construction/development of these sites 
on mutually-agreeable terms. 

Our major developments will be planned and executed to complete 
development of mixed-use properties with a focus on grocery-anchored 
retail and, wherever practical, primarily purpose-built residential rental 
accommodations that provide revenue, diversification and growth 
to Crombie. We view this approach as the optimal way to drive both 
NAV and AFFO growth. From time to time, Crombie may enter into 
partnerships to complete developments to share knowledge, risk and 
expertise. In certain cases, residential condominium uses may also be 
considered, as will certain other uses (e.g. retail-related industrial), to 
satisfy municipal requirements and/or market opportunities. Crombie 
may also have the option, if desired, to monetize our density value 
by selling certain air rights, or purpose-built rental properties to third 
parties in lieu of, or after, development. 

COMPLETED DEVELOPMENTS 
The table below summarizes projects that have reached substantial 
completion during the fiscal year. Crombie recognizes substantial 
completion when key project milestones are met and/or project 
spending has reached over 90% of total project costs. 

During the year ended, December 31, 2021, Crombie has reached 
substantial completion on the following major development projects: 

Property

CMA

Use

Ownership 

Completion 
Quarter 

Completed 
Commercial 
GLA 

% of 
Commercial 
GLA Leased 

Completed 
Residential 
GLA 

Residential 
Units 
Available  
for Lease 

Residential 
Units Leased 

% of 
Residential 
Units Leased 

Davie Residential1

Vancouver

Residential

Le Duke2

Montreal

Mixed-use

50%

50%

Q1 2021

Q3 2021

—

26,000

N/A

100%

254,000

241,000

330

387

325

110

98% 

28% 

(1) Total estimated costs at Davie Residential is $80,000 with expected yields in the 5.5%–6.0% range, exclusive of free rent amortization. All units are available for lease. Project yields have been updated 

from 5.0%–5.5% to 5.5%–6.0% as residential rents realized are in excess of initial expectations. 

(2) Total estimated costs at Le Duke is $59,000 with expected yields in the 5.4%–5.8% range. All units are available for lease. Project estimates are unchanged from Q3 2021. 

These projects have reached substantial completion, thereby reducing 
the construction risk remaining in the development. The remaining risk 
is primarily related to achieving successful lease-up stabilization of 
vacant units at market rents, and potential changes in prevailing market 
rents. Any failure to achieve successful lease-up stabilization at current 
prevailing market rents could negatively impact expected yields for 
these developments. 

Completed GLA is based on applicable standards of area measurement 
determined through internal site plans and drawings, and using external 
massing studies, where applicable. GLA in the above table is shown at 
full project density. 

Total estimated costs include the current carrying costs of development 
lands, where applicable, net of any reductions from land and air rights 
dispositions. Total estimated project costs include land costs on existing 
income producing properties upon transfer to the development, soft 
and hard construction costs, tenant inducements, external leasing costs, 
finance costs, capitalized interest and other carrying costs, such as 
capitalized construction and development wages and property taxes. 
These costs are determined by using internal knowledge and external 
professional resources, where applicable. 

Estimated annual NOI is calculated using estimated first year stabilized 
annual rent for each tenant, assuming 100% occupancy. These estimates 
are established using market rents, Crombie’s market knowledge,  
and/or using externally generated market studies. The expected yield 
for each project is then derived by dividing the estimated annual NOI 
by the total estimated cost for the project.

50

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE 
Crombie has identified 31 major development projects as at December 31, 
2021 (December 31, 2020 – 30). Management uses current project 
assumptions to calculate the pipeline cost range, factoring in a degree of 
uncertainty that comes with a diverse pipeline that spans fifteen years or 
greater. Uncertainty can come in the form of changing project scopes, 
moving certain properties in or out of the pipeline, variations in the 
entitlement process, the potential of engaging joint ventures partners, 
dispositions of pipeline properties, and a variety of external factors 
that may affect project costing. Given that some of these projects 
may not reach the full potential of the original scope, management 
discloses a low and high range to reasonably estimate the pipeline 
costs. As of December 31, 2021, total project costs to develop the 
pipeline range from $5,300,000 to $7,500,000 (December 31, 2020 – 
$4,300,000 to $6,100,000). Crombie may enter joint venture or other 
partnership arrangements for these properties to share cost, revenue, 
risk, and development expertise, depending upon the nature of each 
project. Each selected project remains subject to normal development 

approvals, achieving required economic hurdles, and Board of Trustees’ 
approval. In conjunction with our strategic partner Empire, Crombie 
management continuously reviews and prioritizes development 
opportunities that drive NAV and AFFO growth, including high-density 
urban re-development, new grocery-anchored retail, retail-related 
industrial e-commerce facilities, and land-use intensification. 

NEAR-TERM PROJECTS 
As Crombie nears completion on its initial major development projects, 
a change in development disclosure was implemented in 2021. To 
emphasize the timing of the next wave of developments, Crombie has 
shifted from an active/future division of its pipeline to a three-tiered 
timing based approach. Near-term projects are financially committed 
or expected to be committed within the next two years. Medium-term 
projects have a timeline to commitment of two years to five years and 
long-term projects are expected to be committed within five to fifteen 
years. Crombie has six projects in the near-term category. 

NEAR-TERM GLA BY CITY 

as at December 31, 2021 

NEAR-TERM GLA BY ASSET TYPE (SQ. FT.) 

as at December 31, 2021 

)
s
0
0
0
’
(

.
t
f

.

q
S

600

400

200

0

1,228,000 
72.0% 

300,000 
17.6% 

178,000 
10.4% 

Victoria

Vancouver

Calgary

Toronto

Halifax

Commercial 

Residential 

Retail-related industrial

Commercial 

Residential 

Retail-related industrial 

The below table provides additional detail into Crombie’s near-term developments. 

Property 

Bronte Village1

Voilà CFC 3 (Calgary)1

Westhill on Duke 

1780 East Broadway (Broadway and Commercial) 

Vancouver

Belmont Market – Phase II 

Penhorn Lands3

Total Near-Term Developments

Victoria

Halifax

City

% Ownership 

Commercial 
GLA 

Retail-related 
industrial GLA 

Residential 
GLA 

Residential 
Units 

Full Project Density 

Toronto

Calgary

Halifax

50%

100%

100%

50%2

100%

50%

54,000

—

466,000

—

—

124,000

—

—

300,000

—

—

—

—

—

188,000

429,000

145,000

—

481 

— 

280 

650 

200 

— 

178,000

300,000

1,228,000

1,611 

(1) These projects are financially committed and under active development 
(2) Crombie will own 100% of the commercial portion of this development 
(3) Development related to 26 acres of land at Penhorn Mall in Halifax, NS, involves the re-zoning and sale or development of multi-family parceled lots approximating 900 units. Crombie has the option 

to participate in development of certain parcels but numbers above based on sale of all land parcels. 

Estimated GLA on completion is based on applicable standards of area measurement determined through internal site plans and drawings, and 
using external massing studies, where applicable. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

51

 
 
WESTHILL ON DUKE, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA 

Type: Residential 
Ownership: 100% 
Project status: Westhill on Duke is a planned 280 unit residential rental 
project in the heart of downtown Halifax located within the Scotia 
Square mixed-use retail, office and hotel complex. The site is entitled 
and a development application has been submitted. The project is 
expected to be ready for commencement in late 2022 or early 2023. 

1780 EAST BROADWAY (BROADWAY & COMMERCIAL), 
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA 

Type: Retail/Residential 
Ownership: 100% retail, 50% residential and office 
Project status: East Broadway is a proposed major mixed-use 
re-development on 2.43 acres of land located at the busiest transit 
node in Western Canada. A re-zoning application is in process with the 
City of Vancouver which comprises a mix of grocery-anchored retail, 
rental residential, and market condos. Crombie anticipates completion 
of re-zoning in 2022 and construction commencement in 2023. 

BELMONT MARKET – PHASE II, VICTORIA,  
BRITISH COLUMBIA 

Type: Residential 
Ownership: 100% 
Project status: Belmont Market – Phase II envisions the development of 
approximately 200 residential units on the remaining 75,000 square feet 
of land within the Belmont Market development area. The lands are fully 
entitled and could be ready for construction commencement in 2023. 

PENHORN LANDS, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA 

Type: Land Development/Residential 
Ownership: 50% 
Project status: Crombie continues to work with our development 
partner, Clayton Developments Limited, to enable a 26 acre mixed-use 
development at this prime location. Development approval is anticipated 
in mid-2022 with commencement of land sales in late 2022. The potential 
exists for approximately 900 units and Crombie and its partner have the 
option to participate in developing certain parcels.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Near-Term Project Update 

BRONTE VILLAGE, 2441 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST, OAKVILLE 
(TORONTO), ONTARIO 

Type: Retail/Residential 
Ownership: 50% 
Project status: Construction at 125 and 133 Bronte Road has progressed 
significantly over the last quarter. 125 Bronte, which represents half of 
the 481 units available, welcomed its first tenants in the third quarter. 
Interior finishing of suites continues at 133 Bronte and has reached 
substantial completion in January of 2022. Subsequent to the quarter, 
Crombie received the occupancy permit for 133 Bronte Road. As a result, 
Crombie adjusted substantial completion from Q4 2021 to Q1 2022. 
At Crombie’s share, project cost is $139,000 with estimated yields in the 
5.4%–6.0% range. At Crombie’s share, the estimated cost to complete 
at Bronte Village is $8,900. 

Estimated total cost for Bronte Village includes the current carrying 
costs of development lands, net of any proceeds from land and air 
rights dispositions. Total estimated costs include land cost transferred 
in at cost on existing income producing properties upon transfer to the 
development, soft and hard construction costs, tenant inducements, 
external leasing costs, finance costs, and capitalized interest and other 
carrying costs, such as capitalized construction and development 
staff, and property taxes. These costs are determined by using internal 
knowledge and external professional resources, where applicable. 
Project capital cost uncertainty exists and project cost estimates contain 
contingency for capital cost exceedances in the ordinary course. 
Historically, capital cost exceedances in the 5%–10% range are reflective 
of such contingencies. 

Estimated annual NOI for Bronte Village is calculated using first year 
stabilized annual rent for each tenant, assuming 100% occupancy. These 
estimates are established by using contracted rents, Crombie’s market 
knowledge, and/or determined using externally generated market 
studies. Revenue assumptions are subject to uncertainty and estimates 
contain provision for revenue risk and/or timing of revenue achieving 
stabilization. Historically, revenue risk in the 5% range is reasonable 
for typical projects and typical valuation appraisals contain provision 
for vacancy. 

VOILÀ CFC 3, CALGARY, ALBERTA 

Type: Retail-related industrial 
Ownership: 100% 
Project status: The Calgary Voilà CFC is the third Empire grocery 
e-commerce fulfillment hub in Canada powered by Ocado plc’s 
industry-leading technology. Crombie closed on the acquisition of 
the 25-acre site in June 2021 and site servicing and foundation work 
is nearing completion with erection of building steel underway. 
Retail-related industrial GLA of this project will total approximately 
300,000 square feet. 

52

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Total Development Pipeline 
In addition to near-term projects Crombie is actively working on its pipeline to ensure a consistent inventory of projects. The following table details 
total project cost estimates by category at December 31, 2021: 

CROMBIE DEVELOPMENT SPENDING BY PROJECT TIMELINE 

as at December 31, 2021 

30.7% 

58.6% 

10.7% 

Near-term 

Medium-term 

Long-term 

Project Timeline

Near-term

Medium-term

Long-term

Total Pipeline

(1) Costs include Crombie’s total investment in land at these properties 

At Crombie’s Share ($ in millions) 

Number of Projects 

Total Estimated Costs

Total Spend to Date1 

6

7

18

31

$

$

700-800

1,600-2,300

3,000-4,400

5,300-7,500

$

$

210

60

170

440

$

$

Estimated Cost 
to Complete 

490-590 

1,540-2,240 

2,830-4,230 

4,860-7,060 

Crombie continuously monitors and evaluates the potential pipeline to 
optimize value creation. With a strong commitment to portfolio growth, 
Crombie actively analyzes costs and market opportunities amongst the 
potential pipeline in order to maximize NOI and NAV creation. As a result 
of scope changes, new opportunities in the pipeline and the addition of 
a new pipeline property in Q4 (Broadview-Toronto), the projected cost 
range of our total pipeline was refined from $4,600,000 to $6,500,000 
in Q3 to $5,300,000 to $7,500,000 in Q4. 

Estimated total cost includes the current carrying costs of development 
lands, net of any proceeds from land and air rights dispositions. Total 
estimated costs include land cost on the existing income-producing 
properties upon transfer to the development, soft and hard construction 
costs, tenant inducements, external leasing costs, finance costs, and 
capitalized interest and other carrying costs, such as capitalized 
construction and development wages, and property taxes. These costs 
are determined by using internal knowledge and external professional 
resources, where applicable. Project capital cost uncertainty exists, and 
project cost estimates contain contingency for capital cost exceedances 
in the ordinary course. Historically, capital cost exceedances in the 
5%–10% range are reflective of such contingencies. 

For joint venture projects, our partners may provide estimates which 
Crombie reviews and analyzes to determine final estimates. 

These estimates and assumptions are reviewed and updated regularly 
and are subject to changes which could be material. Estimated total 
costs are based on assumptions that are updated regularly, based 
on revised site plans, cost tendering processes, market studies and 
continuing tenant negotiations. These assumptions are based on 
access to job sites, supplies and labour availability, ability to attract 
tenants, estimated GLA, and tenant mix among rental, air rights sale, 
tenant rents, building sizes, and availability and cost of construction 
financing. Within specific projects, scheduling and/or completion timing 
uncertainty exists and project economics can handle reasonable delays 
in the range of 10%. Estimations included in the chart are believed to be 
reasonable, but there can be no assurance that actual results will be 
consistent with these projections. 

Crombie’s current pipeline has the potential to add up to 1,328,000 square 
feet of commercial GLA, 300,000 square feet of retail-related industrial 
GLA and up to 11,080,000 square feet (up to 12,711 units) of residential GLA 
(which may include a combination of rental or condominium units).

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

53

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

TOTAL PIPELINE GLA BY CITY 

as at December 31, 2021 

)
s
0
0
0
’
(

.
t
f

.

q
S

)
s
0
0
0
’
(

.
t
f

.

q
S

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

Victoria

Vancouver

Kelowna

Calgary

Edmonton

Hamilton

Toronto

Halifax

Transit-oriented

Non-transit

TOTAL PIPELINE GLA BY CITY 

as at December 31, 2021

Victoria

Vancouver

Kelowna

Calgary

Edmonton

Hamilton

Toronto

Halifax

Near-term

Medium-term

Long-term

54

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Project Timeline

Near-term

Medium-term

Long-term

Total Pipeline

Total Pipeline Density by Project Timeline 

Commercial GLA 

178,000

187,000

963,000

Retail-Related 
Industrial GLA

300,000

—

—

Residential GLA

Residential Units 

1,228,000

3,837,000

6,015,000

1,611 

4,350 

6,750 

12,711 

1,328,000

300,000

11,080,000

An important part of creating a sustainable development program is a systematic approach to proactively moving potential development lands 
through the entitlement process to obtain zoning approvals. Crombie currently has 8 of these 31 potential major projects identified for imminent 
re-zoning and is currently in various stages of entitlement pursuit as noted in the following chart: 

Number of 
Projects 

Estimated 
Commercial 
Sq. Ft.1 

Estimated Retail-
Related Industrial 
Sq. Ft.1 

Estimated 
Residential 
Sq. Ft.1 

Estimated Total 
Sq. Ft.1 

Residential 
Units1 

Crombie’s Entitled Projects 

4

2

6

2

8

54,000

124,000

178,000

47,000

225,000

300,000

—

300,000

—

300,000

799,000

429,000

1,228,000

1,153,000

553,000

1,706,000

1,191,000

2,419,000

1,238,000

2,944,000

961 

650 

1,611 

1,400 

3,011 

Near-term: 

Zoned

Application Submitted2

Total Near-term

Medium/Long-term: 

Zoned

Total 

(1) Square footage and unit information presented in the table are estimates only and are subject to change. Design, municipal approvals and market conditions may influence estimates provided 
(2) Re-zoning application related to 26 acres of land at Penhorn in Halifax, NS, involves the re-zoning and sale or development of multi-family parceled lots 

Zoning is in place for the following development sites: Bronte Village (Toronto), Westhill on Duke (Halifax), Belmont Market – Phase II (Victoria), Triangle 
Lands (Halifax), Voilà CFC 3 (Calgary), and Brunswick Place (Halifax). Re-zoning applications have been submitted and are in process for Broadway 
and Commercial (Vancouver) and Penhorn Lands (Halifax).

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

55

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table lists the 31 identified Potential Major Development locations and certain key features of each property. Potential developments 
in the table following are organized in order of potential construction commencement: 

Major Development Pipeline 

Site Size 
(acres) 

Transit 
Oriented

Existing Tenants 

Potential 
Commercial 
Expansion 

Potential 
Residential 
Expansion 

Entitlement Status

Project Timing 

Existing Property

Bronte Village

Voilà CFC 3 (Calgary)

1 

2 

3  Westhill on Duke1

4 

5 

Belmont Market – Phase II

1780 East Broadway  
(Broadway and Commercial) 

CMA 

Toronto

Calgary

Halifax

Victoria

Vancouver

5.66

25.00

0.462

1.70

2.43

6 

Penhorn Lands

Halifax

26.12

7 

8 

9 

Park West

Halifax

1170 East 27 Street (Lynn Valley)  Vancouver

Toronto East

10  Brunswick Place

11  Broadview

12  McCowan & Ellesmere

Toronto

Halifax

Toronto

Toronto

13  10355 King George  

Vancouver

Boulevard – Multi-phased 

14  Triangle Lands

15  1818 Centre Street

16  3130 Danforth

17  2733 West Broadway

18  Centennial Parkway

19  990 West 25 Avenue  
(King Edward) 

Halifax

Calgary

Toronto

Vancouver

Hamilton

Vancouver

20  524 Elbow Drive SW (Mission)

Calgary

21  Fleetwood

22  Robson Street

23  Port Coquitlam

Vancouver

Vancouver

Vancouver

24  410 10 Street NW (Kensington)

Calgary

25  813 11 Avenue SW (Beltline)

Calgary

26  3410 Kingsway  

(Kingsway and Tyne) 

Vancouver

6.44

2.82

0.45

0.753

1.43

4.48

5.07

0.68

2.18

0.79

1.95

2.75

1.80

1.60

4.45

1.15

5.31

1.73

2.59

3.74

27  East Hastings

Vancouver

3.30

28  Bernard Ave

Kelowna

29  10930 82 Avenue (Whyte Ave)

Edmonton

30  New Westminster

31  Brampton Mall

Vancouver

Toronto

1.83

2.44

2.82

8.74

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sobeys

n/a

n/a

Land

Safeway

Land

Retail

Safeway

Foodland

Office

Dollarama

Yes  FreshCo/Other

Yes

Yes

Yes

Safeway

Land

Safeway

Yes  The Beer Store

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Safeway

Retail

Safeway

Safeway

Safeway

Safeway

Safeway

Safeway

Safeway

Safeway/ 
Other 

Safeway/ 
Other 

Safeway

Safeway/ 
Other 

Safeway

Office/Retail

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Zoned

Zoned

Zoned

Zoned

Application 
Submitted 

Application 
Submitted 

Near-term 

Near-term 

Near-term 

Near-term 

Near-term 

Near-term 

Pre-Planning

Medium-term 

Pre-Planning

Medium-term 

Pre-Planning

Medium-term 

Zoned

Medium-term 

Pre-Planning

Medium-term 

Pre-Planning

Medium-term 

Pre-Planning

Zoned

Future

Pre-Planning

Future

Future

Future

Future

Future

Future

Future

Future

Future

Future

Medium/ 
Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Future

Long-term 

Future

Future

Future

Future

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

Long-term 

(1) Westhill on Duke was formerly referred to as Westhill and Scotia Square residential 
(2) Westhill on Duke can be developed through densification on 0.46 acres of the existing 9.05 acre Scotia Square site 
(3) Brunswick Place can be developed through densification on the existing 0.75 acre Brunswick Place Parkade

56

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 

We continue to reduce risk and build financial strength by strategically 
managing our capital structure and optimizing capital allocation to 
generate long-term value for our stakeholders. Our continued success 
is underpinned by a strong balance sheet and more than adequate 
liquidity, and an investment-grade credit profile providing the company 
with a solid financial foundation and great financial flexibility. 

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 
The real estate industry is highly capital intensive. 

Crombie’s strategic capital management objective consists  of 
four main priorities: 

1.  to maintain multiple sources of both debt and equity financing; 

2.  to reduce risk by pre-funding its capital commitments; 

3.  to source capital with the lowest cost on a long-term basis and to 

maintain overall indebtedness at reasonable levels, utilize staggered 
debt maturities, minimize long-term exposure to excessive levels of 
floating rate debt; and 

4.  maintain conservative payout ratios. 

At a minimum, Crombie’s capital structure is managed to ensure that 
it complies with the limitations pursuant to its Declaration of Trust, the 
criteria contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada) in regard to the 
definition of a REIT, and existing debt covenants. 

Crombie’s Declaration of Trust sets out the investment guidelines for 
Crombie’s capital deployment. The Declaration of Trust outlines the 
minimum due diligence that must be completed prior to a project 

Our guiding principles for managing capital are as follows: 

being approved by the Board. Crombie’s Board ensures continued 
compliance with the Declaration of Trust through the review and 
approval of the annual operating and capital budgets, annual 
confirmation of Crombie’s strategic plan, and through the approval 
of individual projects. The annual budget will detail the level of 
projected capital spend for a given year and how the required 
capital will be funded, as well as various key performance indicators 
and impacts on debt covenants. The Board monitors performance 
quarterly or on a more frequent basis, if needed. In addition, the 
Board and Management regularly review unspent committed capital 
(i.e. unfunded capital requirements of partially completed projects) 
with a lens towards Crombie’s available liquidity, leverage metrics and 
sources of financing. 

Crombie expects to be able to satisfy all of its financing requirements 
through the use of some or all of the following: 

•  Cash on hand; 

•  Cash flow generated from operating the property portfolio; 

•  Bank credit facilities; 

•  Proceeds from partial or full disposition of select non-core 

investment properties; 

•  Traditional construction financing; 

•  CMHC insured mortgages on residential properties; 

•  Secured mortgages and term debt on unencumbered properties; 

•  Issuance of senior unsecured notes; 

•  The issuance of new Units; and 

•  The issuance of Units under its distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”). 

Guiding Principles

Current Status 

Reduce total leverage over the medium/long term

D/GFV* is 42.9% at December 31, 2021. 

Maintain minimum of $250 million liquidity

Increased liquidity to $507.8M, up $36.1M from 2020. 

Improve weighted average term to maturity

Minor decrease to 5.1 years at December 31, 2021 versus 5.3 years at December 31, 2020. 

Lower cost of capital through equity raises and/or 
innovative funding solutions, such as capital recycling 

During 2021, Crombie raised equity at a record net price of $16.60 per Unit, and completed 
dispositions for proceeds of $205.5M, net of selling costs. 

Take advantage of current low interest rates

Continued to harvest interest rate savings by refinancing high coupon debt in current 
low rate environment. 

Increase unencumbered asset pool

Expanded unencumbered asset pool by approximately 28% to $1.8B. 

INVESTMENT GRADE CREDIT RATING 
Crombie’s ability to raise debt financing and the cost associated with 
that debt financing depends on its ability to access the public debt 
capital markets, which are reliant on assigned credit ratings, as well 
as the bank credit market. A credit rating generally indicates the rating 
agency’s assessment of the relative risk that the borrower will not fulfill 
its obligations in a timely manner with respect to both interest and 

principal commitments. In 2013, Crombie successfully applied to DBRS 
for a credit rating in order to access the unsecured note markets. In the 
second quarter of 2021, Crombie received notice of a downgrade in its 
credit rating from “BBB(low)” with a “Stable” trend to “BBB(low)” with a 
“Negative” trend.1 Management is focused on restoring and improving 
Crombie’s credit rating. 

(1) The credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any of the securities referred to, and they may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the assigning rating agency. Ratings are 

determined by the rating agencies based on criteria established from time to time by them, and they do not comment on market price or suitability for a particular investor. Each credit rating should 
be evaluated independently of any other credit rating.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

57

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

STRONG CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

as at December 31, 2021 

Net Assets Attributable 
to Unitholders 
41.5% 

Mortgages 
27.7% 

Unsecured Notes 
29.1% 

Bank Credit Facilities 
and Lease Liabilities 
1.7% 

Mortgages

Bank Credit Facilities
and Lease Liabilities

Unsecured 
Notes

Net Assets Attributable
to Unitholders

Crombie’s capital structure consists of the following carrying values, inclusive of deferred financing costs where applicable: 

Fixed rate mortgages

Drawn credit facilities

Senior unsecured notes

Lease liabilities

Net assets attributable to Crombie REIT Unitholders

Net assets attributable to Special Voting Units and Class B Limited Partnership Unitholders

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

1,067,859

29,124

1,121,267

35,352

950,271

647,221

27.7%

0.8%

29.1%

0.9%

24.7%

16.8%

$

1,267,044

62,256

1,121,398

29,914

881,511

596,795

32.0% 

1.6% 

28.3% 

0.7% 

22.3% 

15.1% 

$

3,851,094

100.0%

$

3,958,918

100.0% 

DEBT METRICS 
We monitor our debt by utilizing a number of key metrics, including the following: 

Unencumbered investment properties1

Unencumbered investment properties1 as a % of unsecured debt

Debt to gross fair value*

Weighted average interest rate2

Debt to trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA*

Interest coverage ratio*

(1) Represents fair value of unencumbered properties. 
(2) Weighted average interest rate is calculated based on interest rates for all outstanding fixed rate debt. 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

1,752,927

$

1,366,258 

128.8%

42.9%

3.8%

8.25x

3.13x

117.8% 

49.4% 

3.9% 

9.73x 

2.77x 

Crombie has continued to grow its unencumbered asset pool, increasing its fair value from $1,366,258 as at December 31, 2020 to $1,752,927 as at 
December 31, 2021. This increase is primarily due to mortgage maturities, and increased fair value of properties, in addition to acquisitions, partially 
offset by dispositions.

58

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Debt to Gross Fair Value* 
Debt to gross fair value* was 42.9% at December 31, 2021 (42.9% after 
applying cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt) compared to 49.4% 
at December 31, 2020 (48.8% after applying cash and cash equivalents 
to reduce debt). 

The decrease in the leverage ratio during the year ended December 31, 
2021 was primarily the result of lower outstanding debt, a decrease 
of $228,103 from December 31, 2020, due to mortgage maturities 
and repayment of credit facilities. Increased fair value of investment 
properties, slightly offset by disposition activity, and increased fair 
value of investment in joint ventures from Davie Street, Le Duke, and 
Bronte Village also contributed to the improvement in the ratio. The 
increase in fair value excludes additional fair value growth expectations 
at stabilization from our first major developments. The fair value of 
investment properties increased $211,000, or 4.4%, from December 31, 
2020, as a result of acquisitions, completed developments, and 
capitalization rates compression of grocery-anchored properties. 
The capitalization rate compression was evidenced in our bi-annual 
externally provided capitalization rate report. 

When calculating debt to gross fair value*, debt is defined under the 
terms of the Declaration of Trust as obligations for borrowed money 
including obligations incurred in connection with acquisitions, excluding 
specific deferred taxes payable, trade payables, and accruals in the 
ordinary course of business and distributions payable. 

Debt to gross fair value* includes investment properties measured 
at fair value, including those held within joint ventures. Crombie’s 
investment in joint ventures, accounted for at cost under the equity 
method, is adjusted to reflect investment properties measured at fair 
value for this calculation. All other components of gross fair value 
are measured at the carrying value included in Crombie’s financial 
statements. Crombie’s methodology for determining the fair value of 
investment properties includes capitalization of trailing 12 months net 
property income using biannual capitalization rates from external 
property valuators. The majority of investment properties are also 
subject to external, independent appraisals on a rotational basis over 
a period of not more than four years. Valuation techniques are more 
fully described in Crombie’s year end audited financial statements. 

The fair value included in this calculation reflects the fair value of the 
properties as at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, 
based on each property’s current use as a revenue generating 
investment property. During the year ended December 31, 2021, 
Crombie’s weighted average capitalization rate used in the 
determination of the fair value of its investment properties decreased 
0.21% to 5.65% from 5.86%. For an explanation of how Crombie 
determines capitalization rates, see the “Other Disclosures” section 
of this MD&A, under “Investment Property Valuation” in the “Use of 
Estimates and Judgments” section. 

Fixed rate mortgages

Senior unsecured notes

Revolving credit facility

Joint operation credit facility

Bilateral credit facility

Lease liabilities

Total debt outstanding

Less: Applicable fair value debt adjustment

Adjusted debt*

Investment properties, fair value

Other assets, cost1

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred financing charges

Investment in joint ventures, fair value*2

Interest rate subsidy

Gross fair value

Debt to gross fair value*

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

1,073,895

$

1,125,000

9,220

9,904

10,000

35,352

2,263,371

(53)

2,263,318

5,026,000

103,318

3,915

9,769

130,103

(53)

$

$

$

$

1,274,304 

1,125,000 

17,712 

9,544 

35,000 

29,914 

2,491,474 

(283) 

2,491,191 

4,815,000 

100,206 

63,293 

10,972 

51,043 

(283) 

$

5,273,052

$

5,040,231 

42.9%

49.4% 

(1) Other assets exclude tenant incentives and accumulated amortization, and accrued straight-line rent receivable. 
(2) Investment in joint ventures, fair value* reflects Crombie’s investments in joint ventures using equity accounting with investment properties measured at fair value. Fair value of these investment 

properties totalled $387,000 (December 31, 2020 - $225,127) and replaces their value at cost of $288,114 (December 31, 2020 - $225,127).

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

59

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Debt to Adjusted EBITDA* and Interest Coverage* Ratios: 
Crombie’s debt to adjusted EBITDA* improved to 8.25x for the trailing 
12 months ended December 31, 2021 from 9.73x for the trailing 12 months 
ended December 31, 2020. The improvement was primarily due to 
decreased outstanding debt of $228,103 resulting from mortgage 
maturities and repayment of credit facilities, and higher adjusted 
EBITDA. (Debt to adjusted EBITDA* is 8.23x after applying cash and cash 
equivalents to reduce debt.) The $18,313 increase in adjusted EBITDA 
over the trailing 12 months ended December 31, 2021 when compared 
to the trailing 12 months ended December 31, 2020 resulted from 
reduced bad debt expense due to lower collection risk, and increased 
income from completed developments, renewals and new leasing, and 
lease terminations. 

The interest coverage* ratio for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 
improved to 3.13x compared to 2.77x for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2020 due to reduced finance costs from operations 
and increased adjusted EBITDA as described above. Finance costs 
decreased by $2,180 compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily 
due to reduced interest on unsecured notes resulting from the early 
partial redemption of Series B senior unsecured notes in 2020. 

Crombie’s debt service coverage* increased to 2.07x for the 
quarter ended December 31, 2021 from 1.92x for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2020 due primarily to reduced interest on unsecured 
notes resulting from the early partial redemption of Series B senior 
unsecured notes in 2020. 

The following table presents a reconciliation of property revenue to adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should not be 
considered an alternative to operating income attributable to Unitholders and may not be comparable to that used by other entities. Refer to the 
“Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A, starting on page 79, for more information. 

Property revenue

$  103,832

$  101,517

$  100,006

$  103,537

$

97,060

$

92,920

$

96,501

$  102,252 

Dec. 31, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Sep. 30, 2020

Jun. 30, 2020

Mar. 31, 2020 

Three months ended 

Amortization of tenant 

incentives

Adjusted property revenue

Property operating expenses

General and administrative 

5,249

5,187

4,840

4,535

4,859

109,081

(32,430)

106,704

(30,216)

104,846

(29,814)

108,072

(33,401)

101,919

(29,245)

4,752

97,672

(27,503)

4,419

3,819 

100,920

(37,887)

106,071 

(35,237) 

expenses

(7,367)

(5,728)

(7,351)

(5,038)

(5,493)

(5,062)

(6,960)

(3,019) 

Income (loss) from equity 
accounted investments

(685)

(923)

(562)

(771)

(411)

101

123

115 

Adjusted EBITDA* (1)

$

68,599

$

69,837

$

67,119

$

68,862

$

66,770

$

65,208

$

56,196

$

67,930 

Trailing 12 months adjusted 

EBITDA* (4)

$ 274,417

$  272,588

$ 267,959

$ 257,036

$  256,104

$  254,040

$  256,501

$  268,979 

Finance costs – operations

$

22,639

$

23,070

$

23,618

$

23,461

$

24,912

$

22,250

$

22,006

$

22,640 

Amortization of deferred 

financing charges

Amortization of effective swap 

agreements

Adjusted interest expense (2)

Debt principal repayments (3)

Debt outstanding (see Debt to 

(742)

(759)

(764)

(802)

(835)

(737)

(683)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(751) 

(510) 

$

$

21,897

11,304

$

$

22,311

11,343

$

$

22,854

11,229

$

$

22,659

10,548

$

$

24,077

10,715

$

$

21,513

10,786

$

$

21,323

10,395

$

$

21,379 

10,790 

Gross Fair Value*) (5)

$ 2,263,318

$ 2,439,738

$ 2,444,629

$ 2,519,200

$  2,491,191

$  2,373,623

$ 2,338,288

$ 2,383,451 

Interest service coverage* ratio 

{(1)/(2)}

3.13x

3.13x

2.94x

3.04x

2.77x

3.03x

2.64x

3.18x 

Debt service coverage* ratio 

{(1)/((2)+(3))}

Debt to trailing 12 months 

2.07x

2.08x

1.97x

2.07x

1.92x

2.02x

1.77x

2.11x 

adjusted EBITDA* {(5)/(4)}

8.25x

8.95x

9.12x

9.80x

9.73x

9.34x

9.12x

8.86x

60

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

DEBT PROFILE 
A continuity of Crombie’s fixed-rate mortgages, senior unsecured notes, and credit facilities for the year ended December 31, 2021 is as follows: 

Year ended December 31, 2021

Year ended December 31, 2020 

Mortgages 

Senior 
Unsecured 
Notes

Credit Facilities

Mortgages 

Senior 
Unsecured 
Notes

Credit Facilities 

Opening balance, beginning of year

$

1,273,674

$ 

1,125,000

$

62,256

$

1,308,147

$

925,000

$

54,308 

Additions to existing mortgages

New borrowings or issuances

Principal repayments

Repayments on maturity

Vendor assumptions on disposition

Redemption

Net (repayments) advances

25,000

550

(44,424)

(119,755)

(61,492)

—

—

—

150,000

—

—

—

(150,000)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(33,132)

5,125

218,000

(42,686)

(214,912)

—

—

—

—

300,000

—

—

—

(100,000)

—

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

7,948 

Closing balance, end of year

$

1,073,553

$ 

1,125,000

$

29,124

$

1,273,674

$

1,125,000

$

62,256 

Mortgages 

Crombie had outstanding fixed rate mortgages consisting of: 

Fixed rate mortgages

Unamortized fair value debt adjustment and interest rate subsidy

Deferred financing charges on fixed rate mortgages

Total mortgage debt

Long-term portion

Current portion

Weighted average interest rate

Weighted average term to maturity

$

$

$

$

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

1,073,553

$

1,273,674 

342

1,073,895

(6,036)

1,067,859

893,364

174,495

4.00%

4.9 years

$

$

$

630 

1,274,304 

(7,260) 

1,267,044 

1,139,798 

127,246 

3.98% 

5.7 years 

• 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie disposed of an interest in a mortgage of $61,492 through a vendor assumption related to the 
partial disposition of a retail-related industrial property. 

From time to time, Crombie has entered into interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate profile of its current or future debts without an 
exchange of the underlying principal amount (see “Interest Rate Risk”). Crombie currently has interest rate swap agreements in place on $109,535 of 
floating rate debt.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

61

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Senior Unsecured Notes (“Notes”) 
The following series of senior unsecured notes were outstanding as at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 

Series B

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series G

Series H

Series I

Series J

Unamortized Series B issue premium

Deferred financing charges

Total senior unsecured notes

Long-term portion

Current portion

Weighted average interest rate

Weighted average term to maturity

Maturity Date 

Effective Interest Rate

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

June 1, 2021

November 21, 2022

January 31, 2025

August 26, 2026

June 21, 2027

March 31, 2028

October 9, 2030

August 12, 2031

3.962%

4.066%

4.802%

3.677%

3.917%

2.686%

3.211%

3.133%

$

—

$

150,000

175,000

200,000

150,000

150,000

150,000

150,000

—

(3,733)

1,121,267

971,267

150,000

3.67%

5.4 years

$

$

$

$

$

$

150,000 

150,000 

175,000 

200,000 

150,000 

150,000 

150,000 

— 

110 

(3,712) 

1,121,398 

971,398 

150,000 

3.78% 

5.1 years 

On August 12, 2021, Crombie issued, on a private placement basis, $150,000 of Series J notes (senior unsecured) maturing August 12, 2031. The 
net proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness, including repayment of outstanding credit facilities. The Series J notes were priced with 
an effective yield to maturity of 3.133% and sold at a price of $1,000.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount. Interest is payable in equal semi-annual 
installments on February 12 and August 12. 

There are no required periodic principal payments, with the full face value of the notes due on their respective maturity dates. 

Credit Facilities 
The following floating rate credit facilities had balances drawn as at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 

Revolving credit facility

Unsecured bilateral credit facility

Joint operation credit facility I

Joint operation credit facility II

Total credit facilities

Available Facility 

Weighted Average 
Term to Maturity

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

400,000

130,000

7,167

3,520

540,687

3.5 years

$

9,220

$

1.5 years

2.3 years

2.8 years

10,000

7,167

2,737

2.5 years

$

29,124

$

17,712 

35,000 

7,188 

2,356 

62,256 

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY 

UNSECURED BILATERAL CREDIT FACILITY 

Crombie has in place an authorized floating rate revolving credit 
facility of up to $400,000 (the “revolving credit facility”), and has 
been amended to extend the maturity date to June 30, 2025, of which 
$9,220 ($12,223 including outstanding letters of credit) was drawn at 
December 31, 2021. The revolving credit facility is secured by a pool of 
first mortgages on certain properties. Borrowings under the revolving 
credit facility can be by way of Bankers’ Acceptance or prime rate 
advance, and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type of 
advance plus the applicable spread or margin. The respective spread 
or margin may change depending on Crombie’s unsecured bond rating 
with DBRS and whether the facility remains secured or migrates to an 
unsecured status. 

The unsecured bilateral credit facility has a maximum principal amount 
of $130,000 and has been amended to extend the maturity date to 
June 30, 2023, of which $10,000 was drawn as at December 31, 2021. 
The facility is used by Crombie for working capital purposes and 
to provide temporary financing for acquisitions and development 
activity. Borrowings under the bilateral credit facility can be by way of 
Bankers’ Acceptance or prime rate advance, and the floating interest 
rate is contingent on the type of advance plus the applicable spread 
or margin. The respective spread or margin may change depending 
on Crombie’s unsecured bond rating with DBRS.

62

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

JOINT OPERATION CREDIT FACILITIES 

In conjunction with the 89% sale of a portfolio of assets in the second 
quarter of 2019, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into a 
credit agreement with a Canadian chartered bank for a $62,250 term 
loan facility and a $5,800 revolving credit facility. In the second quarter 
of 2021, our co-ownership partner sold its share of the portfolio to a third 
party. The revolving credit facility was amended in the second quarter 
of 2021 to reduce the maximum principal amount to $2,908. Both 
facilities are secured by first mortgages on select properties and have 
a term of five years maturing on April 25, 2024. Borrowings under both 
facilities can be by way of Bankers’ Acceptance or prime rate advance, 
and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type of advance plus 
the applicable spread or margin. Concurrent with entering into these 
facilities, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into a fixed for 
floating interest rate swap, effectively fixing the interest rate on both 
facilities at 3.58%. At December 31, 2021, Crombie’s portion of the term 
and revolving credit facilities was $6,847 and $320 respectively. 

In conjunction with the 89% sale of a portfolio of assets in the fourth 
quarter of 2019, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into 
a credit agreement with a Canadian chartered bank for a $16,500 
term loan facility and a $15,500 revolving credit facility. Both facilities 
are secured by first and second mortgages on select properties and 
have a term of five years maturing on October 7, 2024. Borrowings 
under both facilities can be by way of Bankers’ Acceptance or prime 
rate advance, and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type 
of advance plus the applicable spread or margin. Concurrent with 
entering into the facility, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered 
into a fixed for floating interest rate swap, effectively fixing interest rate 
on both facilities at 3.27%. At December 31, 2021, Crombie’s portion of the 
term and revolving credit facilities was $1,815 and $922 respectively. 

DEBT MATURITIES 
Principal repayments of the fixed rate mortgages, unsecured notes, and credit facilities are scheduled as follows: 

12 Months Ending 

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2024

December 31, 2025

December 31, 2026

Thereafter

Total1

Maturing Debt Balances 

Senior 
Unsecured 

Mortgages 

Notes  Credit Facilities

Total

% of Total 

Payments of 
Principal 

Total Required 
Payments

% of Total

$  136,479

$  150,000

$

—

$  286,479

227,405

226,268

30,596

12,401

246,868

—

—

175,000

200,000

600,000

10,000

9,904

9,220

—

—

237,405

236,172

214,816

212,401

846,868

14.1%

11.7%

11.6%

10.6%

10.4%

41.6%

$  38,016

$  324,495

31,647

20,178

16,251

14,235

73,209

269,052

256,350

231,067

226,636

920,077

14.5% 

12.1% 

11.5% 

10.4% 

10.2% 

41.3% 

$  880,017

$1,125,000

$

29,124

$2,034,141

100.0%

$  193,536

$2,227,677

100.0% 

(1) Excludes fair value debt adjustment and deferred financing charges. 

OUTSTANDING UNIT DATA 

REIT Units and Class B LP Units and the Attached 
Special Voting Units 
On May 19, 2021, Crombie closed a public offering, on a bought deal 
basis, of 3,525,000 Units, at a price of $16.60 per Unit for proceeds 
of $55,801 net of issue costs. On the same date, concurrent with the 
issue of the REIT Units, in satisfaction of its pre-emptive right, ECL 
Developments (ECLD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire, purchased 
2,500,000 Class B LP Units and the attached Special Voting Units at a 
price of $16.60 per Class B LP Unit for proceeds of $41,424 net of issue 
costs, on a private placement basis. After the closing of the public 
offering and the private placement, Empire continues to hold a 41.5% 
economic and voting interest in Crombie. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie issued 301,418 REIT 
Units and 213,577 Class B LP Units under its DRIP. Prior to August 4, 2021, 

Units issued under the DRIP were issued at a price equal to 100% of the 
volume-weighted average trading price of the REIT Units on the Toronto 
Stock Exchange for the five trading days immediately preceding the 
relevant distribution payment date. Effective August 4, 2021, the price 
of Units issued under the DRIP was reduced by a discount of 3%. 

Throughout the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie issued 
4,817 REIT Units under its Unit-based compensation plans. 

In January 2022, Crombie closed on a public offering, on a bought 
deal basis, of 6,705,000 Units, and 4,756,446 Class B LP and associated 
Special Voting Units to ECLD on a private placement basis. After the 
closing of the public offering and the private placement, Empire 
continues to hold a 41.5% economic and voting interest in Crombie. 
Total Units outstanding at January 31, 2022, were as follows: 

Units

Special Voting Units1

104,138,848 

72,244,090 

(1) Crombie Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Crombie, has issued 72,244,090 Class B LP Units. These Class B LP Units accompany the Special Voting Units, are the economic equivalent of a Unit, and are 

exchangeable for Units on a one-for-one basis.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

63

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CASH FLOWS 
The following shows the major sources and uses of cash for the year ended December 31, 2021: 

MAJOR SOURCES AND USES OF CASH 

$224,844

$63,293

$(144,559)

$25,550

$(92,788)

$150,000

$97,225

$25,070

$144,014

$3,915

$(1,113)

$(163,414)

$(33,132)

$(150,000)

$(64,304)

$(76,771)

Finance
costs –
operations

Issue of 
mortgages

Mortgage
payments

Credit 
facility 
net 
repayments

Issue of
notes

Notes
redemption

Unit
issue

Acquisitions Additions 

to 
investment
properties

Proceeds
on
disposition

Distributions
from joint
ventures

Other,
net

Closing
cash

Source of cash

Use of cash

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

Variance

2021

2020

Variance 

$

$

84,123

$

(169,305)

80,201

56,424

55,643

(48,774)

(4,981)

$

63,293

$

$

27,699

$

224,844

$

167,209

(224,948)

128,975

(302,712)

18,490

20,364

(124,280)

(68,274)

$

(59,378)

$

63,293

$

$

57,635 

(323,076) 

142,770 

(122,671) 

Distributions

Opening 
cash

Operating
cash flow 
before
distributions
and finance costs

Cash provided by (used in): 

Operating activities

Financing activities

Investing activities

Net change during the period

Operating Activities 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities in the quarter 
compared to the same quarter in 2020 is primarily due to increased 
net property income of $3,587 from completed developments, strong 
occupancy, and lease terminations, and a positive increase in working 
capital of $23,236. 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities on an annual 
basis is largely due to increased net property income of $24,170 due to 
a reduction in bad debt expense of $10,082 as a result of decreased 
collection risk in 2021, and income from completed developments, lease 
terminations, and strong occupancy, and a positive increase in working 
capital of $46,342. The increase in cash provided was offset in part by 
higher additions to tenant incentives ($72,542 compared to $63,536 
in 2020), and an increase of $4,950 in general and administrative 
expenses resulting primarily from an increase in Unit price and its 
impact on Unit-based compensation plans, offset in part by higher 
severance costs in 2020.

64

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Financing Activities 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The decrease in cash provided by financing activities is due to the 
issuance of unsecured notes of $300,000 and $100,000 in mortgage 
issues, both in the fourth quarter of 2020, and mortgage repayments 
$77,168 lower than in the fourth quarter of 2020. This is partially offset by 
net repayments on floating rate credit facilities of $3,118 in the quarter 
compared to the net amount drawn on floating rate credit facilities of 
$140,070 during the same period in 2020, redemption of unsecured 
notes of $100,000 in the fourth quarter of 2020, and increased finance 
costs from operations of $2,273 primarily due to reduced interest on 
unsecured notes resulting from the early partial redemption of Series B 
senior unsecured notes in 2020. 

The decrease in cash provided by financing activities on an annual 
basis is due to mortgage issuances of $25,550 compared to $218,000 
in 2020, the $150,000 issuance of Series J unsecured notes in the third 
quarter of 2021 versus the issue of Series H and Series I unsecured notes 
totalling $300,000 in the fourth quarter of 2020, $150,000 redemption 
of Series B unsecured notes in the second quarter of 2021 compared 
to $100,000 early partial redemption of Series B unsecured notes in 
the fourth quarter of 2020, and net repayments on floating rate credit 
facilities of $33,132 compared to the net amount drawn on floating rate 
credit facilities of $7,948 in 2020. This is partially offset by repayment of 
mortgages of $163,414 ($257,598 in 2020), and payment of the special 
cash distribution of $14,857 on January 15, 2020. 

Investing Activities 

For the three months ended: 

For the year ended: 

The increase in cash provided by investing activities in the quarter 
results primarily from proceeds of $87,769 from disposition of investment 
properties compared to dispositions of $36,931 and acquisitions of 
$32,632 in the fourth quarter of 2020, increased distributions from equity 
accounted investments of $24,983, and lower additions to investment 
properties of $31,735 ($49,797 in 2020). 

The annual increase in cash provided by investing activities is primarily 
due to proceeds from disposition of properties of $144,014 ($37,832 in 
2020), decreased additions to investment properties of $32,897, and an 
increase of $25,001 in distributions from equity accounted investments. 
This is offset in part by acquisition of properties of $64,304 ($42,687 
in 2020). 

AVAILABLE CREDIT LINE LIQUIDITY 
Available liquidity is the net amount available on Crombie’s credit facilities, excluding joint facilities with joint operation partners, calculated as follows: 

Revolving credit facility

Amount drawn

Outstanding letters of credit

Available liquidity

Unsecured revolving bilateral credit facility

Amount drawn

Available liquidity

Cash

December 31, 2021

September 30, 2021

June 30, 2021

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

400,000

$

400,000

$

400,000

$

398,846

$

400,000 

(9,220)

(3,003)

387,777

130,000

(10,000)

120,000

—

(6,603)

(4,229)

389,168

130,000

(7,000)

123,000

—

(62,228)

(4,289)

333,483

130,000

(95,000)

35,000

—

(35,000)

(6,014)

357,832

130,000

(35,000)

95,000

16,716

(17,712) 

(5,580) 

376,708 

130,000 

(35,000) 

95,000 

— 

Total available liquidity

$

507,777

$

512,168

$

368,483

$

469,548

$

471,708 

Cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet of $3,915 consists 
of restricted cash related to a mortgage on a retail-related industrial 
property and is therefore not included in available liquidity. 

•  annualized NOI on all properties must be a minimum of 1.4 times 
the coverage of all annualized debt service requirements; and 

•  cash distributions to Unitholders are limited to 100% of funds 

Under the amended terms governing the revolving credit facility, 
Crombie is entitled to borrow a maximum of 70% of the fair market 
value of assets subject to a first security position and 60% of the excess 
of fair market value over first mortgage financing of assets subject to 
a second security position or a negative pledge (the “Borrowing Base”). 
The revolving credit facility provides Crombie with flexibility to add or 
remove properties from the Borrowing Base, subject to compliance with 
certain conditions. The terms of the revolving credit facility also require 
that Crombie must maintain certain covenants: 

•  annualized NOI for the prescribed properties must be a 

minimum of 1.3 times the coverage of the related annualized 
debt service requirements; 

from operations. 

The revolving credit facility also contains a covenant limiting the amount 
which may be utilized under the revolving credit facility at any time. 
This covenant provides that the aggregate of amounts drawn under the 
revolving credit facility plus any outstanding letters of credit, may not 
exceed the “Aggregate Borrowing Base”, which is based on a modified 
calculation of the Borrowing Base, as defined in the revolving credit facility.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

65

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

At December 31, 2021, the remaining amount available under the 
revolving credit facility was approximately $391,000 (prior to reduction 
for standby letters of credit outstanding of $3,003) and was not 
limited by the Aggregate Borrowing Base. Crombie has remained in 
compliance with all debt covenants. 

The terms of the unsecured bilateral revolving credit facility also 
require annualized NOI on all properties to be a minimum of 1.4 times 
the coverage of all annualized debt service requirements and 
cash distributions to Unitholders to be limited to 100% of funds from 
operations as defined in the credit facilities. 

Our liquidity is impacted by contractual debt commitments. Our contractual debt commitments for the next five years are as follows: 

Contractual 
Cash Flows1

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Thereafter 

Twelve months ending December 31, 

Fixed rate mortgages – principal and interest2 

$  364,548 

$

77,401

$

63,107

$

39,387 

$

30,506 

$

26,695 

$

127,452 

Fixed rate mortgages – maturities

Senior unsecured notes

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Credit facilities

Total

880,017

1,335,356

147,096

154,240

2,881,257

31,050

136,479

190,599

123,258

3,007

530,744

836

227,405

35,176

4,451

2,937

333,076

10,679

226,268

35,176

2,988

2,807

306,626

10,227

30,596

202,476

1,609

2,758

267,945

9,308

12,401

224,220

1,609

2,639

246,868 

647,709 

13,181 

140,092 

267,564

1,175,302 

—

— 

$  2,912,307 

$  531,580 

$  343,755 

$  316,853 

$ 

277,253 

$

267,564

$  1,175,302 

(1) Contractual cash flows include principal and interest and exclude extension options. 
(2) Reduced by the interest rate subsidy payments to be received from Empire. 

Crombie’s contractual debt obligations and projected development 
expenditures can be funded from the following financing sources: 

•  secured mortgage and term debt on unencumbered properties; 

•  the issuance of additional senior unsecured notes; 

•  secured and unsecured short-term financing subject to available 

•  the issuance of new Units; and 

borrowing base; 

•  entering into new joint arrangements. 

•  recycling capital through the disposition of select investment properties; 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES 
There are claims and litigation in which Crombie is involved, arising 
out of the ordinary course of business operations. In the opinion of 
management, any liability that would arise from such contingencies 
would not have a significant adverse effect on these operating results. 

Crombie obtains standby letters of credit to support its obligations with 
respect to construction work on its investment properties and satisfying 
mortgage financing requirements. As at December 31, 2021, Crombie 
has a total of $3,003 in outstanding letters of credit related to: 

Crombie has agreed to indemnify its trustees and officers, and 
particular employees, in accordance with Crombie’s policies. 
Crombie maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage 
against certain claims. 

Construction work being performed on investment properties

Mortgage lenders primarily to satisfy mortgage financings on redevelopment properties

Total outstanding letters of credit

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

3,003

—

3,003

$

$

3,740 

1,840 

5,580 

Crombie does not believe that any of these standby letters of credit are 
likely to be drawn upon. 

As at December 31, 2021, Crombie had signed construction contracts 
totaling $359,285 of which $264,927 has been paid. This includes contracts 
signed within joint ventures at Crombie’s ownership percentage. 

Crombie has provided 100% guarantees on mortgages related to 
properties in which it has less than a 100% interest. The mortgages 
payable related to these guarantees are secured by specific charges 
against the properties. As at December 31, 2021, Crombie has provided 
guarantees of approximately $128,973 (December 31, 2020 – $140,577) 

on mortgages in excess of their ownership interest in the properties. 
Responsibility for ongoing payments of principal and interest on 
these mortgages remains with the joint owners of the properties. The 
mortgages have a weighted average term to maturity of 3.0 years. 

Under the terms of head leases with certain of Crombie’s joint operation 
partners, Crombie guarantees its joint operation partners their portion 
of any uncollected rent receivable from the sub-tenant. 

As at December 31, 2021, Crombie has committed to contributing $2,120 
to 1700 East Broadway Limited Partnership as part of the ongoing 
predevelopment work in the joint venture.

66

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The fair value of a financial instrument is the estimated amount that 
Crombie would receive to sell a financial asset or pay to transfer a 
financial liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
at the measurement date. 

Fair value determination is classified within a three-level hierarchy, 
based on observability of significant inputs, as follows: 

Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities. 

Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that 
are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. 

Level 3 – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. 

There were no transfers between levels of the fair value during the year 
ended December 31, 2021. 

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the following financial 
instruments approximates their fair value at the balance sheet date: 

•  Cash and cash equivalents 

•  Trade receivables 

•  Trade and other payables. 

The fair value of other financial instruments is based on discounted cash flows using discount rates that reflect current market conditions for instruments 
with similar terms and risks. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of other financial instruments which have a fair value different from 
their carrying value: 

Financial assets 

Accounts receivable1

Financial liabilities 

Investment property debt

Senior unsecured notes

Total other financial liabilities

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value 

$

$

$

27,737

1,177,814

1,157,820

2,335,634

$

$

$

27,751

1,103,019

1,125,000

2,228,019

$

$

$

25,042

$

25,051 

1,427,367

$ 

1,336,560 

1,206,285

1,125,000 

2,633,652

$

2,461,560 

(1) Accounts receivable include amounts in other assets for the capital expenditure program, interest rate subsidy, and receivable from related parties. 

Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to 
benefits from the financial asset expire. The difference between the 
asset’s carrying value and the consideration received or receivable is 
recognized as a charge to the statement of comprehensive income. 

The fair value of the long-term receivables, investment property debt 
and senior unsecured notes are Level 2 measurements.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

67

REAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND TENANT RISKS 

All real property investments are subject to elements of risk. The value 
of real property and any improvements thereto depend on the credit 
and financial stability of tenants and upon the vacancy rates of the 
properties. In addition, certain significant expenditures, including 
property taxes, ground rent, mortgage payments, insurance costs, and 
related charges must be made throughout the period of ownership of 
real property regardless of whether a property is producing any income. 
Cash available for distribution will be adversely affected if a significant 
number of tenants are unable to meet their obligations under their lease 
or if a significant amount of available space in the properties becomes 
vacant and cannot be leased on economically favourable lease terms. 

Upon the expiry of any lease, there can be no assurance that the lease 
will be renewed, or the tenant replaced. The terms of any subsequent 
lease may be less favourable to Crombie than those of an existing lease. 
The ability to rent unleased space in the properties in which Crombie 
has an interest will be affected by many factors, including general 
economic conditions, local real estate markets, changing demographics, 
supply and demand for leased premises, competition from other 
available premises, and various other factors. Management utilizes 
staggered lease maturities so that Crombie is not required to lease 
unusually large amounts of space in any given year. In addition, the 
diversification of our property portfolio by geographic location, tenant 
mix, and asset type also help to mitigate this risk. 

COMPETITION 

The real estate business is competitive. Numerous other developers, 
managers, and owners of properties compete with Crombie in seeking 
tenants. Some of the properties located in the same markets as Crombie’s 
properties may be newer, better located, less levered, or have stronger 
anchor tenants than Crombie’s properties. Some property owners with 
properties located in the same markets as Crombie’s properties may 
be better capitalized and may be stronger financially and hence better 
able to withstand an economic downturn. Competitive pressures in such 
markets could have a negative effect on Crombie’s ability to lease space 
in its properties and on the rents charged or concessions granted.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RISK MANAGEMENT 

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 
Management of the REIT is vested in the Board of Trustees, subject 
to the provisions of applicable statutes and the Declaration of Trust. 
The Board of Trustees of the REIT shall have explicit responsibility for 
the stewardship of the REIT including the strategic planning process, 
approval of the strategic plan, the identification of principal risks and 
implementation of systems to manage these risks, succession planning, 
operations, communications and reporting, and the integrity of the 
REIT’s internal control and management information systems. The 
Board discharges certain of its responsibilities through delegation to 
its committees as more particularly set out in the committee mandates. 

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO THE 
BUSINESS OF CROMBIE 
In the normal course of business, Crombie is exposed to a number 
of financial risks that can affect its operating performance. The more 
significant risks, and the action taken to manage them, are as follows 
(please see the “Risks” section of Crombie’s 2021 Annual Information 
Form available at www.sedar.com for additional information on risks 
related to Crombie): 

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT 

Markets have been impacted by COVID-19 since it was declared 
a pandemic by the World Health Organization in early 2020, and 
throughout 2021. The continued spread of COVID-19, including the 
recent Omicron variant, and the actions being taken by governments, 
businesses and individuals to limit this pandemic, including business 
closures and physical distancing, and the effects of resulting layoffs 
and other job losses on the available income of retail customers, may 
adversely impact our operations and development activities. Risks 
include, but are not limited to, increasing the credit risk associated 
with our receivables, limiting our ability to quickly respond to changes 
in credit risk, extending the time to completion and occupancy of our 
major developments, and limiting our ability to serve our tenants. 
COVID-19 has affected the workforce in many businesses through higher 
employee turnover and unplanned absences due to illness, especially 
since the advent of Omicron, which may hinder Crombie’s capability in 
managing our properties. There is also increased risk as to the extent 
of the impact of COVID-19 on leasing, occupancy, tenant inducements, 
land use intensification, market rents, and capital expenditures. The 
pandemic has resulted in moderate economic uncertainty, of which the 
potential impact on Crombie’s future financial results and valuation of 
assets is difficult to reliably measure. 

68

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

DEVELOPMENT RISK 

Crombie owns a number of investment properties at varying stages 
of development as well as a significant pipeline of potential future 
development properties. 

Development risk associated with development projects underway 
include construction delays and their impact on financing and related 
costs as well as commitments from tenants for occupancy; cost overruns 
which could impact the profitability and/or financial viability of a project; 
and the inability to meet revenue projections upon completion, which 
could be impacted by unmet leasing assumptions on timing of tenant 
occupancy or rent per square foot. Management strives to mitigate these 
risks by undertaking certain projects with partners (see Joint Arrangement 
Risk); entering into fixed cost construction contracts with reputable 
contractors; entering into long-term financing at the most appropriate 
stage possible; and entering into long-term leases with reputable 
commercial tenants prior to construction wherever possible. 

Development risks associated with potential future development 
properties include all of the above as well as the risks associated with 
the ability to develop the property at all. This may include waiting for 
all current leases to expire or negotiating favourable terms with current 
tenants which could include costs associated with lease interruptions to 
permit development, and inability to receive various required municipal/ 
provincial approvals for site plan, development, zoning, construction, etc. 

JOINT ARRANGEMENT RISK 

Crombie has entered into joint arrangements or partnerships with other 
third party entities. Risks associated with these arrangements include 
risk of default by a partner on financing obligations or non-performance 
of a partner’s obligations on a project, which may include development, 
construction, management or leasing. Crombie attempts to mitigate 
these risks by entering into arrangements with financially stable, 
reputable partners with a proven track record and by negotiating 
contractual rights in the event of a default. 

SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP 

As at December 31, 2021, Empire, through its wholly-owned subsidiary 
ECLD, holds a 41.5% indirect interest in Crombie. Crombie’s anchor 
tenants are concentrated in a relatively small number of retail operators. 
Specifically, 56.7% of the annual minimum rent and 51.3% of total 
property revenue generated from Crombie’s properties is derived from 
anchor tenants that are owned and/or operated by Empire (including 
Sobeys and all other subsidiaries of Empire). Therefore, Crombie is 
reliant on the sustainable operation by Empire in these locations. 

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 

The trustees will, from time to time, in their individual capacities, deal 
with parties with whom Crombie may be dealing, or may be seeking 
investments similar to those desired by Crombie. The interests of these 
persons could conflict with those of Crombie. The Declaration of Trust 
and Code of Conduct contain conflict of interest provisions requiring the 
trustees to disclose their interests in certain contracts and transactions 
and to refrain from voting on those matters. In addition, certain 
decisions regarding matters that may give rise to a conflict of interest 
must be made by a majority of independent elected trustees only. 

Conflicts may exist due to the fact that certain trustees, senior officers, 
and employees of Crombie are directors and/or senior officers of 
Empire and/or its affiliates or will provide management or other services 
to Empire and its affiliates. Empire and its affiliates are engaged in a 
wide variety of real estate and other business activities. Crombie may 
become involved in transactions that conflict with the interests of the 
foregoing. The interests of these persons could conflict with those of 
Crombie. To mitigate these potential conflicts, Crombie and Empire have 
entered into a number of agreements to outline how potential conflicts 
of interest will be dealt with, including a Non-Competition Agreement, 
Management Agreement, and Development Agreement. As well, 
the Declaration of Trust contains a number of provisions to manage 
potential conflicts of interest including setting limits to the number of 
Empire appointees to the Board, “conflict of interest” guidelines, as 
well as outlining which matters require the approval of a majority of 
the independent elected trustees such as any property acquisitions or 
dispositions between Crombie and Empire or another related party. 

RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL 

The management of Crombie depends on the services of certain key 
personnel. The loss of the services of any key personnel could have an 
adverse effect on Crombie and adversely impact Crombie’s financial 
condition. Crombie does not have key person insurance on any of its 
key employees. 

RETAIL AND GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION 

Crombie’s portfolio of properties is heavily weighted in retail properties. 
Consequently, changes in the retail environment and general consumer 
spending, including the growing trend in e-commerce, could adversely 
impact Crombie’s financial condition. Crombie’s portfolio of properties 
was historically heavily concentrated in Atlantic Canada. Through 
property acquisitions and dispositions over the last nine years, Crombie 
has reduced its geographic concentration in Atlantic Canada, and 
thereby reduced the adverse impact an economic downturn in any 
one specific geographic region in Canada could have on Crombie’s 
financial condition. 

CYBER SECURITY RISK 

A cyber security incident includes any material adverse event that 
threatens the confidentiality, integrity and/or availability of Crombie’s 
information resources. Such events, intentional or unintentional, could 
include malicious software attacks, unauthorized access to confidential 
data or information systems, or security breaches and could lead to 
a disruption of operations or unauthorized access to, and release of, 
confidential information. The results could include reputational damage 
with tenants and suppliers, financial costs, or a disruption to Crombie’s 
business. Cyber incidents are becoming more frequent and more 
sophisticated. Crombie has implemented processes, procedures and 
controls to help mitigate these risks, and has made it a priority to better 
educate and train all team members on cyber security. These measures, 
however, as well as Crombie’s increased awareness of a risk of a cyber 
incident, do not guarantee that its financial results will not be negatively 
impacted by the occurrence of any such event.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

69

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS 

Environmental issues can cover a broad range of topics, including 
energy usage, water conservation, pollution, waste management, 
green buildings, or climate change, among many others. Each of these 
topics comes with their own specific risks including increased energy 
costs, the price of carbon, and pollution liability. To effectively manage 
environmental risk, it is critical to operate the business in a sustainable 
manner. Although we have embedded sustainability principles into the 
way we operate since inception, 2021 saw a more formalized approach 
to sustainable business operations. This includes measuring, managing, 
and reporting on our sustainability performance through the lens of 
ESG deliverables. 

In 2021, Crombie identified persons responsible for driving ESG 
performance and we completed our first materiality assessment 
to identify the environmental, social, and governance topics which 
are most impactful to Crombie stakeholders. Crombie identified a 
sustainability software partner to help collect, measure, and report on 
energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas performance. The adage 
of “you can’t manage what you don’t measure” is a true statement, 
so we need to have reliable means to collect and manage data. 
Crombie made its first submission to GRESB in 2021. GRESB is an 
investor grade, industry recognized peer benchmark assessment for 
sustainability performance in real estate. In 2021, Crombie published 
its first standalone Sustainability Report, which outlines the results of 
our materiality assessment and provides insight into our sustainability 
strategy, and ongoing projects and performance. With our baseline 
sustainability performance data and identification of our material topics, 
we can now set goals and chart a path to achieve them. With a more 
formal management approach to sustainability, we can better identify 
and manage the risks associated within this broad range of topics. 

Environmental legislation and regulations have become increasingly 
important in recent years. As an owner of interests in real property in 
Canada, Crombie is subject to various Canadian federal, provincial, 
and municipal laws relating to environmental matters. 

Such laws provide that Crombie could become liable for environmental 
harm, damage, or costs, including with respect to the release of 
hazardous, toxic, or other regulated substances into the environment, 
and the removal or other remediation of hazardous, toxic, or other 
regulated substances that may be present at or under its properties. 
The failure to remove or otherwise address such substances, if any, 
may adversely affect Crombie’s ability to sell such property, realize the 
full value of such property or borrow using such property as collateral 
security and could potentially result in claims against Crombie by public 
or private parties by way of civil action. 

Beyond regulatory compliance, assessing the environmental condition 
of a property helps Crombie to become a corporate steward of the 
environment. By identifying and understanding the environmental risk at 
a property, we can manage it appropriately for the benefit of Crombie, 
the community, and the environment. Crombie’s operating policy is to 
obtain a Phase I environmental site assessment (“ESA”), conducted by 
an independent and experienced environmental consultant, prior to 
acquiring a property and to have Phase II ESA work completed where 
recommended in a Phase I ESA. A Phase I ESA is an investigation 
completed on a site to identify current and historic activities that may 
have caused adverse impact to the soil and groundwater at the site. 
It is generally conducted as a desk-top study which includes a site visit 

to make observations and interview someone who is knowledgeable 
about the property. It is non-intrusive in nature and typically the first 
step of the process to identify areas of potential environmental concern. 
If such an area is identified in the Phase I ESA, then a Phase II ESA 
is completed. A Phase II ESA is intrusive in nature and completed to 
determine whether or not the potential concern identified in the Phase I 
ESA is an actual concern. This assessment includes the sampling and 
testing of soil, groundwater and/or soil vapour. 

Crombie is not aware of any material non-compliance with 
environmental laws at any of its properties, and is not aware of any 
pending or threatened investigations or actions by environmental 
regulatory authorities in connection with any of its properties. Crombie 
has implemented policies and procedures to assess, manage and 
monitor environmental conditions at its properties to manage exposure 
to liability. 

CLIMATE CHANGE RISK 

Crombie has properties located in areas that are subject to natural 
disasters and severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, ice 
storms, floods, and fires, and the frequency of these natural disasters 
and severe weather conditions may increase due to climate change. 
The occurrence of natural disasters, severe weather conditions, 
and the effects of climate change can delay new development or 
redevelopment projects, increase investment costs to repair or replace 
damaged properties, increase operation costs, including the cost of 
energy at our properties, increase costs for future property insurance, 
negatively impact the tenant demand for lease space, and cause 
substantial damages or losses to our properties which could exceed 
any applicable insurance coverage. The incurrence of any of these 
losses, costs or business interruptions may adversely affect our financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, changes in 
government legislation and regulation on climate change could result 
in increased capital expenditures to improve the energy efficiency of 
our existing properties and could also require us to spend more on 
our development or redevelopment projects without a corresponding 
increase in revenues, which may adversely affect our financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows. Crombie is currently evaluating the 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures recommendations 
to help us identify, manage, and report on these risks in alignment with 
industry best practices. 

RELIANCE ON EMPIRE, SOBEYS, AND OTHER 
EMPIRE AFFILIATES 

A significant portion of Crombie’s rental income will be received 
from tenants that are affiliates of Empire. In addition, Empire has 
obligations to indemnify Crombie in respect to the cost of environmental 
remediation of certain properties acquired by Crombie from Empire 
to a maximum permitted amount under an omnibus environmental 
indemnity agreement entered into as part of the closing of the 
acquisition of certain properties. There is no certainty that Empire 
will be able to perform its obligations to Crombie in connection 
with these agreements. Empire and specific subsidiaries have not 
provided any security to guarantee these obligations. If Empire, 
Sobeys or such affiliates are unable or otherwise fail to fulfill their 
obligations to Crombie, such failure could adversely impact Crombie’s 
financial condition.

70

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
The following table outlines our financial risks, how we manage these risks, and whether there was a change in risk exposure compared to the prior year. 

Credit Risk 

Risk Description

Credit risk arises from the possibility that tenants may experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill their lease 
commitments. A provision for doubtful accounts and other adjustments to net property income are taken for all anticipated 
collectability risks. 

Risk Management

Crombie mitigates credit risk by geographical diversification, diversifying both its tenant mix and asset mix and conducting 
credit assessments for new and renewing tenants. 

In measuring tenant concentration, Crombie considers both the annual minimum rent and total property revenue of 
major tenants. 

•  Crombie’s largest tenant, Empire (including Sobeys and all other subsidiaries of Empire), represents 56.7% of annual 

minimum rent. No other tenant accounts for more than 2.6% of Crombie’s total minimum rent; and 

•  Total property revenue includes operating and realty tax cost recovery income and percentage rent. These amounts can 
vary by property type, specific tenant leases, and where tenants may directly incur and pay operating and realty tax 
costs. Crombie earned total property revenue of $53,759 and $209,684 respectively for the three months and year ended 
December 31, 2021 (three months and year ended December 31, 2020 – $51,961 and $191,362 respectively1) from Sobeys Inc. 
and other subsidiaries of Empire. 

Receivables are substantially comprised of current balances due from tenants and past due receivables. The balance 
of accounts receivable past due is usually not significant; however, historically low receivable balances have increased 
significantly over the past few years as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally, rents are due the 
first of each month and other tenant billings are due 30 days after invoicing, and in general, balances over 30 days are 
considered past due. 

Crombie determines the expected credit loss in accordance with IFRS 9’s simplified approach for amounts receivable 
where its loss allowance is measured at initial recognition and throughout the life of the receivable. Trade receivables are 
written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Crombie assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected 
credit losses associated with its rent receivables. In determining the expected credit losses, Crombie takes into account, on 
a tenant-by-tenant basis, the payment history, future expectations, and knowledge gathered through discussions for rental 
concessions, applications for rental relief through government programs, and ongoing discussions with tenants. 

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the degree of uncertainty in Crombie’s assessment of expected credit losses remains 
elevated. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie has recorded a bad debt expense of 
$54 and $811 respectively. 

Our trade receivables and allowance for doubtful accounts balances at December 31, 2021 were $27,472 and $(3,031) 
respectively (December 31, 2020 – $42,211 and $(7,955) respectively). 

Crombie manages its residual risk in its investment properties through an active capital expenditure program and actively 
leasing any vacant spaces. The residual risk throughout Crombie’s portfolio is not considered significant although a prolonged 
state of economic shutdown can impact Crombie’s ability to execute on its capital expenditure program and leasing activity. 

Liquidity risk is the risk that Crombie may not have access to sufficient debt and equity capital to fund its growth program, 
refinance debt obligations as they mature, or meet its ongoing obligations as they arise. 

Cash flow generated from operating the property portfolio represents the primary source of liquidity used to service the 
interest on debt, fund general and administrative expenses, reinvest in the portfolio through capital expenditures, as well 
as fund tenant incentive costs and make distributions to Unitholders. Debt repayment requirements are primarily funded 
from refinancing Crombie’s maturing debt obligations. Property acquisition funding requirements are funded through 
a combination of accessing the debt and equity capital markets and recycling capital from property dispositions. 

There is a risk that the debt capital markets may not refinance maturing fixed rate and floating rate debt on terms and 
conditions acceptable to Crombie or at any terms at all. Crombie seeks to mitigate this risk by staggering its debt maturity 
dates. There is also a risk that the equity capital markets may not be receptive to a REIT Unit offering issuance from Crombie 
with financial terms acceptable to Crombie. Access to debt and equity capital markets may also be affected by national 
and international events, and economic conditions beyond Crombie’s control. Crombie mitigates its exposure to liquidity risk 
utilizing a disciplined approach to capital management.

Liquidity Risk 

Risk Description

Risk Management

(1) Related party property revenue for the periods ended December 31, 2020 updated from previously reported figures. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

71

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Liquidity Risk

Risk Management 
(continued)

There is a risk that credit ratings may change. No ratings agency has issued a credit rating with respect to the Units, and 
no credit rating of the Units will be sought or obtained by Crombie. As of December 31, 2021, Crombie’s outstanding senior 
unsecured notes maintain a credit rating of “BBB(low)” with a “Negative” trend from DBRS. 

Credit ratings may not reflect all risks associated with an investment in Crombie’s securities. Any credit ratings applied to the 
notes are an assessment of Crombie’s ability to pay its obligations generally. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in 
the credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the notes. The credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential 
impact on the value of the notes of risks related to structure, market or other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” 
in Crombie’s Annual Information Form dated March 29, 2021. Crombie is under no obligation to maintain any specified level 
of credit rating with credit rating agencies and there is no assurance that any credit rating assigned to the notes will remain in 
effect for any given period of time or that any rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the relevant rating agency. 

A lowering, withdrawal or failure to maintain any credit ratings applied to the notes may have an adverse effect on the market 
price or value and the liquidity of the notes. Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the notes or 
other securities of Crombie. Any future lowering of Crombie’s ratings likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for 
Crombie to obtain additional debt financing. 

Access to the $400,000 revolving credit facility is limited by the amount utilized under the facility and the amount of any 
outstanding letters of credit and cannot exceed the borrowing base security provided by Crombie. 

Refer to the “Debt Maturities” section of this MD&A for a maturity analysis of our recognized financial liabilities and 
purchase obligations. 

Interest Rate Risk 

Risk Description

Interest rate risk is the potential for financial loss arising from increases in interest rates. 

Risk Management

Crombie mitigates this risk by utilizing staggered debt maturities and limiting the use of permanent floating rate debt and, 
on occasion, utilizing interest rate swap agreements. Crombie does not enter into interest rate swaps on a speculative basis. 

As at December 31, 2021: 

•  Crombie’s weighted average term to maturity of its fixed rate mortgages is 4.9 years; 

•  Crombie’s weighted average term to maturity of its unsecured notes is 5.4 years; 

•  Crombie has a floating rate revolving credit facility available to a maximum of $400,000, subject to available 

Borrowing Base, with a balance of $9,220 outstanding; 

•  Crombie has a floating rate bilateral credit facility available to a maximum of $130,000 with a balance 

of $10,000 outstanding; 

•  Crombie has joint operation credit facilities available to a maximum of $10,687 at Crombie’s share with 

a balance of $9,904; and 

•  Crombie has interest rate swap agreements in place on $109,535 of floating rate debt. 

A fluctuation in interest rates would have an impact on Crombie’s operating income related to the use of floating rate debt. 
The following table looks at the impacts of selected interest rate moves on operating income: 

Impact on operating income attributable to Unitholders of interest 

rate changes on the revolving credit facility 

Decrease 
in Rate 

Increase 
in Rate 

Decrease 
in Rate 

Increase 
in Rate 

Impact of a 0.5% interest rate change

Impact of a 1.0% interest rate change

$

$

62

123

$

$

(62)

(123)

$

$

398

795

$

$

(398) 

(795) 

Three months ended  
December 31, 2021 

Year ended  
December 31, 2021 

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO THE UNITS 

CASH DISTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT GUARANTEED 

There can be no assurance regarding the amount of income to be 
generated by Crombie’s properties. The ability of Crombie to make 
cash distributions and the actual amount distributed are entirely 
dependent on the operations and assets of Crombie and its subsidiaries, 
and are subject to various factors including financial performance, 
obligations under applicable credit facilities, the sustainability of income 
derived from anchor tenants, and capital expenditure requirements. 
Cash available to Crombie to fund distributions may be limited 

from time to time because of items such as principal repayments, 
tenant allowances, leasing commissions, capital expenditures, and 
redemptions of Units, if any. Crombie may be required to use part of its 
debt capacity or to reduce distributions in order to accommodate such 
items. The market value of the Units will deteriorate if Crombie is unable 
to maintain its distribution in the future, and that deterioration may 
be significant. In addition, the composition of cash distributions for tax 
purposes may change over time and may affect the after-tax return 
for investors.

72

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RESTRICTIONS ON REDEMPTIONS 

It is anticipated that the redemption of Units will not be the primary 
mechanism for holders of Units to liquidate their investments. The 
entitlement of Unitholders to receive cash upon the redemption of their 
Units is subject to the following limitations: (i) the total amount payable 
by Crombie in respect of such Units and all other Units tendered for 
redemption in the same calendar month must not exceed $50 (provided 
that such limitation may be waived at the discretion of the Trustees); 
(ii) at the time such Units are tendered for redemption, the outstanding 
Units must be listed for trading on a stock exchange or traded or quoted 
on another market which the Trustees consider, in their sole discretion, 
provides fair market value prices for the Units; and (iii) the trading of 
Units is not suspended or halted on any stock exchange on which the 
Units are listed (or, if not listed on a stock exchange, on any market on 
which the Units are quoted for trading) on the redemption date for more 
than five trading days during the 10-day trading period commencing 
immediately after the redemption date. 

POTENTIAL VOLATILITY OF UNIT PRICES 

One of the factors that may influence the market price of the Units is the 
annual yield on the Units. An increase in market interest rates may lead 
purchasers of Units to demand a higher annual yield, which accordingly 
could adversely affect the market price of the Units. In addition, the 
market price of the Units may be affected by changes in general 
market conditions, fluctuations in the markets for equity securities, and 
numerous other factors beyond the control of Crombie. 

TAX-RELATED RISK FACTORS 

Crombie intends to make distributions not less than the amount 
necessary to eliminate Crombie’s liability for tax under Part I of the 
Income Tax Act (Canada). Where the amount of net income and net 
realized capital gains of Crombie in a taxation year exceeds the cash 
distributions in the year, such excess net income and net realized capital 
gains will be distributed to Unitholders and such additional distributions 
may be in the form of cash and/or additional Units. Unitholders will 
generally be required to include an amount equal to the fair market 
value of any additional Units in their taxable income, notwithstanding 
that they do not directly receive a cash distribution. 

Certain properties have been acquired by Crombie on a tax deferred 
basis, whereby the tax cost of these properties is less than their fair 
market value. Accordingly, if one or more of such properties are 
disposed of, the gain for tax purposes recognized by Crombie will 
be in excess of that which it would have been if it had acquired the 
properties at a tax cost equal to their fair market values. 

Publicly traded income trusts, or specified investment flow-through 
entities (“SIFTs”), are subject to income taxation at corporate tax rates, 
subject to an exemption for real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The 
exemption for REITs was provided to “recognize the unique history 
and role of collective real estate investment vehicles,” which are 
well-established structures throughout the world. A trust that satisfies 
the criteria of a REIT throughout its taxation year will not be subject 
to income tax in respect of distributions to its Unitholders or be subject 
to the restrictions on its growth that would apply to SIFTs. 

While REITs were exempted from the SIFT taxation, a number of technical 
tests apply to determine which entities would qualify as a REIT. These 
technical tests did not fully accommodate the business structures used 
by many Canadian REITs. 

Crombie and its advisors underwent an extensive review of Crombie’s 
organizational structure and operations to support Crombie’s assertion 
that it meets the REIT technical tests contained in the Act through the 
2021 fiscal year. The relevant tests apply throughout the taxation year 
of Crombie and, as such, the actual status of Crombie for any particular 
taxation year can only be ascertained at the end of the year. 

Notwithstanding that Crombie may meet the criteria for a REIT and thus 
be exempt from the distribution tax, there can be no assurance that the 
Department of Finance (Canada) or other governmental authority will 
not undertake initiatives which have an adverse impact on Crombie or 
its Unitholders. 

INDIRECT OWNERSHIP OF UNITS BY EMPIRE 

Empire holds a 41.5% economic interest in Crombie through the 
ownership of REIT and Class B LP Units. Pursuant to the Exchange 
Agreement, each Class B LP Unit will be exchangeable at the option 
of the holder for one Unit of Crombie and will be attached to a 
Special Voting Unit of Crombie, providing for voting rights in Crombie. 
Furthermore, pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, Empire is entitled to 
appoint a certain number of Trustees based on the percentage of Units 
held by it. Thus, Empire is in a position to exercise a certain influence 
with respect to the affairs of Crombie. If Empire sells substantial 
amounts of its Class B LP Units or exchanges such Units for Units and 
sells these Units in the public market, the market price of the Units could 
fall. The perception among the public that these sales will occur could 
also produce such effect. 

OWNERSHIP OF SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES 
There is no public market through which the notes may be sold. Crombie 
does not intend to list the notes on any securities exchange or include the 
notes in any automated quotation system. 

Therefore, an active market for the notes may not develop or be 
maintained, which would adversely affect the market price and liquidity 
of the notes. In such case, the holders of the notes may not be able to 
sell their notes at a particular time or at a favourable price. If a public 
trading market were to develop, future trading prices of the notes may 
be volatile and will depend on many factors, including: 

•  the number of holders of notes; 

•  prevailing interest rates; 

•  Crombie’s operating performance and financial condition; 

•  Crombie’s credit rating; 

•  the interest of securities dealers in making a market for them; and 

•  the market for similar securities. 

Even if an active trading market for the notes does develop, there is no 
guarantee that it will continue. The notes may trade at a discount from 
their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the 
market for similar notes, Crombie’s performance, and other factors.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

73

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OTHER DISCLOSURES 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
As at December 31, 2021, Empire, through its wholly-owned subsidiary 
ECLD, holds a 41.5% indirect interest in Crombie. Related party 
transactions primarily include transactions with entities associated with 
Crombie through Empire’s indirect interest. Related party transactions 
also include transactions with joint venture entities in which Crombie 

Crombie’s transactions with related parties are as follows: 

has a 50% interest, as well as transactions with key management 
personnel and post-employment benefit plans. 

Related party transactions are measured at the amount of 
consideration established and agreed by the related parties. 

Property revenue 

Property revenue

Head lease income

Lease termination income

Property operating expenses

General and administrative expenses 

Property management services recovered

Other general and administrative expenses

Finance costs – operations 

Interest rate subsidy

Finance costs – distributions to Unitholders

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020

2021

2020 

(a)

(b)

(c)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

53,759

206

34

(34)

193

(65)

55

(15,194)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

51,9611

456

34

(18)

243

(64)

62

(14,603)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

209,684

1,001

136

(96)

483

(265)

230

(59,952)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

191,3621 

1,162 

136 

(58) 

594 

(258) 

256 

(58,194) 

(1) Related party property revenue for the periods ended December 31, 2020 updated from previously reported figures. 

(a) Crombie earned property revenue from Empire (including Sobeys 
and all other subsidiaries of Empire). 

(b) Certain executive management individuals and other employees 
of Crombie provide general management, financial, leasing, 
administrative, and other administration support services to 
certain subsidiaries of Empire on a cost sharing basis pursuant 
to a Management Agreement effective January 1, 2016. 

(c) Crombie provides property management, leasing services and 
environmental management to specific properties owned by certain 
subsidiaries of Empire on a fee for service basis pursuant to a 
Management Agreement. Revenue generated from the Management 
Agreement is being recognized as a reduction of general and 
administrative expenses. 

Included in the above, during the year ended December 31, 2021, 
Crombie issued 213,577 (December 31, 2020 – 85,433) Class B LP Units 
to ECLD under the DRIP. 

On May 19, 2021, ECLD purchased 2,500,000 Class B LP Units and the 
attached Special Voting Units at a price of $16.60 per Class B LP Unit for 
proceeds of $41,424 net of issue costs, on a private placement basis. 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie purchased 
six properties from a subsidiary of Empire for a total purchase price 
of $42,912 before transaction costs. 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie invested $34,119 
(December 31, 2020 – $40,554) in properties anchored by subsidiaries 
of Empire, which resulted in amended lease terms. These amounts 
have been included in tenant incentive additions or income property 

additions depending on the nature of the work completed. The costs are 
being amortized over the amended lease terms or the useful life of the 
projects, as applicable. 

Crombie has a mortgage payable of $25,526 (December 31, 2020 – 
$25,526) due to 1600 Davie Limited Partnership. This mortgage relates 
to the commercial component of the Davie Street development, 100% 
of which is included in Crombie’s financial statements. 

Amounts due from related parties include $15,533 (December 31, 2020 – 
$15,533) in 6% subordinated notes receivable due from Bronte Village 
Limited Partnership and The Duke Limited Partnership. 

USE OF ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS 
The preparation of consolidated financial information requires 
management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that 
affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities, income, and expenses. Significant judgment, estimate, 
and assumption items include impairment, employee future benefits, 
investment properties, purchase price allocations, and fair value 
of financial instruments. These estimates are based on historical 
experience and management’s best knowledge of current events and 
actions that Crombie may undertake in the future. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing 
basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in 
which the estimate is revised if the revisions affect only that period, or in 
the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both 
current and future periods.

74

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY VALUATION 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT 

A number of assets and liabilities included in Crombie’s consolidated 
financial statements require measurement at, and/or disclosure of, fair 
value. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, Crombie uses 
market-observable data to the extent it is available. Where market-
observable data is not available, Crombie estimates the fair value 
based on discounted future cash flows using discount rates that reflect 
current market conditions for instruments with similar terms and risks. 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS 

Upon acquisition, Crombie performs an assessment of the investment 
properties being acquired to determine whether the acquisition is to 
be accounted for as an asset acquisition or a business combination. A 
transaction is considered to be a business combination if the acquired 
property meets the definition of a business under IFRS 3 – “Business 
Combinations”: being an integrated set of activities and assets that 
are capable of being managed for the purpose of providing a return 
to the Unitholders. Crombie performs an assessment of the fair value 
of the properties’ related tangible and intangible assets and liabilities 
and allocates the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities. 
Crombie assesses and considers fair value based on cash flow 
projections that take into account relevant discount and capitalization 
rates and any other relevant sources of market information available. 
Estimates of future cash flow are based on factors that include historical 
operating results, if available, and anticipated trends, local markets and 
underlying economic conditions. 

Crombie allocates the purchase price based on the following: 

•  Land – The amount allocated to land is based on an appraisal 

estimate of its fair value. 

External, independent valuation companies, having appropriate 
recognized professional qualifications and recent experience in the 
location and category of properties being valued, value substantially 
all of Crombie’s investment property portfolio on a rotating basis over 
a maximum period of four years. On a periodic basis, Crombie obtains 
independent appraisals such that approximately 85% of our properties, 
by value, will be externally appraised over a four year period. The fair 
values, based on the measurement date, represent the price that would 
be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 
Internal quarterly valuations are performed using internally generated 
valuation models prepared by considering the aggregate trailing 
annual net property income recognized from leasing the property, that is 
stabilized for any major tenant movement. Biannual capitalization rates 
are obtained from an independent valuation company, which reflects 
the specific risks inherent in the net property income, to arrive at property 
valuations. As at December 31, 2021, management’s determination of fair 
value was updated for current market assumptions, informed by property 
income, market capitalization rates, and recent appraisals provided by 
independent appraisal professionals. 

CHANGE IN USEFUL LIFE OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES 

The estimated useful lives of significant investment properties are 
reviewed whenever events or circumstances indicate a change in useful 
life. Estimated useful lives of significant investment properties are based 
on management’s best estimate and the actual useful lives may be 
different. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of investment properties 
constitute a change in accounting estimate and are accounted for 
prospectively by amortizing the cumulative changes over the remaining 
estimated useful life of the related assets. 

•  Buildings – Buildings are recorded at the estimated fair value of the 

REVENUE RECOGNITION 

building and its components and significant parts. 

•  Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are recorded for tenant 
relationships, based on estimated costs avoided should the 
respective tenants renew their leases at the end of the initial lease 
term, adjusted for the estimated probability of renewal. 

•  Fair value of debt – Values ascribed to fair value of debt are 

determined based on the differential between contractual and 
market interest rates on long-term liabilities assumed at acquisition. 

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES 

Investment properties are properties which are held to earn rental 
income. Investment properties include land, buildings and intangible 
assets. Investment properties are carried at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and are reviewed periodically for impairment. 

Depreciation of buildings is calculated using the straight-line method 
with reference to each property’s cost, the estimated useful life of the 
building (not exceeding 40 years) and its components, significant parts 
and residual value. 

Repairs and maintenance improvements are expensed as incurred or, 
in the case of major items that constitute a capital asset, are capitalized 
to the building and amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected 
useful life of the improvement. 

Property revenue includes rents earned from tenants under lease 
agreements, percentage rent, realty tax and operating cost recoveries, 
and other incidental income. Certain leases have rental payments that 
change over their term due to changes in rates. Crombie records the 
rental revenue from leases on a straight-line basis over the term of 
the lease. Accordingly, an accrued rent receivable is recorded for the 
difference between the straight-line rent recorded as property revenue 
and the rent that is contractually due from the tenants. In addition, 
tenant incentives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term 
of existing leases or the useful lives of the projects, as applicable, 
and the amortization is shown as a reduction in property revenue. 
Percentage rents are recognized when tenants are obligated to pay 
such rent under the terms of the related lease agreements. Realty 
tax and operating cost recoveries, and other incidental income, are 
recognized on an accrual basis.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

75

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

LEASE MODIFICATIONS 

DEFINED BENEFIT LIABILITY 

From time to time, Crombie may agree with tenants to modify the terms 
of lease agreements, including changes to the consideration under the 
lease. When the changes result in a reduction in amounts receivable 
relating to past lease periods, Crombie applies IFRS 9 in determining 
whether to partially or fully derecognize those receivables. Other 
changes to the terms and conditions of the lease are treated as lease 
modifications in accordance with IFRS 16, and the modified lease is 
accounted for as a new lease from the effective date of the modification, 
with any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to the original lease 
included as part of the lease payments for the new lease. 

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSS 

Crombie assesses, on a tenant-by-tenant basis, losses expected 
with its rent receivables. In determining the provision for doubtful 
accounts, Crombie takes into account the payment history and 
future expectations of likely default events (tenants asking for rental 
concessions/abatements, applications for rental relief through 
government programs, or stating they will not be making rental 
payments on the due date) based on actual or expected insolvency 
filings or company voluntary arrangements and likely deferrals of 
payments due, and potential abatements to be granted by the landlord 
through tenant negotiations. Crombie’s assessment is subjective due 
to the forward-looking nature of the situation. As a result, the provision 
for doubtful accounts is subject to a degree of uncertainty and is made 
based on assumptions which may not prove to be accurate with the 
unprecedented uncertainty caused by COVID-19. 

Critical Judgments 
Judgments made by management in the preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements that have significant effect 
and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment 
to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows: 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED TANGIBLE AND DEFINITE 
LIFE INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Long-lived tangible and definite life intangible assets are reviewed 
for impairment at each reporting period for events or changes in 
circumstances that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may 
not be recoverable. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount 
of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of impairment 
loss (if any). The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less 
costs to sell and value in use. Where the asset does not generate cash 
flows that are independent from other assets, Crombie estimates 
the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit(s) to which the 
asset belongs. When the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash 
generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the 
carrying amount of the asset (or cash generating unit) is reduced 
to the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized as an 
expense immediately in operating income. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount 
of the asset (or cash generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate, 
but is limited to the carrying amount that would have been determined 
if no impairment loss had been recognized in prior periods. A reversal 
of impairment loss is recognized immediately in operating income. 

Management estimates the defined benefit liability annually with the 
assistance of independent actuaries; however, the actual outcome 
may vary due to estimation uncertainties. The estimate of Crombie’s 
defined benefit liability is based on standard rates of inflation, medical 
cost trends and mortality. It also takes into account Crombie’s specific 
anticipation of future salary increases. Discount factors are determined 
each reporting period by reference to high quality corporate bonds 
that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid 
and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related 
pension liability. Estimation uncertainties exist particularly with regard 
to medical cost trends, which may vary significantly in future appraisals 
of Crombie’s defined benefit obligations. 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The fair value of marketable financial instruments is the estimated 
amount for which an instrument could be exchanged, or a liability 
settled, by Crombie and a knowledgeable, willing party in an arm’s 
length transaction. 

The fair value of other financial instruments is based upon discounted 
future cash flows using discount rates that reflect current market 
conditions for instruments with similar terms and risks. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 
Crombie maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed 
to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Crombie in its 
annual filings, interim filings, or other reports filed or submitted by it 
under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized, and 
reported within the time periods specified in the securities legislation. 
Controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information 
required to be disclosed by Crombie is accumulated and communicated 
to Crombie’s management, including its President and Chief Executive 
Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (“CFO”), as 
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. Our CEO 
and CFO have evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure 
controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021. They have concluded 
that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective. 

In addition, our CEO and CFO have designed, or caused to be designed 
under their supervision, internal controls over financial reporting 
(“ICFR”) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes as defined in National Instrument 52-109. The control 
framework management used to design and assess the effectiveness of 
ICFR is Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by The 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(COSO). Further, our CEO and CFO have evaluated, or caused to be 
evaluated under their supervision, the effectiveness of the design and 
operation of ICFR as at December 31, 2021, and have concluded that our 
current ICFR was effective based on that evaluation. There have been 
no material changes to Crombie’s internal controls during the year.

76

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

QUARTERLY INFORMATION 

Dec. 31, 
2021 

Sep. 30, 
2021 

Jun. 30, 
2021 

Mar. 31, 
2021 

Dec. 31, 
2020 

Sep. 30, 
2020 

Jun. 30, 
2020 

Mar. 31, 
2020 

Three months ended 

Property revenue

$ 

103,832

$

101,517

$  100,006

$

103,537

$

97,060

$

92,920

$

96,501

$

102,252 

Property operating expenses

Net property income

Operating income

Finance costs – distributions to 

Unitholders

Finance income (costs) – change in 
fair value of financial instruments

Increase (decrease) in net assets 
attributable to Unitholders

Operating income per Unit – Basic

Distributions 

Distributions

Per Unit

FFO* 

Basic

Per Unit – Basic

Payout ratio

AFFO* 

Basic

Per Unit – Basic

Payout ratio

Operating information 

32,430

71,402

78,730

30,216

71,301

23,851

29,814

70,192

19,605

33,401

70,136

33,215

29,245

67,815

17,157

27,503

65,417

19,734

37,887

58,614

9,393

35,237 

67,015 

21,324 

(36,637)

(36,578)

(36,124)

(35,220)

(35,211)

(35,202)

(35,187)

(34,702) 

(1,018)

291

(1,219)

(1,026)

(725)

(187)

(212)

1,929 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

41,075

0.48

36,637

0.22

46,948

0.29

78.0%

40,468

0.25

90.5%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(12,436)

0.15

36,578

0.22

47,830

0.29

76.5%

41,052

0.25

89.1%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(17,738)

0.12

36,124

0.22

44,201

0.27

81.7%

37,109

0.23

97.3%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(3,031)

0.21

35,220

0.22

46,103

0.29

76.4%

38,779

0.25

90.8%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(18,779)

0.11

35,211

0.22

42,305

0.27

83.2%

35,679

0.23

98.7%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(15,655)

0.12

35,202

0.22

43,327

0.27

81.2%

35,494

0.22

99.2%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(26,006)

0.06

35,187

0.22

34,557

0.22

101.8%

28,107

0.18

125.2%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(11,449) 

0.14 

34,702 

0.22 

45,661 

0.29 

76.0% 

39,683 

0.26 

87.4% 

Number of investment properties

284

287

287

287

284

286

286

285 

Gross leasable area

Economic occupancy

Committed occupancy

Debt metrics 

Unencumbered investment 

properties1

17,861,000

18,232,000

18,235,000

18,229,000

18,000,000

17,684,000

17,614,000

17,583,000 

95.6%

96.2%

95.8%

96.5%

95.6%

96.2%

95.5%

96.3%

94.0%

96.4%

94.7%

95.3%

95.1%

95.6%

95.5% 

96.2% 

$  1,752,927

$  1,461,775

$  1,445,423

$  1,388,141

$  1,366,258

$  1,460,152

$  1,461,970

$  1,479,211 

Available liquidity

$

507,777

$

512,168

$  368,483

$  469,548

$

471,708

$

370,885

$  406,303

$  449,898 

Debt to gross fair value*

Weighted average interest rate2

Debt to trailing 12 months 

adjusted EBITDA*

Interest coverage ratio*

42.9%

3.8%

8.25x

3.13x

45.5%

3.8%

8.95x

3.13x

46.0%

3.9%

9.12x

2.94x

48.9%

3.9%

9.80x

3.04x

49.4%

3.9%

9.73x

2.77x

49.8%

4.1%

9.34x

3.03x

49.2%

4.1%

9.12x

2.64x

50.0% 

4.1% 

8.86x 

3.18x 

(1) Represents fair value of unencumbered properties. 
(2) Weighted average interest rate is calculated based on interest rates for all outstanding fixed rate debt.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

77

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Variations in quarterly results over the past eight quarters have been 
influenced by the following specific transactions and ongoing events: 

-  September 30, 2020 – acquisition of one development property 

for a total purchase price of $4,575;

•  Property acquisitions and dispositions (gross proceeds excluding 
closing and transaction costs) for each of the above three month 
periods were:

-  December 31, 2021 – disposition of three retail properties, 

disposition of portions of two retail properties, and disposition 
of a 50% interest in one retail-related industrial property for 
proceeds of $152,218;

-  September 30, 2021 – acquisition of one retail property for a total 
purchase price of $4,710 and disposition of one retail property for 
proceeds of $15,000;

-  June 30, 2021 – acquisition of one development property for a total 

purchase price of $11,885;

-  March 31, 2021 – acquisition of six retail properties and one 

development property for a total purchase price of $46,292 and 
disposition of three retail properties for proceeds of $41,970;

-  December 31, 2020 – acquisition of two retail properties and one 
development property for a total purchase price of $31,400 and 
disposition of five retail properties for proceeds of $37,010; 

-  June 30, 2020 – acquisition of one retail property for a total 

purchase price of $4,535; and

-  March 31, 2020 – acquisition of a parcel of land adjacent to an 
existing retail property for a total purchase price of $280 and 
disposition of a parcel of land adjacent to an existing retail 
property for proceeds of $1,000. 

•  Property revenue and property operating expenses – Crombie’s 
business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Property operating 
expenses during winter months include particular expenses such 
as snow removal, which is a recoverable expense, thus increasing 
property revenue during these same periods. Property operating 
expenses during the summer and fall periods include particular 
expenses such as paving and roof repairs. 

•  Per Unit amounts for FFO and AFFO are influenced by operating 

results as detailed above and by the timing of the issuance of REIT 
Units and Class B LP Units.

78

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 

There are financial measures included in this MD&A that do not 
have a standardized meaning under IFRS as prescribed by the 
IASB. Management includes these measures as they represent key 
performance indicators to management, and it believes certain 
investors use these measures as a means of assessing relative financial 

performance. These measures, as computed by Crombie, may differ 
from similar computations as reported by other entities and, accordingly, 
may not be comparable to other such entities. These measures are 
defined below and are cross referenced, as applicable, to a reconciliation 
elsewhere in this MD&A to the most comparable IFRS measure. 

Non-GAAP Measure

Description and Purpose 

Property NOI 
on a cash basis 

•  Property NOI on a cash basis, which excludes non-cash straight-line rent 

recognition and non-cash tenant incentive amortization. 

Reconciliation 

“Net Property Income” starting 
on page 43 

Same-asset property 
cash NOI 

•  Management believes that Property NOI on a cash basis is an important 

measure of operating performance as it reflects the cash generated by the 
properties period-over-period. 

•  Same-asset properties are properties owned and operated by Crombie 

throughout the current and comparative reporting periods, excluding any 
property that was designated for redevelopment, or was subject to disposition 
of a portion of its GLA, during either the current or comparative period. Same-
asset property cash NOI includes Crombie’s proportionate ownership of jointly 
operated properties but currently excludes properties owned in joint ventures. 

•  Management believes this is a useful measure in understanding period-

over-period changes in property cash NOI before considering the changes 
in NOI that can be attributed to the certain transactions such as acquisitions 
and dispositions. 

•  The number of same-asset properties was 267 as at December 31, 2021. 

“Net Property Income” starting 
on page 43 

Funds from operations 
(“FFO”) 

Crombie follows the recommendations of the Real Property Association of 
Canada (“REALPAC”)’s January 2022 guidance in calculating FFO, and defines 
FFO as increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders (computed 
in accordance with IFRS), adjusted for the following applicable amounts:

“Funds from Operations (FFO)*” 
starting on page 45

-  Gain or loss on disposal of investment properties and related income tax;

-  Impairment charges and recoveries;

-  Depreciation and amortization expense of investment properties, including 

amortization of tenant incentives charged against property revenue;

-  Adjustments for equity accounted entities;

-  Operational expenses from right of use assets;

-  Incremental internal leasing expenses;

-  Finance costs – distributions on Crombie’s REIT and Class B LP Units classified 

as financial liabilities; and

-  Change in fair value of financial instruments. 

•  REALPAC provides for other adjustments in determining FFO which are currently 
not applicable to Crombie, therefore not included in the above list. Crombie’s 
expenditures on tenant incentives are capital in nature and Crombie considers 
these costs comparable to other capital costs incurred to earn property 
revenue. As a result, where depreciation and amortization of other capital costs 
is added back in the calculation of FFO as recommended by REALPAC, Crombie 
also adds back the amortization of tenant incentives. 

•  Crombie calculates FFO per Unit using the basic weighted average Units 

outstanding for the period. Management believes this is a useful measure 
in comparing period-over-period operating results. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

79

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Non-GAAP Measure

Description and Purpose 

FFO payout ratio

•  Shows the proportion of FFO paid to Unitholders in the form of distributions 

for the period, expressed as a percentage of FFO. 

•  FFO payout ratio is calculated by dividing finance costs – distributions to 

Unitholders by FFO for the period. 

•  Management uses this key metric in evaluating the sustainability of Crombie’s 

distribution payments to Unitholders. 

Reconciliation 

“Funds from Operations (FFO)*” 
starting on page 45 

Adjusted funds from 
operations (“AFFO”) 

•  Crombie considers AFFO to be a useful measure in evaluating the recurring 
economic performance of its operating results which will be used to support 
future distribution payments. 

“Adjusted Funds from Operations 
(AFFO)*” starting on page 46 

•  Crombie follows the recommendations of REALPAC’s January 2022 guidance 

in calculating AFFO. 

•  AFFO reflects earnings after the adjustments in arriving at FFO (excluding 

internal leasing costs) and the provision for non-cash straight-line rent included 
in revenue, amortization of effective swap agreements, maintenance capital 
expenditures, maintenance tenant incentives and leasing costs, and any 
settlement of effective interest rate swap agreements. 

•  Crombie calculates AFFO per Unit using the basic weighted average Units 
outstanding for the period. Management believes this is a useful measure 
in comparing period-over-period operating results. 

AFFO payout ratio

•  Shows the proportion of AFFO paid to Unitholders in the form of distributions 

for the period, expressed as a percentage of AFFO. 

•  AFFO payout ratio is calculated by dividing finance costs – distributions to 

Unitholders by AFFO for the period. 

•  Management uses this key metric in evaluating the sustainability of Crombie’s 

distribution payments to Unitholders. 

“Adjusted Funds from Operations 
(AFFO)*” starting on page 46 

Debt to gross fair value

• 

Used to evaluate Crombie’s flexibility to incur additional financial leverage.

“Debt Metrics” starting on page 58 

Adjusted debt

•  Represents debt excluding transaction costs, which Crombie feels is a more 

“Debt Metrics” starting on page 58 

relevant presentation of indebtedness. 

•  Adjusted debt is used in the calculation of our debt to gross fair value. 

Investment in joint 
ventures, fair value 

•  Represents investment in joint ventures adjusted to reflect investment properties 
measured at fair value rather than cost as under the equity accounting method. 

“Debt Metrics” starting on page 58 

Earnings before interest, 
taxes, depreciation 
and amortization 
(“adjusted EBITDA”) 

•  Investment in joint ventures, fair value is used in the calculation of our debt to 

gross fair value. 

•  Represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization 

“Debt Metrics” starting on page 58 

adjusted for certain items such as amortization of tenant incentives, impairment 
of investment properties, and gain (loss) on disposal of investment properties. 

•  Adjusted EBITDA is used as an input in several of our debt metrics, providing 
information with respect to certain financial ratios that we use in measuring 
our debt profile and assessing our ability to satisfy obligations, including 
servicing our debt. 

•  Crombie believes adjusted EBITDA is an indicative measure of its ability to 
service debt requirements, fund capital projects and acquire properties. 

Debt to adjusted EBITDA

• 

Used to assess Crombie’s financial leverage, to measure its ability to meet 
financial obligations and measure its balance sheet strength. 

“Debt Metrics” starting on page 58 

Interest service coverage 
Debt service coverage 

• 

These ratios are useful in determining the Crombie’s ability to service the 
interest requirements of its outstanding debt. 

“Debt Metrics” starting on page 58

80

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Maintenance Capital Expenditures, Maintenance Tenant Incentives and Leasing Costs 
(“Maintenance Expenditures”) 
Maintenance expenditures represent costs incurred in sustaining and 
maintaining existing space and exclude expenditures that are revenue 
enhancing. Crombie considers revenue enhancing expenditures to 
be costs that expand the GLA of a property, increase the net property 
income by a minimum threshold, or otherwise enhance the property’s 
overall value. 

obtained. Crombie also discloses actual maintenance expenditures for 
comparative purposes. The rate per square foot is a proxy for actual 
historic costs, anticipated future costs, and any significant changes 
in the nature and age of the properties in the portfolio as it evolves 
over time. For 2021, Crombie has maintained the normalized rate of 
$0.90 per square foot of weighted average GLA, based on the actual 
spend for the previous three years and for 2021. Additionally, Crombie 
combines maintenance capital expenditures with maintenance tenant 
incentive (“TI”) and deferred leasing costs in arriving at the normalized 
per square foot charge to AFFO, based on the fact that in years where 
TI and leasing expenditures are reduced, spending on maintenance 
capital expenditures may be accelerated and vice versa. 

Crombie’s policy is to charge AFFO* with maintenance expenditures 
based on a normalized rate per square foot applied to the weighted 
average GLA, as these expenditures are not generally incurred on a 
consistent basis during the year, or from year to year. Crombie excludes 
newly constructed and developed properties from its maintenance 
charge for the first year until a baseline of actual expenditures is 

Maintenance Expenditures – Actual 

Year ended

Three months ended

Year ended

Three months ended 

Dec. 31, 
2021 

Dec. 31, 
2021 

Sep. 30, 
2021 

Jun. 30, 
2021 

Mar. 31, 
2021 

Dec. 31, 
2020 

Dec. 31, 
2020 

Sep. 30, 
2020 

Jun. 30, 
2020 

Mar. 31, 
2020 

Total additions to 

investment properties

$

76,771

$

31,735

$

29,919

$

6,736

$

8,381

$  109,668

$ 

49,797

$ 

30,913

$

14,819

$

14,139 

Less: revenue enhancing 

expenditures

(69,051)

(29,005)

(26,173)

(6,641)

(7,232)

(103,982)

(47,692)

(29,887)

(13,890)

(12,513) 

Maintenance capital 

expenditures

Total additions to TI and 
deferred leasing costs

Less: revenue enhancing 

7,720

2,730

3,746

95

1,149

5,686

2,105

1,026

929

1,626 

73,514

10,058

7,283

26,122

30,051

64,971

12,716

3,682

23,944

24,629 

expenditures

(65,086)

(6,778)

(7,168)

(23,875)

(27,265)

(51,464)

(9,557)

(1,585)

(18,947)

(21,375) 

Maintenance TI and 

deferred leasing costs

8,428

3,280

115

2,247

2,786

13,507

3,159

2,097

4,997

3,254 

Total maintenance 

expenditures – actual

Reserve amount charged 

against AFFO*

$

$

16,148

16,043

$

$

6,010

4,006

$

$

3,861

4,023

$

$

2,342

4,024

$

$

3,935

$

19,193

3,990

$ 

15,869

$

$

5,264

3,986

$

$

3,123

3,963

$

$

5,926

3,967

$

$

4,880 

3,953 

Obligations for expenditures for TI’s occur when renewing existing 
tenant leases or for new tenants occupying a space. Typically, leasing 
costs for existing tenants are lower on a per square foot basis than for 
new tenants. However, new tenants may provide more overall cash flow 
to Crombie through higher rents or improved traffic to a property. The 
timing of such expenditures fluctuates depending on the satisfaction of 
contractual terms contained in the leases. 

Maintenance TI and deferred leasing costs are the result of both lease 
renewals and new leases and are reflective of the leasing activity during 
2021 and 2020. 

Revenue enhancing expenditures are capitalized and depreciated or 
charged against revenue over their useful lives, but not deducted when 
calculating AFFO*. Revenue enhancing expenditures during the year 
ended December 31, 2021 consisted primarily of development work, 
modernization investments, and land use intensification. 

Crombie uses a normalized rate of $0.90 per square foot of weighted 
average GLA for the reserve amount charged against AFFO*. GLA 
related to new developments is excluded for the purpose of this charge 
for a period of 12 months as little to no maintenance expense is incurred 
in the first year of operation.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

81

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION 

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements about expected future 
events and the financial and operating performance of Crombie. 
These statements, and the related estimates and assumptions used by 
management, can be found in several sections of the MD&A, including, 
but not limited to, “Portfolio Review – Strategic Acquisitions”, “Portfolio 
Review – Strategic Dispositions”, “Development”, “Capital Management”, 
and “Other Disclosures.” Forward-looking statements include, but are not 
limited to, statements concerning management’s beliefs, plans, estimates, 
intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, 
results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical 
fact. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the 
use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “estimate”, 
“anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, or similar expressions suggesting 
future outcomes or events. Such forward-looking statements reflect 
management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently 
available to management. All forward-looking information in this MD&A 
is qualified by the cautionary statements under “Risk Factors Related to 
the Business of Crombie” above, as well as the additional statements in 
the “Risks” section of Crombie’s Annual Information Form available at 
www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements in this MD&A and principle 
related risks include statements regarding: 

(i) 

annual investment with Empire on investments in the 
modernization, acquisition, expansion, and conversion of their 
grocery stores, which may be impacted by the development 
of Empire’s business and the resulting availability of suitable 
investment opportunities for Crombie; 

(ii) 

AFFO accretion and NAV growth from strategic acquisitions, which 
may be affected by future occupancy and rental performance, 
and/or redevelopment activity of acquired properties; 

(iii)  disposition of properties and the anticipated reinvestment of net 

proceeds (“recycling capital”), which could be impacted by the 
availability of purchasers, the availability of accretive property 
acquisitions, the timing of property development activities or other 
accretive uses for net proceeds and real estate market conditions; 

(iv) 

statements under the heading “Development” including the 
locations identified, timing, cost, development size and nature, 
and anticipated impact on portfolio quality and diversification, 
estimated yield on cost, cash flow growth, Unitholder value, or 
other financial measures, all of which may be impacted by real 
estate market cycles, future capitalization rates, the availability 
of financing opportunities and labour, actual development costs, 
ability to achieve lease-up stabilization at current market rents, 
and general economic conditions and factors described under 
the “Development” section and which assumes obtaining required 
municipal zoning and development approvals and successful 
agreements with existing tenants, and where applicable, 
successful execution of development activities undertaken 
by related parties not under the direct control of Crombie; 

(v) 

fair value of investment properties, which is based on assumptions 
regarding the short and potential long-term impacts of COVID-19, 
cash flow projections, and estimates of future cash flows and 
anticipated trends and economic conditions; 

82

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

(vi)  overall indebtedness levels and terms, and expectations relating 

to refinancing, which could be impacted by the level of acquisition 
and disposition activity that Crombie is able to achieve, levels of 
indebtedness, Crombie’s ability to maintain and strengthen its 
investment grade credit rating, future financing opportunities, 
future interest rates, creditworthiness of major tenants and joint 
arrangement partners, and market conditions; 

(vii)  estimated GLA, estimated completion dates, estimated total 

costs, and estimated yields for Near-Term Major Developments, 
which are subject to changes in site plans, cost tendering 
processes, and continuing tenant negotiations, as well as access 
to job sites, supplies and labour availability, ability to attract 
tenants, tenant mix, building sizes, and availability and cost 
of construction financing; 

(viii)  asset growth and reinvesting to develop or otherwise make 

improvements to existing properties, which could be impacted 
by the availability of labour, capital resource availability and 
allocation decisions, as well as actual development costs; 

(ix)  generating improved rental income and occupancy levels, 

including anticipated replacement of expiring tenancies, which 
could be impacted by changes in demand for Crombie’s 
properties, tenant bankruptcies, the effects of general economic 
conditions, e-commerce, and supply of competitive locations 
in proximity to Crombie locations; 

(x) 

estimated payments on derivative and non-derivative financial 
liabilities, which could be impacted by interest rate subsidy 
payments, interest rates on floating rate debt, and fluctuations 
in the settlement value and settlement timing of any derivative 
financial liabilities; 

(xi)  pending acquisitions or dispositions, which remain subject to 

satisfaction of customary closing conditions; 

(xii) 

investment in joint ventures and the income contributed by those 
investments, which could be impacted by the risk and uncertainty 
from dependence on partners that are not under Crombie’s 
control, including risk of default by a partner on financing 
obligations or non-performance of a partner’s obligations 
on a project, which may include development, construction, 
management or leasing; 

(xiii)  tax exempt status, which can be impacted by regulatory changes 

enacted by governmental authorities; 

(xiv)  anticipated distributions and payout ratios, which could be 

impacted by results of operations and capital resource allocation 
decisions; and 

(xv)  effect that any contingencies or guarantees would have on 

Crombie’s financial statements which could be impacted by their 
eventual outcome.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

These forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of 
assisting Crombie’s Unitholders and financial analysts in understanding 
Crombie’s operating environment and may or may not be appropriate 
for other purposes. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees 
of future events or performance and, by their nature, are based on 
Crombie’s current estimates and assumptions. Crombie can give no 
assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking 
statements. A number of factors, including those discussed under “Risk 
Management” could cause actual results, performance, achievements, 

prospects, or opportunities to differ materially from the results discussed 
or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be 
considered carefully, and a reader should not place undue reliance on 
the forward-looking statements. 

These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of the MD&A 
and Crombie assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect 
new or current events or circumstances unless otherwise required by 
applicable securities legislation.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

83

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY 
FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The management of Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (“Crombie”) is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of 
the accompanying annual consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”). The annual 
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The annual consolidated financial statements and information in the 
MD&A include amounts based on best estimates and judgments by management of the expected effects of current events and 
transactions. In preparing this financial information, we make determinations about the relevancy of information to be included, 
and estimates and assumptions that affect the reported information. The MD&A also includes information regarding the impact 
of current transactions and events, sources of liquidity and capital resources, operating trends, risks and uncertainties. Actual 
results in the future may vary materially from our present assessment of this information as future events and circumstances may 
not occur as expected. 

In meeting our responsibility for the fair presentation of the annual consolidated financial statements and MD&A and for the 
accounting systems from which they are derived, management has established internal controls designed to ensure that our 
financial records are reliable for preparing consolidated financial statements and other financial information, transactions are 
properly authorized and recorded, and assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition. 

As at December 31, 2021, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, or caused an evaluation under their 
direct supervision, the design and operation of our internal controls over financial reporting and, based on that assessment, 
determined that our internal controls over financial reporting were appropriately designed and operating effectively. 

The Board of Trustees oversees management’s responsibility for financial reporting through an Audit Committee. This committee 
reviews Crombie’s annual consolidated financial statements and MD&A with both management and the independent auditor 
before such statements are approved by the Board of Trustees. The Audit Committee also recommends the appointment 
of independent external auditors to the Unitholders. The Audit Committee meets regularly with senior management and the 
independent auditor to discuss internal controls, audit activities and financial reporting results. The independent auditor has 
full and free access to, and meets regularly with, the Audit Committee to discuss their audits and related matters. 

DONALD E. CLOW, FCPA, FCA 

President and Chief Executive Officer 
February 23, 2022 

CLINTON D. KEAY, CPA, CA 

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 
February 23, 2022

84

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT  
AUDITOR’S REPORT 

TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CROMBIE 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 

OUR OPINION 

BASIS FOR OPINION 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements 
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Crombie 
Real Estate Investment Trust and its subsidiaries (together, the Trust) as 
at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and its financial performance and its 
cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IFRS). 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally 
accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards 
are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
consolidated financial statements section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence 

We are independent of the Trust in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements in Canada. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements.

What we have audited 

The Trust’s consolidated financial statements comprise: 

•  the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2021 and 2020; 

•  the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the 

years then ended; 

•  the consolidated statements of changes in net assets attributable 

to Unitholders for the years then ended; 

•  the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then 

ended; and 

•  the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include 

significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

85

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

KEY AUDIT MATTERS 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, 
were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Our approach to addressing the matter included the following 
procedures, among others: 

• 

For a sample of investment properties, tested how management 
determined the fair value, which included the following:

-  Evaluated the appropriateness of the method.

-  Tested the underlying data used in the method.

-  Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge in the field of 
real estate valuations assisted us in assessing the capitalization 
rates by (i) comparing them to externally available market data 
and (ii) evaluating whether the allocation of capitalization rates 
to investment properties is reasonable based on location, current 
leases in place and the type of investment property.

-  Agreed NOI used in the method to accounting records and 
evaluated as applicable whether stabilization is reasonable 
considering (i) the current and past leasing activity of the 
investment properties; (ii) the comparability with external 
market and industry data; (iii) potential bad debts or lost income 
resulting from COVID-19; and (iv) whether these assumptions 
were aligned with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. 

Fair value of investment properties 

Refer to note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies and note 3 – 
Investment properties to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Trust’s total investment properties as at December 31, 2021 were 
$3.875 billion. The investment properties are carried at cost less 
accumulated depreciation, with their fair value disclosed at each 
reporting period. The Trust disclosed a total fair value of $5.026 billion 
on December 31, 2021. 

In determining the fair value of investment properties to be disclosed, 
management used an internally generated capitalized net operating 
income method (the method) by applying capitalization rates to trailing 
stabilized net operating income (NOI) of each investment property. 
To determine the capitalization rate, management receives bi-annual 
capitalization rate reports from external, knowledgeable property valuators 
that provide a range of rates for various geographic regions and for 
various types and qualities of properties within each region. Management 
selected the appropriate capitalization rate for each property from the 
range provided. 

The method requires certain key assumptions and estimates, which include 
the capitalization rates for each specific property and stabilized NOI. 
Significant judgments were made by management in respect of these 
key assumptions and estimates. 

We considered this a key audit matter due to the significant judgments 
made by management when determining the fair values of the investment 
properties for disclosure purposes and the high degree of complexity in 
assessing audit evidence related to the key assumptions and estimates 
made by management. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of 
professionals with specialized skill and knowledge in the field of real 
estate valuations. 

86

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

OTHER INFORMATION 

Management is responsible for the other information. The other 
information comprises the Management’s Discussion and Analysis, 
which we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report and the 
information, other than the consolidated financial statements and 
our auditor’s report thereon, included in the annual report, which is 
expected to be made available to us after that date. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the 
other information and we do not and will not express an opinion or any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, 
our responsibility is to read the other information identified above 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information 
that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we 
are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this 
regard. When we read the information, other than the consolidated 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, included in the 
annual report, if we conclude that there is a material misstatement 
therein, we are required to communicate the matter to those charged 
with governance. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT AND THOSE 
CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE FOR THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of 
the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and for 
such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable 
the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management 
is responsible for assessing the Trust’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and 
using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either 
intends to liquidate the Trust or to cease operations, or has no realistic 
alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Trust’s financial reporting process. 

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high 
level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will 
always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually 
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated 
financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 
auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain 
professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

•  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 

consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, 
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 
and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting 
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 
in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control. 

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures 
made by management. 

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the 
going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related 
to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the 
Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that 
a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify 
our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence 
obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future 
events or conditions may cause the Trust to cease to continue as 
a going concern. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

87

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the 

consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and 
whether the consolidated financial statements represent the 
underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves 
fair presentation. 

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial 
information of the entities or business activities within the Trust to 
express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the 
group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, 
among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal 
control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement 
that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships 
and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our 
independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, 
we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit 
of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are 
therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s 
report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the 
matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a 
matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse 
consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh 
the public interest benefits of such communication. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent 
auditor’s report is Donald M. Flinn. 

Chartered Professional Accountants 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 
February 23, 2022

88

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Consolidated Financial Statements 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED  
BALANCE SHEETS 

(in thousands of CAD dollars) 

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Investment properties

Investment in joint ventures

Other assets

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Investment properties held for sale

Total Assets

Liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Fixed rate mortgages

Credit facilities

Senior unsecured notes

Employee future benefits obligation

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Current liabilities 

Fixed rate mortgages

Credit facilities

Senior unsecured notes

Employee future benefits obligation

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Total liabilities excluding net assets attributable to Unitholders

Net assets attributable to Unitholders

Net assets attributable to Unitholders represented by: 

Crombie REIT Unitholders

Special Voting Units and Class B Limited Partnership Unitholders

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees

Subsequent events

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Approved on behalf of the Board of Trustees 

signed (Michael Knowlton) 

Michael Knowlton 

Chair 

Note

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

3,546,752

$

3,583,939 

44,210

362,801

3,953,763

3,915

65,998

—

69,913

4,023,676

893,364

29,124

971,267

8,130

23,838

34,420

51,043 

307,724 

3,942,706 

63,293 

69,540 

29,899 

162,732 

4,105,438 

1,139,798 

27,256 

971,398 

8,378 

15,975 

29,242 

1,960,143

2,192,047 

174,495

—

150,000

284

140,330

932

466,041

2,426,184

1,597,492

950,271

647,221

1,597,492

$

$

$

127,246 

35,000 

150,000 

279 

121,888 

672 

435,085 

2,627,132 

1,478,306 

881,511 

596,795 

1,478,306 

$

$

$

3

4

5

17

5

6

7

7

8

9

10

21

7

7

8

9

10

21

22 

23 

signed (Paul Beesley) 

Paul Beesley 

Audit Committee Chair

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

89

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

(in thousands of CAD dollars)

Property revenue

Property operating expenses

Net property income

Gain on disposal of investment properties

Gain from equity accounted investments

Impairment of investment properties

Depreciation and amortization

General and administrative expenses

Finance costs – operations

Loss from equity accounted investments

Operating income before taxes

Taxes – current

Operating income attributable to Unitholders

Finance costs – other 

Distributions to Unitholders

Change in fair value of financial instruments

Increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Items that will be subsequently reclassified to (decrease) increase in net assets  

attributable to Unitholders: 

Costs incurred on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges transferred  

to finance costs – operations

Net change in derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to Increase (decrease) in net assets  

attributable to Unitholders: 

Unamortized actuarial gains (losses) in employee future benefits obligation

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Year ended December 31, 

Note 

2021

11

12

3

4

3

3,5

14

15

4

14

$

408,892

$

125,861

283,031

56,525

15,525

(2,539)

(75,763)

(25,484)

(92,788)

(2,941)

155,566

(165)

155,401

(144,559)

(2,972)

(147,531)

7,870

—

4,628

444

5,072

2020 

388,733 

129,872 

258,861 

3,335 

— 

(6,600) 

(75,567) 

(20,534) 

(91,808) 

(72) 

67,615 

(7) 

67,608 

(140,302) 

805 

(139,497) 

(71,889) 

510 

(6,210) 

(61) 

(5,761) 

$

12,942

$

(77,650) 

90

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNITHOLDERS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNITHOLDERS 

(In thousands of CAD dollars) 

REIT Units, Special 
Voting Units and 
Class B LP Units 

Net Liabilities 
Attributable to 
Unitholders 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

Attributable to 

Total 

REIT Units 

Class B  
LP Units 

Balance, January 1, 2021

$

1,860,237

$

(376,301)

$

(5,630)

$

1,478,306

$

881,511

$

596,795 

(Note 16) 

Adjustments related to Employee 
Unit Purchase Plan (“EUPP”) 

Comprehensive income 

Units issued under Distribution 
Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”)

Units issued under Unit-based 

compensation plan

Unit issue proceeds, net of costs 

35

—

8,914

70

97,225

—

7,870

—

—

—

—

5,072

—

—

—

35

12,942

8,914

70

97,225

35

7,637

5,217

70

55,801

— 

5,305 

3,697 

— 

41,424 

Balance, December 31, 2021

$ 

1,966,481

$

(368,431)

$

(558)

$

1,597,492

$

950,271

$

647,221 

REIT Units, Special 
Voting Units and 
Class B LP Units 

Net Liabilities 
Attributable to 
Unitholders 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

Attributable to 

Total 

REIT Units 

Class B  
LP Units 

Balance, January 1, 2020

$

1,759,324

$

(304,412)

$

(Note 16) 

Adjustments related to EUPP

Comprehensive loss

Units issued under DRIP

Units Issued under Unit-based 

compensation plan

Unit issue proceeds, net of costs

39

—

2,856

745

97,273

—

(71,889)

—

—

—

131

—

(5,761)

—

—

—

$

1,455,043

$

870,792

$

584,251 

39

(77,650)

2,856

745

97,273

39

(47,584)

1,671

745

55,848

— 

(30,066) 

1,185 

— 

41,425 

Balance, December 31, 2020

$

1,860,237

$

(376,301)

$

(5,630)

$

1,478,306

$

881,511

$

596,795 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

91

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS  
OF CASH FLOWS 

(In thousands of CAD dollars)

Cash flows provided by (used in) 

Operating Activities 

Decrease in net assets attributable to Unitholders

Additions to tenant incentives

Items not affecting operating cash

Change in other non-cash operating items

Income taxes paid

Finance costs – operations

Distributions to Unitholders 

Cash provided by operating activities

Financing Activities 

Issuance of mortgages

Financing – other

Repayment of mortgages – principal

Repayment of mortgages – maturity

Finance costs – operations

Advance (repayment) of floating rate credit facilities

Advance of joint operation credit facilities

Issuance of senior unsecured notes

Redemption of senior unsecured notes

Distributions to Unitholders

Special cash distribution 

REIT Units and Class B LP Units issued

REIT Units and Class B LP Units issue costs

Payments of lease liabilities

Items not affecting financing cash 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Investing Activities 

Acquisition of investment properties and intangible assets

Additions to investment properties

Proceeds on disposal of investment properties

Contributions to joint ventures

Distributions from joint ventures 

Additions to fixtures and computer equipment 

Additions to deferred leasing costs

Advances on long-term receivables

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

(1) See Note 2(y) for changes in accounting policy. 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

92

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Year ended December 31, 

Note 

2021

20201 

$

7,870

$

17

17

15

7

7

15

7

8

8

16

16

17

3,7

4

4

5

(72,542)

21,892

30,442

(165)

92,788

144,559

224,844

25,550

(2,731)

(44,424)

(118,990)

(92,788)

(33,493)

361

150,000

(150,000)

(144,559)

—

100,015

(2,790)

(844)

11,981

(302,712)

(64,304)

(76,771)

144,014

(5,653)

25,070

(194)

(972)

(2,700)

18,490

(59,378)

63,293

$

3,915

$

(71,889) 

(63,536) 

86,431 

(15,900) 

(7) 

91,808 

140,302 

167,209 

218,000 

(3,419) 

(42,686) 

(214,912) 

(91,808) 

7,373 

575 

300,000 

(100,000) 

(140,302) 

(14,857) 

100,012 

(2,739) 

(735) 

5,862 

20,364 

(42,687) 

(109,668) 

37,832 

(6,061) 

69 

(1,399) 

(1,435) 

(931) 

(124,280) 

63,293 

— 

63,293 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

(In thousands of CAD dollars) 

1) GENERAL INFORMATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS 
Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (“Crombie”) is an unincorporated “open-ended” real estate investment trust created pursuant to the Declaration of 
Trust dated January 1, 2006, as amended. The principal business of Crombie is investing in income-producing retail, retail-related industrial, mixed-use, 
and office properties in Canada. Crombie is registered in Canada and the address of its registered office is 610 East River Road, Suite 200, New Glasgow, 
Nova Scotia, Canada, B2H 3S2. The consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include the 
accounts of Crombie and all of its subsidiary entities. The Units of Crombie are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “CRR.UN”. 

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Trustees on February 23, 2022. 

2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

(a) Statement of compliance 
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 

(b) Basis of presentation 
These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars (“CAD”); Crombie’s functional and reporting currency, rounded to the 
nearest thousand. The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis except for any financial assets and liabilities classified 
as fair value with changes in fair value either recognized as an increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders (“FVTPL” classification) or 
fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI” classification). 

(c) Presentation of financial statements 
When Crombie: (i) applies an accounting policy retrospectively; (ii) makes a retrospective restatement of items in its financial statements; or 
(iii) reclassifies items on the balance sheet, it will present an additional balance sheet as at the beginning of the earliest comparative period. 

(d) Basis of consolidation 

(i) Subsidiaries 

Crombie’s financial statements consolidate those of Crombie and all of its subsidiary entities at December 31, 2021. Subsidiaries are all entities over 
which Crombie has control. All subsidiaries have a reporting date of December 31, 2021. 

All intercompany transactions, balances, income, and expenses are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Where unrealized 
losses on intercompany asset sales are reversed on consolidation, the underlying asset is also tested for impairment from an entity perspective. 

Operating income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period are recognized from the 
effective date of acquisition, or up to the effective date of disposal, as applicable. 

(ii) Joint arrangements 

Joint arrangements are business arrangements whereby two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is based on the contractual sharing of 
control over the decisions related to the relevant activities. Joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on 
the contractual arrangements related to the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangement. 

Joint operations 

A joint operation is an arrangement wherein the parties to the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities related to the 
arrangement. For joint operations, Crombie recognizes its share of the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of the joint operation in the relevant 
categories of Crombie’s financial statements.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

93

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Joint ventures 

A joint venture is an entity over which Crombie shares joint control with other parties and where the joint venture parties have rights to the net assets 
of the joint venture. Joint control exists where there is a contractual agreement for shared control and wherein decisions about the significant relevant 
activities of the arrangement require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. 

Investment in joint ventures is accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recorded at cost with subsequent 
adjustments for Crombie’s share of the results of operations and any change in net assets. Crombie’s joint venture entities have the same reporting 
period as Crombie and adjustments, if any, are made to bring the accounting policies of joint venture entities in line with the policies of Crombie. 

(e) Investment properties 
Investment properties are properties which are held to earn rental income. Investment properties include land, buildings, and intangible assets. 
Investment properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are reviewed for impairment as described in Note 2(u). 

Depreciation of buildings is calculated using the straight-line method with reference to each property’s cost, the estimated useful life of the building 
(not exceeding 40 years) and its components, significant parts, and residual value. 

Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the term of the tenant lease. 

Repairs and maintenance items are expensed as incurred or, in the case of major items that constitute a capital asset, are capitalized to the building 
and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the improvement. 

Upon acquisition, Crombie performs an assessment of investment properties being acquired to determine whether the acquisition is to be accounted 
for as an asset acquisition or a business combination. A transaction is considered to be a business combination if the acquired property meets the 
definition of a business under IFRS 3 – “Business Combinations”; being an integrated set of activities and assets that are capable of being managed 
for the purpose of providing a return to the Unitholders. 

For asset acquisitions, the total cost is allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities on the basis of their relative fair values on the acquisition date. 
Asset acquisitions do not give rise to goodwill. Fair value of such assets and liabilities is determined based on the following: 

Land – the amount allocated to land is based on an appraisal estimate of its fair value. 

Buildings – are recorded at the estimated fair value of the building and its components and significant parts. 

Intangible assets – are recorded for tenant relationships, based on estimated costs avoided should the respective tenants renew their leases at the 
end of the initial lease term, adjusted for the estimated probability of renewal. 

Fair value of debt – values ascribed are determined based on the differential between contractual and market interest rates on long-term liabilities 
assumed at acquisition. 

For business combinations, the acquisition method is used wherein the components of the business combination (assets acquired, liabilities assumed, 
consideration transferred and any goodwill or bargain purchase) are recognized and measured. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the 
acquiree are measured at their fair value on the acquisition date. 

Change in useful life of investment properties 

The estimated useful lives of significant investment properties are reviewed whenever events or circumstances indicate a change in useful life. 
Estimated useful lives of significant investment properties are based on management’s best estimate and the actual useful lives may be different. 
Revisions to the estimated useful lives of investment properties constitute a change in accounting estimate and are accounted for prospectively by 
amortizing the cumulative changes over the remaining estimated useful life of the related assets. 

(f) Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand, restricted cash, cash in bank, and guaranteed investments with a maturity less than 90 days 
at date of acquisition. 

(g) Assets held for sale and discontinued operations 
A non-current asset is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than continuing 
use. A property is classified as held for sale at the point in time when it is available for immediate sale, management has committed to a plan to sell 
the property and is actively locating a purchaser for the property at a sales price that is reasonable in relation to the current estimated fair value of 
the property, and the sale is expected to be completed within a one year period. Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of their carrying 
values and estimated fair value less costs to sell. In addition, assets classified as held for sale are not depreciated and amortized. A property that is 
subsequently reclassified as held and in use is measured at the lower of its carrying value amount before it was classified as held for sale, adjusted for 
any depreciation and amortization expense that would have been recognized had it been continuously classified as held and in use, and its estimated 
fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. 

Assets that are classified as held for sale and that constitute a component of Crombie are presented as discontinued operations and their operating 
results are presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). A component of Crombie includes a property type 
or geographic area of operations.

94

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(h) Employee future benefits obligation 
The cost of Crombie’s pension benefits for defined contribution plans is expensed for employees in respect of the period in which they render services. 
The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other benefit plans is accrued based on estimates, using actuarial techniques, of the amount of benefits 
employees have earned in return for their services in the current and prior periods. The present value of the defined benefit obligation and current 
service cost is determined by discounting the estimated benefits using the projected unit credit method to determine the fair value of the plan assets 
and total actuarial gains and losses and the proportion thereof which will be recognized. Other factors considered for other benefit plans include 
assumptions regarding salary escalation, retirement ages and expected growth rate of health care costs. The fair value of any plan assets is based 
on current market values. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is based on the discount rate determined by reference to the yield of 
high quality corporate bonds of similar currency, having terms of maturity which align closely with the period of maturity of the obligation. The defined 
benefit plan and post-employment benefit plan are unfunded. 

The impact of changes in plan provisions will be recognized in benefit costs on a straight-line basis over a period not exceeding the average period 
until the benefit becomes vested. To the extent that the benefits are already vested the past service cost will be recognized immediately. 

In measuring its defined benefit liability, Crombie recognizes actuarial gains and losses directly to other comprehensive income (loss). 

(i) Unit based compensation plans 

(i) Deferred Unit Plan (“DU Plan”) 

Crombie provides a voluntary DU Plan whereby eligible trustees, officers, and employees (the “Participants”) may elect to receive all or a portion 
of their eligible compensation in deferred units (“DUs”). The Board (or its designated Committee) may determine that special compensation will 
be provided in the form of DUs. Unless otherwise determined by the Board (or its designated Committee), DUs are fully vested at the time they are 
allocated, with the value of the award recorded as a liability and expensed as general and administrative expenses. DUs are not Crombie REIT Units 
and do not entitle a Participant to any Unitholder rights, including voting rights, distribution entitlements (other than those noted below) or rights on 
liquidation. During the time that a Participant has outstanding DUs, whenever cash distributions are paid on REIT Units, additional DUs will be credited 
to the Participant’s DU account, determined by multiplying the number of DUs in the Participant’s DU account on the REIT distribution record date 
by the distribution paid per REIT Unit, and dividing the result by the market value of a Unit as determined in accordance with the DU Plan. Additional 
DUs issued as a result of distributions vest on the same basis as noted above and the value of the additional DUs credited is expensed to general 
and administrative expenses on allocation. A Participant may redeem their vested DUs in whole or in part by filing a written notice of redemption; 
redemption will also occur as the result of specific events such as the retirement of a Participant. Upon redemption, a Participant will receive the net 
value of the vested DUs being redeemed, with the net value determined by multiplying the number of DUs redeemed by the REIT Unit’s market price 
on redemption date, less applicable withholding taxes. The Participant may elect to receive this net amount as a cash payment or instead receive 
Crombie REIT Units for redeemed DU’s after deducting applicable withholding taxes. For fair value measurement purposes, each DU is measured 
based on the market value of a REIT Unit. 

(ii) Restricted Unit Plan (“RU Plan”) 

Crombie has a RU Plan for certain eligible executives and employees (“RU Participants”), whereby the RU Participants will receive all or a portion of 
their annual long-term incentive plan awards in restricted units (“RUs”). The RUs are accounted for under IAS 19 “Employee benefits” and the liability 
and expense are recognized over the service period which ends on the vesting date. The RUs are subject to vesting conditions including being actively 
employed. The number of RUs which fully vest is determined by: (a) the dollar amount of the award divided by the market value of a REIT Unit on the 
award grant date, plus (b) deemed distributions on RUs during the vesting period at a rate equivalent to the number of REIT Units that would have 
been issued had the vested RUs been treated as a REIT Unit. The value of these additional RUs from deemed distributions are expensed to general 
and administrative expenses at the time of allocation. On the vesting date, each participant shall be entitled to receive a cash amount (net of any 
applicable withholding taxes) equal to the number of vested RUs held by the RU Participant multiplied by the market value on the vesting date, as 
determined by the market value of a REIT Unit. Alternatively, a RU Participant who is an eligible employee on the vesting date may elect to convert 
their vested RUs to DUs under Crombie’s DU Plan. No REIT Units or other securities of Crombie will be issued from treasury as settlement of any 
obligation under the RU Plan. 

(iii) Performance Unit Plan (“PU Plan”) 

Crombie has a PU Plan for certain eligible executives and employees (“PU Participants”), whereby the PU Participants may elect each year to 
participate in the PU Plan and receive all or a portion of their eligible remuneration in the form of an allocation of performance units (“PUs”). The 
PUs are accounted for under IAS 19 “Employee benefits” and the liability and expense are recognized over the service period which ends on the 
vesting date. The PUs are subject to vesting conditions including being actively employed. The number of PUs which vest for each participant shall 
be determined by: (a) multiplying the number of PUs granted under the award by an adjustment factor applicable to the performance level achieved, 
and (b) adding the number of PUs or fractions thereof that would be credited to such participant upon the payment of distributions by Crombie on 
the REIT Units, based on the number of additional REIT Units a participant would have received had the vested PUs been treated as REIT Units under 
a distribution reinvestment plan during the PU term. Alternatively, a PU Participant who is an eligible employee on the vesting date may elect to 
convert their vested PUs to DUs under Crombie’s DU Plan. A PU is not considered to be a REIT Unit or entitle any participant to exercise voting rights 
or any other rights or entitlements associated with a REIT Unit. No REIT Units or other securities of Crombie will be issued from treasury as settlement 
of any obligation under the PU Plan.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

95

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(j) Distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) 
Crombie has a DRIP which is described in Note 16. 

(k) Revenue recognition 

(i) Lease revenue 

Revenue earned from tenants under lease agreements includes base rent, realty tax recoveries, percentage rent, and other incidental income. Certain 
leases have rental payments that change over their term due to changes in rates. Crombie records the rental revenue from leases on a straight-line 
basis over the term of the lease. Accordingly, an accrued rent receivable is recorded for the difference between the straight-line rent recorded as 
property revenue and the rent that is contractually due from the tenants. In addition, tenant incentives are amortized on a straight-line basis over 
the term of existing leases and the amortization is shown as a reduction in property revenue. Percentage rents are recognized when tenants are 
obligated to pay such rent under the terms of the related lease agreements. Realty tax recoveries, and other incidental income, are recognized on 
an accrual basis as they become due. 

(ii) Revenue from contracts with customers 

Crombie recognizes revenue in accordance with IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. Crombie recognizes revenue from customers that 
reflects the consideration to which it expects to be exchanged for. This involves identifying the contract with its customers, identifying the performance 
obligations in the contract, determining the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and 
recognizing revenue when the entity satisfies its performance obligations. 

Where a contract contains elements of variable consideration, Crombie estimates the amount of variable consideration to which it will be entitled 
under the contract. Variable consideration can arise from discounts, refunds, credits, and price concessions. This consideration is allocated to all 
performance obligations in a contract based on their relative standalone selling prices. 

(l) Leases 

Crombie as lessor 

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. 
All other leases are classified as operating leases. 

Crombie has determined that all of its leases with its tenants are operating leases. Revenue is recorded in accordance with Crombie’s revenue 
recognition policy. 

Crombie as lessee 

Crombie leases include land, office, equipment, and vehicles. Crombie assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at the inception of the contract. 

Leases are recognized as a right of use asset with a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by Crombie, 
except for short-term leases of 12 months or less or low value leases which are expensed in the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using 
the interest rate implicit in the lease; or if not determinable, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate, specific to the term of the lease. Lease payments 
can include fixed payments; variable payments based on an index or a rate known at the commencement date; and extension option payments 
or purchase options, if Crombie is reasonably certain to exercise. The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective 
interest rate method and remeasured (with a corresponding adjustment to the related right of use asset) when there is a change in future lease 
payments in case of renegotiation, changes of an index or rate or in case of reassessment of options. 

At inception of the lease, the right of use asset is measured at cost, comprising initial lease liability, initial direct costs, and any future restoration 
or refurbishment costs, less any incentives granted by the lessors. The right of use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life 
and the lease term of the underlying asset on a straight-line basis. The right of use asset is subject to testing for impairment if there is an indicator 
for impairment. 

Right of use assets are included in Investment Property and Other Assets and the lease liability are presented separately. 

(m) Finance costs – operations 
Finance costs – operations primarily comprise interest on Crombie’s borrowings. Finance costs directly attributable to the acquisition, redevelopment, 
construction, or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset to which it is related. All other finance costs – 
operations are expensed in the period in which they are incurred using the effective interest rate method.

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CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(n) Finance costs – distributions to Unitholders 
The determination to declare and make payable distributions from Crombie is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and, until declared payable 
by the trustees, Crombie has no contractual obligation to pay cash distributions to Unitholders. 

(o) Income taxes 
Crombie is taxed as a “mutual fund trust” for income tax purposes. It is the intention of Crombie, subject to approval of the trustees, to make 
distributions not less than the amount necessary to ensure that Crombie will not be liable to pay income tax, except for the amounts incurred 
in its incorporated subsidiaries. 

(p) Hedges 
Crombie may use cash flow hedges to manage exposures to increases in variable interest rates. Cash flow hedges are recognized on the balance 
sheet at fair value with the effective portion of the hedging relationship recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Any ineffective portion of 
the cash flow hedge is recognized in operating income. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to 
operating income in the same periods in which the hedged item is recognized in operating income. Fair value hedges and the related hedged items 
are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized in operating income. To the extent the fair value hedge 
is effective, the changes in the fair value of the hedge and the hedged item will offset each other. 

Crombie assesses on an ongoing basis whether any existing derivative financial instrument continues to be effective in offsetting changes in interest 
rates on the hedged items. Crombie currently hedges six variable mortgages and both joint credit facilities. 

(q) Comprehensive income (loss) 
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in net assets attributable to Unitholders during a period from transactions and other events and 
circumstances from non-Unitholder sources. Crombie reports a consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss), comprising changes in net 
assets attributable to Unitholders and other comprehensive income (loss) for the year. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), has been 
included in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Unitholders. 

(r) Provisions 
Provisions are recognized when: Crombie has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event; it is probable that Crombie will 
be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date, 
taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle 
the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows, where the time value of money is material. When some or all of 
the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognized as an asset if it is 
virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably. Provisions reflect Crombie’s best 
estimate at the reporting date. 

Environmental liabilities are recognized when Crombie has an obligation relating to site closure or rehabilitation. The extent of the work required 
and the associated costs are dependent on the requirements of the relevant authorities and Crombie’s environmental policies. Provisions for the cost 
of each closure and rehabilitation program are recognized at the time of occurrence and when Crombie has a reliable estimate of the obligation. 
Changes in the provision are recognized in the period of the change. 

(s) Financial instruments 
Crombie classifies financial assets and liabilities according to their characteristics and management’s choices and intentions related thereto for 
the purpose of ongoing measurement. Classification choices for financial assets include: a) Amortized cost – recorded at amortized cost with gains 
and losses recognized in increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders in the period that the asset is derecognized or impaired; 
b) Fair value, with two options; (i) FVTOCI – measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for 
the current period until realized through disposal or impairment; and (ii) FVTPL – measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in 
increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders for the period. Classification choices for financial liabilities include: a) Amortized cost – 
recorded at amortized cost with gains and losses recognized in increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders in the period that the 
asset is derecognized or impaired; and b) FVTPL – measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in increase (decrease) in net assets 
attributable to Unitholders for the period. Subsequent measurement for these assets and liabilities is based on either fair value or amortized cost 
using the effective interest method, depending upon their classification.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

97

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Crombie’s financial assets and liabilities are generally classified and measured as follows: 

Financial Asset/Liability

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Restricted cash

Long-term receivables

Marketable securities

Derivative financial assets and liabilities

Category

Assets at amortized cost

Assets at amortized cost

Assets at amortized cost

Assets at amortized cost

FVTPL

FVTPL

Accounts payable and other liabilities (excluding interest rate swaps)

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

Investment property debt

Senior unsecured notes

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

Measurement 

Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

Fair value 

Fair value 

Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

Other balance sheet accounts, including, but not limited to, prepaid expenses, accrued straight-line rent receivable, tenant incentives, investment 
properties, and employee future benefits obligation are not financial instruments. 

Transaction costs, other than those related to financial instruments classified as FVTPL that are expensed as incurred, are added to the fair value of 
the financial asset or financial liability on initial recognition and amortized using the effective interest method. Financing costs incurred to establish 
revolving credit facilities are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the facilities. In the event any debt is extinguished, the 
associated unamortized financing costs are expensed immediately. 

Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to benefits from the financial asset expires. The difference between the asset’s carrying 
value and the consideration received or receivable is recognized as a charge to the statement of comprehensive income. At each reporting date, 
Crombie assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset carried at amortized cost is impaired. If such evidence exists, Crombie 
recognizes an impairment loss, as the difference between the carrying value of the instrument and the present value of the estimated future cash 
flows, discounted using the instrument’s original effective interest rate or a discount rate based on the risk associated with the financial asset being 
tested. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced by this amount through a charge to the statement of comprehensive income. 

Crombie determines the expected credit loss in accordance with IFRS 9’s simplified approach for amounts receivable where its loss allowance is 
measured at initial recognition and throughout the life of the receivable. Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation 
of recovery. 

(t) Fair value measurement 
The fair value of financial instruments is the estimated amount that Crombie would receive to sell a financial asset or pay to transfer a financial liability 
in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the 
transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal 
market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by Crombie. 

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, 
assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest. 

Crombie uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, 
maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value of any interest rate swap is estimated 
by discounting net cash flows of the swaps using forward interest rates for swaps of the same remaining maturities. 

A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset 
in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use. 

When determining the highest and best use of non-financial assets Crombie takes into account the following: 

•  use of the asset that is physically possible – Crombie assesses the physical characteristics of the asset that market participants would take into 

account when pricing the asset; 

•  use that is legally permissible – Crombie assesses any legal restrictions on the use of the asset that market participants would take into account 

when pricing the asset; and 

•  use that is financially feasible – Crombie assesses whether a use of the asset that is physically possible and legally permissible generates adequate 

income or cash flows to produce an investment return that market participants would require from an investment in that asset put to that use.

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CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(u) Impairment of long-lived tangible and definite life intangible assets 
Long-lived tangible and definite life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value of the assets may not be recoverable. When such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of impairment loss (if any). The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Where the asset does not 
generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, Crombie estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit(s) to which 
the asset belongs. When the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset (or cash generating unit) is reduced to the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized as an expense immediately in 
operating income. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash generating units) is increased to the revised estimate, 
but is limited to the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized in prior periods. A reversal of 
impairment loss is recognized immediately in operating income. 

(v) Net assets attributable to Unitholders 

(i) Balance Sheet presentation 

In accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation, puttable instruments are generally classified 
as financial liabilities. Crombie’s REIT Units and Class B LP Units with attached Special Voting Units (“SVU”) are both puttable instruments, meeting 
the definition of financial liabilities in IAS 32. There are exception tests within IAS 32 which could result in classification as equity; however, Crombie’s 
units do not meet the exception requirements. Therefore, Crombie has no instrument qualifying for equity classification on its Balance Sheet pursuant 
to IFRS. The classification of all units as financial liabilities with presentation as net assets attributable to Unitholders does not alter the underlying 
economic interest of the Unitholders in the net assets and net operating results attributable to Unitholders. 

(ii) Balance Sheet measurement 

REIT Units and Class B LP Units with attached SVUs are carried on the Balance Sheet at net asset value. Although puttable instruments classified 
as financial liabilities are generally required to be remeasured to fair value at each reporting period, the alternative presentation as net assets 
attributable to Unitholders reflects that, in total, the interests of the Unitholders is limited to the net assets of Crombie. 

(iii) Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) presentation 

As a result of the classification of all units as financial liabilities, the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) recognizes distributions to Unitholders 
as a finance cost. In addition, terminology such as net income has been replaced by Increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to Unitholders to 
reflect the absence of an equity component on the Balance Sheet. 

(iv) Presentation of per unit measures 

As a result of the classification of all units as financial liabilities, Crombie has no equity instrument; therefore, in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings per 
Share, there is no denominator for purposes of calculation of per unit measures. 

(v) Allocation of comprehensive income (loss) 

The components of comprehensive income (loss) are allocated between REIT Units and Class B LP Units as follows: 

•  Operating income – based on the weighted average number of units outstanding during the reporting period. 

•  Distributions to Unitholders – based on the actual distributions paid to each separate unit class. 

•  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – increases are allocated based on the weighted average number of units outstanding during the 

reporting period, decreases in previously accumulated amounts are drawn down based on the average accumulation allocation rate. 

(w) Critical judgments in applying accounting policies 
The following are the critical judgments that have been made in applying Crombie’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on 
the consolidated financial statements: 

(i) Investment properties 

Crombie’s accounting policies relating to investment properties are described in Note 2(e). In applying these policies, judgment is applied in 
determining whether certain costs are additions to the carrying amount of an investment property and whether properties acquired are considered 
to be asset acquisitions or business combinations. Crombie has determined that all properties acquired to date are asset acquisitions. 

(ii) Investment in joint ventures 

Crombie makes judgments in determining the appropriate accounting for investments in other entities. Such judgments include: determining the 
significant relevant activities and assessing the level of influence Crombie has over such activities through agreements and contractual arrangements.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

99

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(iii) Classifications of Units as liabilities 

Crombie’s accounting policies relating to the classification of Units as liabilities are described in Note 2(v). The critical judgments inherent in this policy 
relate to applying the criteria set out in IAS 32, “Financial Instruments: Presentation”, relating to the puttable instrument exception. 

(iv) Investment in joint arrangements 

Crombie makes judgments in determining the appropriate accounting for investments in other entities. Such judgments include: determining the 
significant relevant activities and assessing the level of control or influence Crombie has over such activities through agreements and contractual 
arrangements; and determining whether Crombie’s rights and obligations are directly related to the assets and liabilities of the arrangement or 
to the net assets of the joint arrangement. 

(x) Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported 
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Critical estimates and judgments disclosed in the annual financial statements also 
apply to these financial statements. As of December 31, 2021, there continues to be measurement uncertainty due to the outbreak of the novel strain of 
coronavirus (“COVID-19”). The estimates and assumptions that are critical to the determination of the amounts reported in the consolidated financial 
statements relate to the following: 

(i) Fair value measurement 

A number of assets and liabilities included in Crombie’s consolidated financial statements require measurement at, and/or disclosure of, fair value. In 
estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, Crombie uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. Where market-observable data 
is not available, Crombie estimates the fair value based on discounted future cash flows using discount rates that reflect current market conditions for 
instruments with similar terms and risks. 

(ii) Investment properties 

Investment properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Crombie estimates the residual value and useful lives of investment 
properties and the significant components thereof to calculate depreciation and amortization. 

(iii) Impairment of long-lived tangible and definite life intangible assets 

Long-lived tangible and definite life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value of the assets may not be recoverable. When such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of impairment loss (if any). The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Where the asset does not 
generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, Crombie estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit(s) to which the 
asset belongs. When the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash generating units) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset (or cash generating units) is reduced to the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized as an expense immediately 
in operating income. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash generating units) is increased to the 
revised estimate, but is limited to the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized in prior periods. 
A reversal of impairment loss is recognized immediately in operating income. 

(iv) Investment property valuation 

External, independent valuation companies, having appropriate recognized professional qualifications and recent experience in the location and 
category of properties being valued, value substantially all of Crombie’s investment property portfolio on a rotating basis over a maximum period of 
four years. The fair values, based on the measurement date, represent the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in 
an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Internal quarterly valuations are performed using internally generated 
valuation models prepared by considering the aggregate trailing annual net property income recognized from leasing the property, that is stabilized 
for any major tenant movement. Biannual capitalization rates/yields are obtained from an independent valuation company, which reflects the specific 
risks inherent in the net property income, to arrive at property valuations. As at December 31, 2021, management’s determination of fair value was 
updated for current market assumptions, informed by property income, market capitalization rates, and recent appraisals provided by independent 
appraisal professionals. 

(v) Defined benefit liability 

Management estimates the defined benefit liability annually with the assistance of independent actuaries; however, the actual outcome may vary 
due to estimation uncertainties. The estimate of Crombie’s defined benefit liability is based on standard rates of inflation, medical cost trends, and 
mortality. It also takes into account Crombie’s specific anticipation of future salary increases. Discount factors are determined each reporting period 
by reference to high quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid and that have terms to maturity 
approximating the terms of the related pension liability. Estimation uncertainties exist particularly with regard to medical cost trends, which may vary 
significantly in future appraisals of Crombie’s defined benefit obligations.

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CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(vi) Purchase price allocation 

Investment properties are properties which are held to earn rental income. Investment properties include land, buildings, and intangible assets. 
Upon acquisition, management allocates the purchase price of the acquisition as described in Note 2(e). This allocation contains a number of 
estimates and underlying assumptions including, but not limited to, highest and best use and fair value of the properties, estimated cash flows, 
discount rates, lease-up rates, inflation rates, renewal rates, tenant incentive allowances, cost recoveries, and leasing costs and termination costs. 

(vii) Lease modifications 

From time to time, Crombie may agree with tenants to modify the terms of lease agreements, including changes to the consideration under the 
lease. When the changes result in a reduction in amounts receivable relating to past lease periods, Crombie applies IFRS 9 in determining whether 
to partially or fully derecognize those receivables. Other changes to the terms and conditions of the lease are treated as lease modifications in 
accordance with IFRS 16, and the modified lease is accounted for as a new lease from the effective date of the modification, with any prepaid or 
accrued lease payments relating to the original lease included as part of the lease payments for the new lease. 

(viii) Risk management 

Markets have been impacted by COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) on March 11, 2020. The 
continued spread of COVID-19 and the actions being taken by governments, businesses and individuals to limit this pandemic, including business closures 
and physical distancing, and the effects of resulting layoffs and other job losses on the available income of retail customers, may adversely impact our 
operations and development activities including, among others, increasing the credit risk associated with our receivables, limiting our ability to quickly 
respond to changes in credit risk, extending the time to completion and occupancy of major developments, and limiting our ability to serve our tenants. 
This has resulted in moderate economic uncertainty, of which the potential impact on our future financial results is difficult to reliably measure. 

(ix) Expected credit loss 

Crombie assesses, on a tenant-by-tenant basis, losses expected with its rent receivables. In determining the provision for doubtful accounts, 
Crombie takes into account the payment history and future expectations of likely default events (tenants asking for rental concessions/abatements, 
applications for rental relief through government programs, or stating they will not be making rental payments on the due date) based on actual 
or expected insolvency filings or company voluntary arrangements and likely deferrals of payments due, and potential abatements to be granted 
by the landlord through tenant negotiations. Crombie’s assessment is subjective due to the forward-looking nature of the situation. As a result, the 
provision for doubtful accounts is subject to a degree of uncertainty and is made based on assumptions which may not prove to be accurate with 
the unprecedented uncertainty caused by COVID-19. 

(y) Changes in accounting policies 
Crombie has amended its accounting policy for the presentation of finance costs on debt and distributions to Unitholders in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows. Effective January 1, 2021, Crombie has elected to present these items as cash flows arising from financing activities, where 
they were previously included in cash flows from operating activities. Crombie has made this change in order to better reflect cash flows related to 
debt transactions. As a result of this change in presentation, cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 
have increased by $225,366 (December 31, 2020 – $241,105) with a corresponding reduction to cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities. 

(z) Future changes in accounting standards 
The IASB has issued a number of standards and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial statements. Set out below are 
only those standards that may have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements in future periods. Management is currently evaluating 
the impact of these future policies on its consolidated financial statements. 

(i) IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements 

The IASB has issued amendments to IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements” (“IAS 1”). The amendments clarify how to classify debt and other 
liabilities as current or non-current. The amendments to IAS 1 apply to annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. 

(ii) IAS 37 – Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets 

The IASB has issued amendments to IAS 37, “Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets” (“IAS 37”) to clarify (i) the meaning of “costs to fulfil 
a contract”, and (ii) that, before a separate provision for an onerous contract is established, an entity recognizes any impairment loss has occurred on 
assets used in fulfilling the contract, rather than on assets dedicated to the contract. The amendments to IAS 37 applies to annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2022. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

101

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3) INVESTMENT PROPERTIES 

Income properties

Properties under development

Income properties 

Cost 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

3,436,965

109,787

3,546,752

$

$

3,520,562 

63,377 

3,583,939 

Land

Buildings

Intangibles 

Deferred  
Leasing Costs

Total 

Opening balance, January 1, 2021

$

1,147,608

$

2,921,305

$

73,318

$

10,078

$

4,152,309 

Acquisitions

Additions

Dispositions

Write-off of fully depreciated assets

Transfer to investment properties held for sale (Note 6)

Reclassification from properties under development

12,364

1,089

(21,127)

—

(10,289)

—

30,831

39,729

(38,786)

(5,646)

(37,737)

2,372

Balance, December 31, 2021

1,129,645

2,912,068

Accumulated depreciation, amortization,  

and impairment 

Opening balance, January 1, 2021

Depreciation and amortization

Dispositions

Impairment

Write-off of fully depreciated assets

Transfer to investment properties held for sale (Note 6)

Balance, December 31, 2021

6,290

316

—

1,599

—

(299)

7,906

590,366

68,128

(3,134)

940

(5,646)

(8,343)

642,311

2,621

—

(377)

(2,992)

(812)

—

71,758

31,211

4,774

(171)

—

(2,992)

(515)

32,307

—

978

(13)

(695)

(19)

—

45,816 

41,796 

(60,303) 

(9,333) 

(48,857) 

2,372 

10,329

4,123,800 

3,880

1,141

(9)

—

(695)

(6)

4,311

631,747 

74,359 

(3,314) 

2,539 

(9,333) 

(9,163) 

686,835 

Net carrying value, December 31, 2021

$

1,121,739

$

2,269,757

$

39,451

$

6,018

$ 

3,436,965 

Included in land are right of use assets of $15,772 net of accumulated depreciation of $949 for land held under lease. 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie recorded impairments totalling $2,539 on two properties, one for $1,239 in the third quarter as a 
result of a partial disposition which closed on December 14, 2021. The fourth quarter impairment of $1,300 was due to continuing high vacancy rates and 
the departure of a major tenant during the year. Impairment was measured on a per property basis and was determined as the amount by which the 
carrying value, using the cost method, exceeded the recoverable amount for that property. The recoverable amount was determined to be the higher 
of the economic benefit of the continued use of the asset or the selling price less costs to sell. To calculate the benefit of the continued use of the asset, 
Crombie utilized the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted using a discount rate based on the risk associated with the property. 

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CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cost 

Opening balance, January 1, 2020

$

1,117,701

$

2,825,447

$

112,313

$

8,853

$ 

4,064,314 

Land

Buildings

Intangibles 

Deferred 
Leasing Costs

Total 

Acquisitions

Additions

Dispositions

Write-off of fully depreciated assets

Transfer to investment properties held for sale (Note 6)

Reclassification from properties under development

12,115

1,054

(7,618)

—

(16,219)

40,575

20,520

49,888

(23,111)

(2,890)

(24,135)

75,586

Balance, December 31, 2020

1,147,608

2,921,305

Accumulated depreciation, amortization, and impairment 

Opening balance, January 1, 2020

Depreciation and amortization

Dispositions

Impairment

Write-off of fully depreciated assets

Transfer to investment properties held for sale (Note 6)

2,673

317

—

3,300

—

—

530,576

67,565

(4,078)

3,300

(2,890)

(4,107)

Balance, December 31, 2020

6,290

590,366

2,360

—

(440)

(39,982)

(933)

—

73,318

66,657

5,366

(203)

—

(39,982)

(627)

31,211

—

1,462

—

(237)

—

—

34,995 

52,404 

(31,169) 

(43,109) 

(41,287) 

116,161 

10,078

4,152,309 

3,049

1,068

—

—

(237)

—

3,880

602,955 

74,316 

(4,281) 

6,600 

(43,109) 

(4,734) 

631,747 

Net carrying value, December 31, 2020

$

1,141,318

$

2,330,939

$

42,107

$

6,198

$

3,520,562 

Included in land are right of use assets of $16,809 net of accumulated depreciation of $633 for land held under lease. 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, Crombie recorded impairments totalling $6,600 on six properties. The impairments were the result of the 
fair value impact of tenant lease expiries, slower-than-expected leasing activity, and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Impairment was measured 
on a per property basis and was determined as the amount by which the carrying value, using the cost method, exceeded the recoverable amount 
for that property. The recoverable amount was determined to be the higher of the economic benefit of the continued use of the asset or the selling 
price less costs to sell. To calculate the benefit of the continued use of the asset, Crombie utilized the present value of the estimated future cash flows, 
discounted using a discount rate based on the risk associated with the property. 

Properties under development 

Opening balance, January 1, 2021

Acquisitions 

Additions

Reclassification to income-producing properties1

Balance, December 31, 2021

$

Land

46,225

18,622

2,216

—

Buildings

$

17,152

$

—

39,325

(13,753)

Total 

63,377 

18,622 

41,541 

(13,753) 

$

67,063

$

42,724

$

109,787 

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2021, $11,381 was moved out of properties under development and into tenant incentives. Refer to Note 5 of the financial statements. 

Opening balance, January 1, 2020

Acquisitions 

Additions

Reclassification to income-producing properties 

Balance, December 31, 2020

Land

Buildings

76,104

$

20,109

$

7,692

3,004

(40,575)

—

72,629

(75,586)

Total 

96,213 

7,692 

75,633 

(116,161) 

46,225

$

17,152

$

63,377 

$

$

Fair value 
Crombie’s total fair value of investment properties exceeds carrying value by $1,150,558 at December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 – $921,974). Crombie 
uses the cost method for accounting for investment properties and increases in fair value over carrying value are not recognized until realized through 
disposition or derecognition of properties, while impairment is recognized at the time of impairment. As of December 31, 2021, there continues to be 
increased measurement uncertainty around valuation regarding COVID-19. Crombie has disclosed increased sensitivity around capitalization rates 
and continues to monitor the ongoing potential impacts on valuation. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

103

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The estimated fair values of Crombie’s investment properties are as follows: 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Carrying value consists of the net carrying value of: 

Income properties

Properties under development

Accrued straight-line rent receivable

Tenant incentives

Investment properties held for sale

Total carrying value

Fair Value

Carrying Value 

$

$

5,026,000

4,815,000

$

$

3,875,442 

3,893,026 

Note

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

3

3

5

5

6

$

$

3,436,965

$

3,520,562 

109,787

94,896

233,794

—

63,377 

88,299 

190,889 

29,899 

3,875,442

$

3,893,026 

The fair value of investment properties is a Level 3 fair value measurement. The fair value represents the estimated price that would be received to sell 
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

The fair value included in this summary reflects the fair value of the properties as at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, based on each 
property’s current use as a revenue generating investment property. 

The fair value of properties under development is assumed to equal cost until the property is substantially completed, and at that point in time, the 
property is moved to income producing and valued according to Crombie’s policies described below. 

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value of investment properties are set out below: 

(i) 

(ii) 

The capitalized net operating income method – Under this method, capitalization rates are applied to trailing stabilized net operating income 
(property revenue less property operating expenses). The key assumption are the capitalization rates for each specific property and stabilized 
net income. Crombie receives biannual capitalization rate reports from external, knowledgeable property valuators. The capitalization 
rate reports provide a range of rates for various geographic regions and for various types and qualities of properties within each region. 
Management selects the appropriate rate for each property from the range provided. Crombie employs this method to determine fair value. 

The discounted cash flow method – Under this method, discount rates are applied to the forecasted cash flows reflecting the initial terms of the 
lease or leases for that specific property and assumptions as to renewal and new leasing activity. The key assumptions are the discount rate 
applied over the initial term of the lease, as well as lease renewals and new leasing activity. Crombie employs this method when the capitalized 
net operating income method indicates a risk of impairment or when a property is, or will be, undergoing redevelopment. 

(iii)  External appraisals – Crombie has external, independent appraisals performed on all significant properties on a rotational basis over a maximum 

period of four years. 

On a periodic bases, Crombie obtains independent appraisals such that approximately 85% of its properties, by value, will be externally appraised 
over a four year period. 

Crombie has utilized the following weighted average capitalization rate on its income properties. Related to the growth in properties under 
development, Crombie reports the weighted average capitalization rate excluding the value of properties under development with comparative rates 
adjusted to reflect this change. 

Weighted average capitalization rate

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

5.65%

5.86% 

Crombie has determined that an increase (decrease) in this applied capitalization rate at December 31, 2021 would result in an increase (decrease) 
in the fair value of the investment properties as follows: 

Capitalization Rate Sensitivity

December 31, 2021 

104

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

Increase in Rate

Decrease in Rate 

0.25%

0.50%

0.75%

$

$

$

(215,000)

(408,000)

(585,000)

$

$

$

229,000 

487,000 

775,000

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Property Acquisitions and Dispositions 
The operating results of acquired properties are included from the respective date of acquisition and for disposed properties up to the date 
of disposition. 

2021 

Transaction Date

January 29, 2021

February 10, 2021

February 26, 2021

March 18, 2021

March 25, 2021

March 26, 2021

March 29, 2021

March 31, 2021

June 10, 2021

July 6, 2021

July 9, 2021

October 15, 2021

November 19, 20211

December 9, 2021

December 9, 20212

December 14, 20211

December 15, 2021

(1) Disposal of a partial interest in one retail property to a third party. 
(2) Disposal of a 50% interest in one retail-related industrial property to a third party. 

2020 

Transaction Date

January 9, 20201

February 4, 20202

May 28, 2020

July 7, 2020

October 5, 2020

October 26, 2020

November 4, 2020

December 8, 2020

December 9, 2020

December 15, 2020

December 22, 2020

Vendor/Purchaser 

Properties Acquired 
(Disposed) 

Approximate Square 
Footage 

Initial Acquisition 
(Disposition) Price 

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party

Related Party

Related Party

Related Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party 

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

(2)

1

—

2

1

1

1

(1)

—

1

(1)

(1)

—

(1)

—

—

(1)

(30,000)

$

(17,570) 

26,000

—

57,000

50,000

55,000

16,000

(33,000)

—

24,000

(28,000)

(29,000)

(33,000)

(60,000)

(155,000)

(73,000)

(22,000)

3,242 

6,400 

14,100 

5,260 

15,600 

1,690 

(24,400) 

11,885 

4,710 

(15,000) 

(16,910) 

(5,750) 

(22,500) 

(98,183) 

(575) 

(8,300) 

Vendor/Purchaser 

Properties Acquired 
(Disposed) 

Approximate Square 
Footage 

Initial Acquisition 
(Disposition) Price 

Third Party

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party

—

—

1

1

1

(1)

1

(1)

(1)

1

(2)

$

—

—

30,000

—

41,000

(18,000)

—

(15,000)

(20,000)

54,000

(41,000)

280 

(1,000) 

4,535 

4,575 

11,000 

(7,510) 

3,300 

(7,414) 

(7,112) 

17,100 

(14,974) 

(1) Acquisition of a parcel of land adjacent to an existing retail property. 
(2) Disposal of a parcel of land adjacent of an existing retail property. 

The initial acquisition (disposition) prices stated above exclude closing and transaction costs. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

105

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Investment property disposals 

Gross proceeds

Selling costs

Carrying values derecognized 

Land

Buildings

Intangibles

Deferred leasing costs

Tenant Incentives

Accrued straight-line rent

Provisions

Gain on disposal

Proceeds

Mortgages assumed by buyer

Cash proceeds

Year ended December 31, 

2021

2020 

$

209,188

$

38,010 

(3,682)

205,506

(46,264)

(79,585)

(716)

(17)

(18,369)

(2,889)

(1,141)

$

56,525

$

(178) 

37,832 

(8,690) 

(24,521) 

(330) 

— 

— 

(1,081) 

125 

3,335 

Year ended December 31, 

2021

205,506

(61,492)

144,014

$

$

$

$

2020 

37,832 

— 

37,832 

Co-owned properties 
Crombie owns partial interests in a number of properties. These co-owned properties are subject to proportionate consolidation, the results of which 
are reflected in Crombie’s consolidated financial statements, based on the proportionate interest in such joint operations. 

Retail

Industrial

Total co-owned properties

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Number of  
co-owned properties

Ownership 

co-owned properties

Number of  

58

2

60

11%–50%

50%

58

1

59 

Ownership 

11%–50% 

50% 

4) INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES 
The following represents Crombie’s interest in its equity accounted investments: 

1600 Davie Limited Partnership

Bronte Village Limited Partnership

The Duke Limited Partnership

Penhorn Residential Holdings Limited Partnership

140 CPN Limited

1700 East Broadway Limited Partnership

King George Development (I) Limited Partnership

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0%

50.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

— 

—

106

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables represents 100% of the financial position and financial results of the equity accounted entities: 

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities 

Net Assets 

Crombie’s share at 50%

Reconciling items: 

Deferred gain

Partnership loans

Gain

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Davie LP

Other

Total

Davie LP

Other

Total 

$

185,530

$

416,544

$

602,074

$

187,100

$

288,680

$

475,780 

18,720

(206,141)

(5,142)

(7,033)

(3,516)

(7,441)

(4,500)

15,525

2,455

(30,077)

(314,049)

74,873

37,436

—

6,706

—

21,175

(236,218)

(319,191)

67,840

33,920

(7,441)

2,206

15,525

7,187

(141,362)

(18,057)

34,868

17,434

(7,441)

—

—

800

(3,479)

(219,433)

66,568

33,284

—

7,766

—

7,987 

(144,841) 

(237,490) 

101,436 

50,718 

(7,441) 

7,766 

— 

Crombie’s investment in joint ventures 

$

68

$

44,142

$

44,210

$

9,993

$

41,050

$

51,043 

Revenue 

$

6,624

$

3,549

$

10,173

$

$

1,790

$

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Davie LP

Other

Total

Davie LP

Other

Year ended 

Property Operating expenses 

General and administrative expenses 

Depreciation and amortization 

Finance costs – operations 

Net (loss) income 

Crombie’s (loss) income from equity 

accounted investments

$

$

(1,939)

(511)

(2,801)

(4,275)

(2,902)

(1,451)

$

$

(2,268)

(57)

(1,877)

(2,327)

(2,980)

(1,490)

$

$

(4,207)

(568)

(4,678)

(6,602)

(5,882)

(2,941)

40

(66)

(305)

(169)

(620)

$

$

(1,120)

(560)

$

$

(429)

(5)

(182)

(198)

976

488

$

$

Total 

1,830 

(495) 

(310) 

(351) 

(818) 

(144) 

(72) 

The following table shows the changes in the total carrying value of Crombie’s investment in joint ventures for the year ended: 

Opening balance

Contributions

Distributions

Gain

Share of (loss) income

Closing balance

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

51,043

$

5,653

(25,070)

15,525

(2,941)

45,123 

6,061 

(69) 

— 

(72) 

44,210

$

51,043 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie received a distribution of $25,000 from 1600 Davie Limited Partnership. As a result of this 
distribution exceeding Crombie’s investment in the joint venture, $15,525 was treated as a gain from equity accounted investments. 

Fair Value 
The estimated fair value of the investment properties in Crombie’s equity accounted joint ventures at 100% is as follows: 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

$

$

Fair Value

774,000

450,253

$

$

Carrying Value 

576,228 

450,253 

The fair value of joint venture properties is a Level 3 fair value measurement. The fair value represents the estimated price that would be received 
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

The fair value included in this summary reflects the fair value of the properties as at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, based 
on each property’s current use as a revenue generating property or property under development. The fair value of properties under development 
is assumed to equal cost until the property is substantially completed. As at December 31, 2021, 1600 Davie Limited Partnership, The Duke Limited 
Partnership, and 140 CPN Limited are substantially complete. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

107

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Crombie has utilized the following weighted average capitalization rates on its joint venture properties. 

Weighted average capitalization rate

5) OTHER ASSETS 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

3.30%

—% 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Current

Non-current

Total

Current

Non-current

Trade receivables

$

27,472

$

Provision for doubtful accounts

Net trade receivables

Prepaid expenses and deposits

Other fixed assets1,2

Finance lease receivable

Accrued straight-line rent receivable

Tenant incentives

Other

(3,031)

24,441

23,827

—

571

—

—

21

Amounts receivable from related parties

17,138

—

—

—

—

10,974

12,545

94,896

233,794

105

10,487

$

27,472

$

42,211

$

(3,031)

24,441

23,827

10,974

13,116

94,896

233,794

126

27,625

(7,955)

34,256

19,271

—

391

—

—

89

15,533

$

—

—

—

—

11,373

7,734

88,299

190,889

127

9,302

Total 

42,211 

(7,955) 

34,256 

19,271 

11,373 

8,125 

88,299 

190,889 

216 

24,835 

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2021, depreciation of other fixed assets was $1,404 (December 31, 2020 – $1,251). 
(2) Other fixed assets include right of use assets of $2,334 (December 31, 2020 – $2,136) net of accumulated depreciation of $1,106 (December 31, 2020 – $818) relating to office and vehicle leases. 

$

65,998

$

362,801

$

428,799

$

69,540

$

307,724

$

377,264 

Cost 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Net Carrying 
Value 

$

275,194

$

84,305

$

190,889 

69,704

—

(17,752)

(10,178)

(2,293)

11,381

—

19,811

(659)

(10,178)

(1,017)

—

69,704 

(19,811) 

(17,093) 

— 

(1,276) 

11,381 

$

326,056

$

92,262

$

233,794 

Cost 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Net Carrying 
Value 

$

236,071

$

77,585

$

158,486 

50,252

—

(11,129)

—

17,849

(11,129)

50,252 

(17,849) 

— 

$

275,194

$

84,305

$

190,889

Tenant Incentives

Balance, January 1, 2021

Additions

Amortization

Disposition

Write-off fully depreciated assets

Transfer to investment properties held for sale 

Transfer from properties under development

Balance, December 31, 2021

Tenant Incentives 

Balance, January 1, 2020

Additions

Amortization

Write-off fully depreciated assets

Balance, December 31, 2020

108

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6) INVESTMENT PROPERTIES HELD FOR SALE 

Balance, January 1, 2021

$

15,147

$

Assets transferred to held for sale

Derecognition through disposition

9,990

(25,137)

$

14,539

29,394

(43,933)

$

213

297

(510)

—

13

(13)

$

—

$

1,276

(1,276)

Land

Buildings

Intangibles 

Deferred 
Leasing Costs 

Tenant 
Incentives

Total 

29,899 

40,970 

(70,869) 

Net carrying value, December 31, 2021

$

—

$

—

$

—

$

—

$

—

$

— 

Assets transferred to held for sale 

Derecognition through disposition 

Net carrying value, December 31, 2020

Land

16,219

(1,072)

15,147

$

$

$

$

Buildings 

Intangibles 

Deferred 
Leasing Costs 

Tenant 
Incentives

20,028

(5,489)

14,539

$

$

306

(93)

213

$

$

—

—

—

$

$

—

—

—

$

$

Total 

36,553 

(6,654) 

29,899 

7) INVESTMENT PROPERTY DEBT 

Fixed rate mortgages

Revolving credit facility

Joint operation credit facility I

Joint operation credit facility II

Unsecured bilateral credit facility

Deferred financing charges on fixed rate mortgages

Mortgages 

Non-current

Current

Credit facilities 

Non-current

Current

Weighted 
Average 
Interest Rate 

Weighted 
Average Term 
to Maturity

Range 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

2.70–6.44%

4.00%

4.9 years

$

1,073,895

$

1,274,304 

3.5 years

2.3 years

2.8 years

1.5 years

9,220

7,167

2,737

10,000

(6,036)

1,096,983

893,364

174,495

29,124

—

$

$

17,712 

7,188 

2,356 

35,000 

(7,260) 

1,329,300 

1,139,798 

127,246 

27,256 

35,000 

1,096,983

$

1,329,300 

$

$

$

Specific investment properties with a carrying value of $2,459,912 as at December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 – $2,743,270) are currently pledged 
as security for mortgages or provided as security for the revolving credit facility. Carrying value includes investment properties, as well as accrued 
straight-line rent receivable and tenant incentives which are included in other assets. 

Mortgage Activity 

For the year ended

December 31, 2021

Type 

Addition

New 

Repaid 

Disposition 

Weighted Average 

Number of 
Mortgages 

Rates 

Terms in Years 

Amortization 
Period in Years 

Proceeds 
(Repayments)

—

1

14

1

2.87%

2.70%

4.02%

2.87%

5.0

25.0

$

$

25,000 

550 

(119,755) 

(61,492) 

(155,697) 

The repayment of $61,492 is due to a disposition of an interest in a mortgage related to a partial disposition of a retail-related industrial property. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

109

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In 2020, Crombie closed on a construction mortgage in which the proceeds were placed in escrow and drawn down as conditions were satisfied. As 
of December 31 2021, Crombie had received $96,085 of the total $100,000 commitment. Given that Crombie controls the total proceeds, the remaining 
proceeds of $3,915 have been reflected as cash at December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 – $63,247). 

For the year ended

December 31, 2020

Type 

Addition

New 

Repaid

Number of 
Mortgages

Rates 

Terms in Years 

Amortization 
Period in Years 

Proceeds 
(Repayments) 

—

2

12

3.22%

3.42%

5.02%

15.9

30

$

$

5,125 

218,000 

(214,912) 

8,213 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, Crombie recognized an addition to a mortgage payable of $5,125 in settlement of an amount payable 
to 1600 Davie Limited Partnership. The mortgage relates to the commercial component of the Davie Street development, 100% of which is included 
in Crombie’s financial statements. 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, Crombie successfully closed on two mortgages totalling $218,000 at retail-related industrial properties. 
The proceeds of one of the mortgages were placed in escrow and drawn down as conditions were satisfied. 

Joint Operation Credit Facilities 
In conjunction with the 89% sale of a portfolio of assets in the second quarter of 2019, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into a credit 
agreement with a Canadian chartered bank for a $62,250 term loan facility and a $5,800 revolving credit facility. In the second quarter of 2021, 
Crombie’s co-ownership partner sold its share of the portfolio to a third party. The revolving credit facility was amended in the second quarter of 2021. 
The amendment reduced the maximum principal amount of $5,800 to $2,908 and maturity remains unchanged at April 25, 2024. Borrowings under 
the joint operation credit facility can be by way of Bankers’ Acceptance or prime rate advance, and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type 
of advance plus the applicable spread or margin. Concurrent with entering into the facility, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into a fixed 
for floating interest rate swap, effectively fixing the interest rate at 3.58%. At December 31, 2021, Crombie’s portion of the term and revolving credit 
facilities was $6,847 and $320 respectively. 

In conjunction with the 89% sale of a portfolio of assets in the fourth quarter of 2019, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into a credit 
agreement with a Canadian chartered bank for a $16,500 term loan facility and a $15,500 revolving credit facility. Both facilities are secured by 
first and second mortgages on select properties and have a term of five years of maturing on October 7, 2024. Borrowings under both facilities can 
be by way of Bankers’ Acceptance or prime rate advance, and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type of advance plus the applicable 
spread or margin. Concurrent with entering into the facility, Crombie and its co-ownership partner entered into a fixed for floating interest rate swap, 
effectively fixing interest rate on both facilities at 3.27%. At December 31, 2021, Crombie’s portion of the term and revolving credit facilities was $1,815 
and $922 respectively. 

Revolving Credit Facility 
The revolving credit facility agreement was extended in the second quarter of 2021. The revolving credit facility has a maximum principal amount of 
$400,000 and matures June 30, 2025. The facility is used by Crombie for working capital purposes and to provide temporary financing for acquisitions 
and development activity. It is secured by a pool of first mortgages on certain properties and the maximum principal amount is subject to an 
available borrowing base (December 31, 2021 – borrowing base of $400,000). Borrowings under the revolving credit facility can be by way of Bankers’ 
Acceptance or prime rate advance, and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type of advance plus the applicable spread or margin. The 
respective spread or margin may change depending on Crombie’s unsecured bond rating with DBRS Morningstar and whether the facility remains 
secured or migrates to an unsecured status. 

Unsecured Bilateral Credit Facility 
The unsecured bilateral credit facility agreement was extended in the first quarter of 2021. The unsecured bilateral credit facility has a maximum 
principal amount of $130,000 and matures June 30, 2023. The facility is used by Crombie for working capital purposes and to provide temporary 
financing for acquisitions and development activity. Borrowings under the bilateral credit facility can be by way of Bankers’ Acceptance or prime rate 
advance and the floating interest rate is contingent on the type of advance, plus the applicable spread or margin. The respective spread or margin 
may change depending on Crombie’s unsecured bond rating with DBRS Morningstar. 

110

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8) SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES 

Series B

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series G

Series H

Series I

Series J

Unamortized Series B issue premium

Deferred financing charges

Maturity Date1 

June 1, 2021

November 21, 2022

January 31, 2025

August 26, 2026

June 21, 2027

March 31, 2028

October 9, 2030

August 12, 2031

Contractual  
Interest Rate

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

3.962%

4.066%

4.800%

3.677%

3.917%

2.686%

3.211%

3.133%

$

—

$

150,000

175,000

200,000

150,000

150,000

150,000

150,000

—

(3,733)

150,000 

150,000 

175,000 

200,000 

150,000 

150,000 

150,000 

— 

110 

(3,712) 

$

1,121,267

$

1,121,398 

(1) The weighted average term to maturity for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 5.4 years (December 31, 2020 – 5.1 years). 

Senior unsecured notes are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as follows: 

Non-current

Current

Total

A continuity of Crombie’s senior unsecured notes is as follows: 

Opening balance at January 1, 2021

New borrowing or issuances

Redemption 

Closing balance at December 31, 2021

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

971,267

150,000

1,121,267

$

$

971,398 

150,000 

1,121,398 

Senior Unsecured Notes 

$

$

1,125,000 

150,000 

(150,000) 

1,125,000 

On August 12, 2021, Crombie issued on a private placement basis, $150,000 of Series J notes (senior unsecured) maturing August 12, 2031. The net 
proceeds of the offering were used to repay existing debt. The notes were priced with a contractual interest rate of 3.133% and sold at a price of 
$1,000.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount. Interest is payable in equal semi-annual installments on February 12 and August 12. 

Opening balance at January 1, 2020

New borrowings or issuances

Early redemption

Closing balance at December 31, 2020

Senior Unsecured Notes 

$

$

925,000 

300,000 

(100,000) 

1,125,000 

On October 9, 2020, Crombie offered on a private placement bases, $150,000 Series H notes (senior unsecured) maturing March 31, 2028. The 
net proceeds of the offering were used to repay existing debt; this included partial redemption of Series B unsecured notes, which Crombie called 
for early redemption in conjunction with this offering, and repayment of outstanding credit facilities. The notes were priced with an effective yield 
to maturity of 2.686% and sold at a price of $1,000.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount. Interest is payable in equal semi-annual installments on 
March 31 and September 30. 

On October 9, 2020, Crombie offered on a private placement bases, $150,000 Series I notes (senior unsecured) maturing October 9, 2030. The 
net proceeds of the offering were used to repay existing debt; this included partial redemption of Series B unsecured notes, which Crombie called 
for early redemption in conjunction with this offering, and repayment of outstanding credit facilities. The notes were priced with an effective yield 
to maturity of 3.211% and sold at a price of $1,000.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount. Interest is payable in equal semi-annual installments on 
April 9 and October 9. 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

111

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9) EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS 
Crombie has a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans providing pension and other retirement benefits to most of its employees. 

Defined contribution pension plans 
The contributions required by the employee and the employer are specified. The employee’s pension depends on what level of retirement income 
(for example, annuity purchase) can be achieved with the combined total of employee and employer contributions and investment returns over the 
period of plan membership, and the annuity purchase rates at the time of the employee’s retirement. 

Defined benefit plans 
The retirement benefit provides pension benefits to members designated in writing by the Board of Trustees based on a formula recognizing length 
of service and final average earnings. The annual pension payable at age 65 is equal to 2% of the final average base earnings multiplied by years 
of credited service (to a maximum of 30 years), offset by the deemed retirement income provided under the defined contribution pension plan and 
deferred profit sharing plan. For the purpose of calculating the deemed retirement income provided under the defined contribution pension plan and 
deferred profit sharing plan, the assumptions stipulated in the SERP plan text are used, including an assumed annuity conversion discount rate of 7.0%. 
The final average earnings are 12 times the average of the 60 highest months of eligible earnings. Employee contributions, if required, pay for part of 
the cost of the benefit, and the employer contributions fund the balance. The employer contributions are not specified or defined within the plan text; 
they are based on the result of actuarial valuations which determine the level of funding required to meet the total obligation as estimated at the time 
of the valuation. Crombie’s defined benefit plans are unfunded. 

Once participants attain age 55 and 5 years of continuous service, they can retire. The total pension payable is reduced by 5/12% for each month 
by which the early retirement precedes age 60 (62 for a member who was designated as a member on or after June 25, 2009). The normal form 
of pension payment is a 60% joint and survivor pension. 

The post-employment benefits program offered to Crombie employees and retirees in Canada is an open plan that provides life and medical benefits 
for grandfathered employees and employees retired prior to May 1, 2011 as well as critical illness coverage for other employees. Full-time employees 
must be over age 55 to be eligible for the post-employment benefits program. 

The total defined benefit cost related to pension plans and post-employment benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $480 (year ended 
December 31, 2020 – $473). 

The plan typically exposes Crombie to actuarial risks such as: interest rate risk, mortality risk, and salary risk. 

(i) 

Interest rate risk – The present value of the defined benefit liability is calculated using discount rates that reflect the average yield, as at the 
measurement date, on high quality corporate bonds of similar duration to the plans’ liabilities. A decrease in the market yield on high quality 
corporate bonds will increase Crombie’s defined benefit liability. 

(ii)  Mortality risk – The present value of the defined benefit plan is calculated by reference to the best estimate of the mortality of plan participants 

both during and after their employment. An increase in the life expectancy of the plan participants will increase the plan’s liability. 

(iii)  Salary risk – The present value of the defined benefit plan liability is calculated by reference to the anticipated future salary of the plan 

participants. As such, an increase in the salary of plan participants over that anticipated will increase the plan’s liability. 

Senior Management Pension Plan

Post-Employment Benefit Plans

Most Recent  
Valuation Date 

Next Required 
Valuation Date 

December 31, 2021  December 31, 2022 

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2022 

The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s accrued benefit obligations and pension costs are as follows: 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Senior Management 
Pension Plan 

Post-Employment 
Benefit Plans 

Senior Management 
Pension Plan 

Post-Employment 
Benefit Plans 

Discount rate – accrued benefit obligation

Rate of compensation increase

2.90%

3.00%

2.90%

N/A

2.50%

3.00%

2.40% 

N/A 

For measurement purposes, a 4.50% (2020 – 4.75%) annual rate increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed. 

112

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

These assumptions were developed by management with the assistance of independent actuaries. Discount factors are determined close to year-end 
by reference to market yields of high quality corporate bonds that have a maturity approximating the terms of the related pension obligation. Other 
assumptions are based on current actuarial benchmarks and management’s historical experience. 

The projected Unit credit method is used to determine the present value of the defined benefit obligation and the related current service cost for all 
active members. 

Crombie uses December 31 as a measurement date for accounting purposes for its defined benefit pension plans. 

Information about Crombie’s defined benefit plans are as follows: 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Senior 
Management 
Pension Plan 

Post-Employment 
Benefit Plans

Senior 
Management 
Pension Plan 

Post-Employment 
Benefit Plans

Total 

Total 

Accrued benefit obligation 

Balance, beginning of year

$

6,097

$

2,560

$

8,657

$

5,646

$

2,765

$

8,411 

Current service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial losses (gains)

Benefits paid

Balance, end of year

Plan assets 

Fair value, beginning of year

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Fair value, end of year

Funded status – deficit

Current portion

Non-current portion

Accrued benefit obligation 
recorded as a liability

Net expense 

Current service cost

Interest cost

Net expense

244

156

(276)

(200)

6,021

—

200

(200)

—

6,021

200

5,821

6,021

244

156

400

$

$

$

19

61

(168)

(79)

2,393

—

79

(79)

—

2,393

84

2,309

2,393

19

61

80

$

$

$

263

217

(444)

(279)

8,414

—

279

(279)

—

8,414

284

8,130

8,414

263

217

480

$

$

$

200

172

279

(200)

6,097

—

200

(200)

—

6,097

200

5,897

6,097

200

172

372

$

$

$

19

82

(218)

(88)

2,560

—

88

(88)

—

2,560

79

2,481

2,560

19

82

101

$

$

$

219 

254 

61 

(288) 

8,657 

— 

288 

(288) 

— 

8,657 

279 

8,378 

8,657 

219 

254 

473 

$

$

$

The table below outlines the sensitivity of the fiscal 2021 key economic assumptions used in measuring the accrued benefit plan obligations and 
related expenses of Crombie’s pension and other benefit plans. The sensitivity of each key assumption has been calculated independently. Changes 
to more than one assumption simultaneously may amplify or reduce the impact on the accrued benefit obligation or benefit plan expenses. There 
was no change to the method and assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis from prior years. 

Discount Rate

Impact of:

Growth rate of health costs

Impact of:

1% increase

1% decrease

1% increase

1% decrease

Senior Management Pension Plan

Post-Employment Benefit Plans 

Benefit Obligations

Benefit Cost1

Benefit Obligations

Benefit Cost1 

2.90%

(670)

813

2.90%

7

(11)

2.90%

(302)

358

4.50%

175

(150)

2.90% 

9 

(14) 

4.50% 

5 

(4) 

(1) Reflects the impact of the current service costs, the interest cost, and the expected return on assets. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the net defined contribution pension plans expense was $1,067 (year ended December 31, 2020 – $983). 

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

113

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10) TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Current

Non-current

Total

Current

Non-current

Total 

Tenant incentives and capital expenditures

$

57,161

$

Property operating costs

Prepaid rents

Finance costs on investment property debt and notes

Amounts payable to related party

Fair value of interest rate swap agreements

Distributions payable

Unit-based compensation plans

Deferred revenue

34,160

16,983

14,251

71

635

12,223

4,588

258

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

19,631

4,207

$

57,161

$

51,960

$

34,160

16,983

14,251

71

635

12,223

24,219

4,465

19,548

15,938

13,010

1,008

5,263

11,738

3,165

258

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

11,575

4,400

$

51,960 

19,548 

15,938 

13,010 

1,008 

5,263 

11,738 

14,740 

4,658 

$  140,330

$  23,838

$  164,168

$  121,888

$  15,975

$  137,863 

Deferred Revenue 
During 2014, Crombie completed a sale-leaseback of the land component of an investment property. The proceeds received in excess of fair value 
of the land have been deferred and is being recognized as a reduction in property operating expenses over the term of the land lease. In addition, 
Crombie received a prepayment, from a related party, of their future obligation under a land sub-lease. This prepayment has also been deferred 
and is being recognized as a reduction in property operating expenses over the term of the land lease. 

11) PROPERTY REVENUE 

Operating lease revenue 

Rental revenue contractually due from tenants1

Contingent rental revenue 

Straight-line rent recognition

Tenant incentive amortization

Lease termination income

Revenue from contracts with customers 

Common area cost recoveries

Parking revenue

(1) Includes reimbursement of Crombie’s property tax expense. 

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

359,322

$

2,332

9,486

(19,811)

3,751

50,942

2,870

$

408,892

$

343,113 

1,048 

9,112 

(17,849) 

405 

50,021 

2,883 

388,733 

The following table sets out tenants that contributed in excess of 10% of total property revenue: 

Sobeys Inc. (including all subsidiaries of Empire)

$

209,684

51.3%

$

191,362

49.2% 

(1) Related party property revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 updated from previously reported figure. 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 20201 

Year ended 

114

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12) PROPERTY OPERATING EXPENSES 

Recoverable property taxes

Recoverable operating expenses

Other operating costs 

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

67,785

52,776

5,300

125,861

$

$

64,087 

51,218 

14,567 

129,872 

Bad debt expense recognized in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $811 (December 31, 2020 – $10,894). 

13) OPERATING LEASES 

Crombie as a Lessor 
Crombie’s operations include leasing commercial real estate. Future minimum rental income under non-cancellable tenant leases as at December 31, 
2021, is as follows: 

Future minimum rental income

$

275,110

$

262,251

$  251,029

$  234,868

$

221,145

$  1,546,288

$  2,790,691 

Year ending December 31, 

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 

Thereafter

Total

Crombie manages its residual risk in its investment properties through an active capital expenditure program and actively leasing any vacant spaces. 
The residual risk throughout Crombie’s portfolio is not considered significant. 

14)  GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES AND CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

(a) General and administrative expenses 

Salaries and benefits

Professional and public company costs

Occupancy and other

(b) Decrease (increase) in fair value of financial instruments 

Deferred Unit (“DU”) Plan

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

19,178

3,582

2,724

25,484

$

$

14,774 

3,292 

2,468 

20,534 

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

(2,972)

$

805

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

115

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15) FINANCE COSTS – OPERATIONS 

Fixed rate mortgages

Floating rate term, revolving, and demand facilities

Capitalized interest

Senior unsecured notes

Interest income on finance lease receivable

Interest on lease liability 

Finance costs – operations, expense

Amortization of fair value debt adjustment and accretion income

Change in accrued finance costs

Amortization of effective swap agreements

Capitalized interest1

Amortization of issue premium on senior unsecured notes

Amortization of deferred financing charges

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

50,969

$

2,347

(3,593)

41,557

(548)

2,056

92,788

294

(1,241)

—

3,593

110

(3,067)

50,540 

3,791 

(5,331) 

41,333 

(387) 

1,862 

91,808 

312 

(1,097) 

(510) 

5,331 

517 

(3,006) 

93,355 

Finance costs – operations, paid

$

92,477

$

(1) As at December 31, 2021, interest was capitalized to qualifying development projects based on a weighted average interest rate of 3.36% (December 31, 2020 – 3.47%). 

16) UNITS OUTSTANDING 

Crombie REIT Units 

Class B LP Units and  
Attached Special Voting Units

Total 

Number 
of Units

Amount 

Number 
of Units

Amount 

Number 
of Units

Amount 

Balance, January 1, 2021

93,533,246

$ 

1,100,999

64,724,915

$

759,238  158,258,161

$

1,860,237 

Net change in EUPP loans receivable

Units issued under DRIP

Units issued under Unit-based compensation plan

—

301,418

4,817

35

5,217

70

—

213,577

—

—

3,697

—

—

514,995

4,817

Units issued (proceeds are net of issue costs)

3,525,000

55,801

2,500,000

41,424

6,025,000

35 

8,914 

70 

97,225 

Balance, December 31, 2021

97,364,481

$

1,162,122

67,438,492

$

804,359  164,802,973

$ 

1,966,481 

Crombie REIT Units 

Class B LP Units and  
Attached Special Voting Units

Total 

Number 
of Units

Amount 

Number 
of Units

Amount 

Number 
of Units

Amount 

Balance, January 1, 2020

89,697,623

$

1,042,696

62,045,732

$

716,628

151,743,355

$

1,759,324 

Net change in EUPP loans receivable

Units issued under DRIP

Units issued under Unit-based compensation plan

Units issued (proceeds are net of issue costs)

—

120,533

58,090

3,657,000

39

1,671

745

—

85,433

—

—

1,185

—

—

205,966

58,090

55,848

2,593,750

41,425

6,250,750

39 

2,856 

745 

97,273 

Balance, December 31, 2020

93,533,246

$ 

1,100,999

64,724,915

$

759,238

158,258,161

$

1,860,237

116

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Crombie REIT Units 
Crombie is authorized to issue an unlimited number of REIT Units and an unlimited number of SVU and Class B LP Units. Issued and outstanding REIT 
Units may be subdivided or consolidated from time to time by the Trustees without the approval of the Unitholders. REIT Units are redeemable at any 
time on demand by the holders at a price per REIT Unit equal to the lesser of: (i) 90% of the weighted average price per Crombie REIT Unit during 
the period of the last ten days during which Crombie’s REIT Units traded; and (ii) an amount equal to the price of Crombie’s REIT Units on the date 
of redemption, as defined in the Declaration of Trust. 

The aggregate redemption price payable by Crombie in respect of any REIT Units surrendered for redemption during any calendar month will be 
satisfied by way of a cash payment in Canadian dollars within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which the REIT Units were tendered 
for redemption, provided that the entitlement of Unitholders to receive cash upon the redemption of their REIT Units is subject to the limitation that: 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

the total amount payable by Crombie in respect of such REIT Units and all other REIT Units tendered for redemption, in the same calendar 
month must not exceed $50 (provided that such limitation may be waived at the discretion of the Trustees); 

at the time such REIT Units are tendered for redemption, the outstanding REIT Units must be listed for trading on the TSX or traded or quoted 
on any other stock exchange or market which the Trustees consider, in their sole discretion, provides representative fair market value prices 
for the REIT Units; and 

the normal trading of REIT Units is not suspended or halted on any stock exchange on which the REIT Units are listed (or if not listed on a stock 
exchange, in any market where the REIT Units are quoted for trading) on the redemption date or for more than five trading days during the 
10 day trading period commencing immediately after the redemption date. 

On May 19, 2021, Crombie closed a public offering, on a bought deal basis, of 3,525,000 Units, at a price of $16.60 per Unit for proceeds of $55,801 
net of issue costs. 

On February 11, 2020, Crombie closed on a public offering, on a bought deal basis, of 3,657,000 Units, at a price of $16.00 per Unit for proceeds 
of $55,848 net of issue costs. 

Crombie REIT Special Voting Units (“SVU”) and Class B LP Units 
The Declaration of Trust and the Exchange Agreement provide for the issuance of SVUs to the holders of Class B LP Units used solely for providing 
voting rights proportionate to the votes of Crombie’s REIT Units. The SVUs are not transferable separately from the Class B LP Units to which they are 
attached and will be automatically transferred upon the transfer of such Class B LP Unit. If the Class B LP Units are exchanged in accordance with 
the Exchange Agreement, a like number of SVUs will be redeemed and cancelled for no consideration by Crombie. 

The Class B LP Units issued by a subsidiary of Crombie to ECL Developments Limited (“ECLD”) are indirectly exchangeable on a one-for-one basis 
for Crombie’s REIT Units at the option of the holder, under the terms of the Exchange Agreement. 

Each Class B LP Unit entitles the holder to receive distributions from Crombie, pro rata with distributions made by Crombie on REIT Units. 

On May 19, 2021, concurrent with the issue of the REIT Units, in satisfaction of its pre-emptive right, ECL Developments purchased 2,500,000 Class B 
LP Units and the attached SVUs at a price of $16.60 per Class B LP Unit for proceeds of $41,424 net of issue costs, on a private placement basis. 

On February 11, 2020, concurrent with the issue of the REIT Units, in satisfaction of its pre-emptive right, ECL Developments purchased 2,593,750 
Class B LP Units and the attached SVUs at a price of $16.00 per Class B LP for proceeds of $41,425 net of issue costs, on a private placement basis. 

Employee Unit Purchase Plan (“EUPP”) 
Crombie previously provided for REIT Unit purchase entitlements under the EUPP for certain senior executives. As at December 31, 2014, the EUPP 
was replaced with an RU Plan with a specific vesting period and no employee loans. 

As at December 31, 2021, there are loans receivable from executives of $1,172 under Crombie’s EUPP, representing 78,697 REIT Units, which are 
classified as a reduction to net assets attributable to Unitholders. The loans are being repaid through the application of the after-tax amounts 
of all distributions received on the REIT Units, as payments on interest and principal. The loans are required to be repaid by December 31, 2022. 
Loan repayments will result in a corresponding increase to net assets attributable to Unitholders. Market value of the REIT Units held as collateral 
at December 31, 2021 was $1,465. 

Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) 
Crombie has a DRIP whereby Canadian resident REIT Unitholders may elect to automatically have their distributions reinvested in additional REIT 
units. Units issued under the DRIP will be issued directly from the treasury of Crombie REIT at a price equal to 97% of the volume-weighted average 
trading price of the REIT units on the TSX for the five trading days immediately preceding the relevant distribution payment date, which is typically 
on or about the 15th day of the month following the declaration. Crombie recognizes the net proceeds in Net assets attributable to Unitholders.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

117

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

17) SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

(a) Items not affecting operating cash 

Items not affecting operating cash: 

Straight-line rent recognition

Amortization of tenant incentives

Gain on disposal of investment properties

Gain from equity accounted investments 

Impairment of investment properties

Depreciation and amortization

Amortization of effective swap agreements and issue premium 

Loss from equity accounted investments

Income tax expense

Non-cash lease termination income

Change in fair value of financial instruments

(b) Change in other non-cash operating items 

Cash provided by (used in): 

Trade receivables

Prepaid expenses and deposits and other assets 

Payables and other liabilities 

(c) Items not affecting financing cash 

Amortization of financing charges 

Non-cash distributions to Unitholders in the form of DRIP Units

(d) Cash and cash equivalents 

Restricted cash1

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

(9,486)

$

19,811

(56,525)

(15,525)

2,539

75,763

(110)

2,941

165

(653)

2,972

(9,112) 

17,849 

(3,335) 

— 

6,600 

75,567 

(7) 

72 

7 

(405) 

(805) 

$

21,892

$

86,431 

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

9,815

(3,063)

23,690

30,442

$

$

(13,579) 

(3,514) 

1,193 

(15,900) 

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

3,067

8,914

11,981

$

$

3,006 

2,856 

5,862 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

3,915

$

63,293 

$

$

$

$

$

(1) In 2020, Crombie closed on a construction mortgage in which the proceeds were placed in escrow and drawn down as conditions were satisfied. 

118

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
As at December 31, 2021, Empire, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ECLD, holds a 41.5% indirect interest in Crombie. Related party transactions 
primarily include transactions with entities associated with Crombie through Empire’s indirect interest. Related party transactions also include 
transactions with joint venture entities in which Crombie has a 50% interest, as well as transactions with key management personnel and 
post-employment benefit plans. 

Related party transactions are measured at the amount of consideration established and agreed by the related parties. 

Crombie’s revenue (expense) transactions with related parties are as follows: 

Property revenue 

Property revenue 

Head lease income

Lease termination income

Property operating expenses

General and administrative expenses 

Property management services recovered

Other general and administrative expenses

Finance costs – operations 

Interest rate subsidy

Finance costs – distributions to Unitholders

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

209,684

1,001

136

(96)

483

(265)

230

(59,952)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

191,3621 

1,162 

136 

(58) 

594 

(258) 

256 

(58,194) 

(1) Related party property revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 updated from previously reported figure. 

Crombie provides property management, leasing services and environmental management to specific properties owned by certain subsidiaries of 
Empire on a fee for service basis pursuant to a Management Agreement. Revenue generated from the Management Agreement is being recognized 
as a reduction of general and administrative expenses. 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie issued 213,577 (December 31, 2020 – 85,433) Class B LP Units to ECLD under the DRIP (Note 16). 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie purchased six properties from a subsidiary of Empire for a total purchase price of $42,912 before 
transaction costs. 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Crombie invested $34,119 (December 31, 2020 – $40,554) in properties anchored by subsidiaries of Empire, 
which resulted in amended lease terms. These amounts have been included in tenant incentive additions or income property additions depending 
on the nature of the work completed. The costs are being amortized over the amended lease terms or the useful life of the projects, as applicable. 

Amounts due from related parties include $15,533 (December 31, 2020 – $15,533) in 6% subordinated notes receivable due from Bronte Village Limited 
Partnership and The Duke Limited Partnership. 

Crombie has a mortgage payable due to 1600 Davie Limited Partnership of $25,526 (December 31, 2020 – $25,526). This mortgage relates to the 
commercial component of the Davie Street development, 100% of which is included in Crombie’s financial statements. 

Key management personnel compensation 
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Crombie. 
The following are considered to be Crombie’s key management personnel: the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer 
and the two other highest compensated executives. 

The remuneration of members of key management during the year was approximately as follows: 

Salary, bonus, and other short-term employee benefits

Total compensation paid to Trustees

Other long-term benefits

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

6,651

963

128

7,742

$

$

6,145 

865 

122 

7,132

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

119

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

(a) Fair Value of Financial Instruments 
The fair value of a financial instrument is the estimated amount that Crombie would receive to sell a financial asset or pay to transfer a financial 
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

Fair value determination is classified within a three-level hierarchy, based on observability of significant inputs, as follows: 

•  Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

•  Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. 

•  Level 3 – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. 

There were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2021. 

The fair value of other financial instruments is based on discounted cash flows using discount rates that reflect current market conditions for 
instruments with similar terms and risks. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of other financial instruments which have a fair value 
different from their carrying value: 

Financial assets 

Accounts receivable1

Financial liabilities 

Investment property debt

Senior unsecured notes

Total other financial liabilities

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value 

$

$

$

27,737

1,177,814

1,157,820

2,335,634

$

$

$

27,751

1,103,019

1,125,000

2,228,019

$

$

$

25,042

1,427,367

1,206,285

2,633,652

$

$

$

25,051 

1,336,560 

1,125,000 

2,461,560 

(1) Accounts receivable include amounts in other assets for the capital expenditure program, interest rate subsidy, and receivable from related parties. 

The fair value of the long-term receivables, investment property debt, and senior unsecured notes are Level 2. 

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the following financial instruments approximates their fair value at the balance sheet date: 

•  Cash and cash equivalents 

•  Trade receivables 

•  Trade and other payables (excluding any embedded derivatives). 

(b) Risk Management 
In the normal course of business, Crombie is exposed to a number of financial risks that can affect its operating performance. The significant risks, 
and the actions taken to manage them, are as follows: 

Credit Risk 

Credit risk arises from the possibility that tenants may experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill their lease commitments. A provision for 
doubtful accounts and other NOI adjustments are taken for all anticipated collectability risks. 

Crombie mitigates credit risk by geographical diversification, diversifying both its tenant mix and asset mix, and conducting credit assessments for 
new and renewing tenants. 

In measuring tenant concentration, Crombie considers both the annual minimum rent and total property revenue of major tenants: 

•  Crombie’s largest tenant, Empire (including Sobeys and all other subsidiaries of Empire), represents 56.7% of annual minimum rent; no other tenant 

accounts for more than 2.6% of Crombie’s minimum rent. 

•  Total property revenue includes operating and realty tax cost recovery income and percentage rent. These amounts can vary by property type, 

specific tenant leases and where tenants may directly incur and pay operating and realty tax costs. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Empire 
(including Sobeys and all other subsidiaries of Empire) represents 51.3% of total property revenue. Excluding these tenants, no other tenant accounts 
for more than 3.2% of Crombie’s total property revenue. 

•  Over the next five years, leases on no more than 7.1% of the gross leasable area of Crombie will expire in any one year.

120

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Receivables are substantially comprised of current balances due from tenants and past due receivables. The balance of accounts receivable past due 
is usually not significant; however, historically low receivable balances have increased significantly over the past few years as a result of the impacts 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally, rents are due the first of each month and other tenant billings are due 30 days after invoiced, and in general, 
balances over 30 days are considered past due. The total provision for doubtful accounts is reviewed at each balance sheet date and current and 
long-term accounts receivable are reviewed on a regular basis. 

Provision for doubtful accounts, beginning of year 

Additional provision 

Recoveries 

Write-offs

Provision for doubtful accounts, end of year 

Year ended 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

$

7,955

3,622

(3,498)

(5,048)

3,031

$

340 

8,751 

(749) 

(387) 

7,955 

Crombie assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its rent receivables. In determining the expected credit losses, 
Crombie takes into account, on a tenant-by-tenant basis, the payment history, future expectations, and knowledge gathered through discussions for 
rental concessions, applications for rental relief through government programs, and ongoing discussions with tenants. 

Due to the impacts of COVID-19 the degree of uncertainty in Crombie’s assessment of expected credit losses remains elevated. During the year ended 
December 31, 2021, Crombie has recorded a bad debt expense of $811. 

Interest Rate Risk 

Interest rate risk is the potential for financial loss arising from increases in interest rates. Crombie mitigates this risk by utilizing staggered debt maturities 
and limiting the use of permanent floating rate debt and, on occasion, utilizing interest rate swap agreements. Crombie does not enter into interest rate 
swaps on a speculative basis. 

As at December 31, 2021 

•  Crombie’s weighted average term to maturity of its fixed rate mortgages was 4.9 years. 

•  Crombie’s weighted average term to maturity of its unsecured notes was 5.4 years. 

•  Crombie has a floating rate revolving credit facility available to a maximum of $400,000 subject to available borrowing base, with a balance 

of $9,220 at December 31, 2021; and 

•  Crombie has an unsecured bilateral credit facility available to a maximum of $130,000 with a balance of $10,000 at December 31, 2021. 

Crombie has interest rate swap agreements in place on $109,535 of floating rate mortgage debt. 

A fluctuation in interest rates would have had an impact on Crombie’s operating income related to the use of floating rate debt. The following table 
looks at the impacts of selected interest rate moves on operating income: 

Impact on operating income attributable to Unitholders of interest rate changes  

on the floating rate revolving credit facility

Impact of a 0.5% interest rate change

Impact of a 1.0% interest rate change

Year ended December 31, 2021 

Decrease in Rate

Increase in Rate 

$

$

398

795

$

$

(398) 

(795)

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

121

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Liquidity Risk 

The real estate industry is highly capital intensive. Liquidity risk is the risk that Crombie may not have access to sufficient debt and equity capital 
to fund its growth program, refinance debt obligations as they mature, or meet its ongoing obligations as they arise. Cash flow generated from 
operating the property portfolio represents the primary source of liquidity used to service the interest on debt, fund general and administrative 
expenses, reinvest in the portfolio through capital expenditures, as well as fund tenant incentive costs and make distributions to Unitholders. Debt 
repayment requirements are primarily funded from refinancing Crombie’s maturing debt obligations. Property acquisition funding requirements 
are funded through a combination of accessing the debt and equity capital markets and recycling capital from property dispositions. 

There is a risk that the debt capital markets may not refinance maturing fixed rate and floating rate debt on terms and conditions acceptable 
to Crombie or at any terms at all. Crombie seeks to mitigate this risk by staggering its debt maturity dates. There is also a risk that the equity 
capital markets may not be receptive to a REIT Unit offering issuance from Crombie with financial terms acceptable to Crombie. Subsequent to 
December 31, 2021, Crombie closed on a public offering for proceeds of $200,000 (see Note 23(g)). Crombie mitigates its exposure to liquidity risk 
utilizing a conservative approach to capital management (see Note 20). Access to the $400,000 revolving credit facility is limited by the amount 
utilized under the facility and the amount of any outstanding letters of credit, and cannot exceed the borrowing base security provided by Crombie. 
As of December 31, 2021, $387,777 was available on this facility. 

The estimated payments, including principal and interest, on financial liabilities to maturity date are as follows: 

Fixed rate mortgages2

Senior unsecured notes

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Credit facilities

Total

Contractual 
Cash Flows1

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Thereafter 

$  1,244,565

$

213,880

$

290,512

$

265,655

$

61,102

$

39,096

$

374,320 

Twelve months ending December 31, 

1,335,356

147,096

154,240

2,881,257

31,050

190,599

123,258

3,007

530,744

836

35,176

4,451

2,937

333,076

10,679

35,176

2,988

2,807

306,626

10,227

202,476

224,220

1,609

2,758

267,945

9,308

1,609

2,639

647,709 

13,181 

140,092 

267,564

1,175,302 

—

— 

$  2,912,307

$

531,580

$

343,755

$

316,853

$

277,253

$

267,564

$  1,175,302 

(1) Contractual cash flows include principal and interest and ignore extension options. 
(2) Reduced by the interest rate subsidy payments to be received from Empire. 

20) CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 
Crombie’s objective when managing capital on a long-term basis is to maintain overall indebtedness, at reasonable levels, utilize staggered debt 
maturities, minimize long-term exposure to excessive levels of floating rate debt and maintain conservative payout ratios. 

Crombie’s capital structure consists of the following: 

Fixed rate mortgages

Credit facilities

Senior unsecured notes

Crombie REIT Unitholders

SVU and Class B LP Unitholders1

Lease liabilities

(1) Crombie REIT Special Voting Units (“SVU”) and Class B LP Units 

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

1,067,859

$

29,124

1,121,267

950,271

647,221

35,352

1,267,044 

62,256 

1,121,398 

881,511 

596,795 

29,914 

$

3,851,094

$

3,958,918 

At a minimum, Crombie’s capital structure is managed to ensure that it complies with the limitations pursuant to Crombie’s Declaration of Trust, the 
criteria contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada) in regard to the definition of a REIT and existing debt covenants. One of the restrictions pursuant 
to Crombie’s Declaration of Trust would include, among other items, a restriction that Crombie shall not incur total indebtedness of more than 60% 
of gross book value.

122

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For debt to gross book value calculation, Crombie does not include in total debt the financial liabilities to REIT Unitholders and to holders of Class B 
LP Units, as shown on the balance sheet as Net assets attributable to Unitholders. Crombie’s debt to gross book value as defined in Crombie’s 
Declaration of Trust is as follows: 

Fixed rate mortgages

Senior unsecured notes

Revolving credit facility

Joint operation credit facilities

Bilateral credit facility

Lease liabilities

Total debt outstanding

Less: Applicable fair value debt adjustment

Debt

Income properties, cost1

Properties under development, cost

Below-market lease component, cost2

Investment in joint ventures

Other assets, cost3

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred financing charges

Investment properties held for sale, cost

Interest rate subsidy

Gross book value

Debt to gross book value – cost basis

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

1,073,895

$

$

$

1,125,000

9,220

9,904

10,000

35,352

2,263,371

(53)

2,263,318

4,116,843

109,787

63,753

44,210

524,270

3,915

9,769

—

(53)

$

$

1,274,304 

1,125,000 

17,712 

9,544 

35,000 

29,914 

2,491,474 

(283) 

2,491,191 

4,146,652 

63,377 

64,873 

51,043 

463,699 

63,293 

10,972 

33,263 

(283) 

$

4,872,494

$

4,896,889 

46.5%

50.9% 

(1) Includes impairments on land of $6,957 (December 31, 2020 – $5,657). 
(2) Below-market lease component is included in the carrying value of investment properties. 
(3) Excludes accumulated amortization of tenant incentives and other fixed assets. 

Under the amended terms governing the revolving credit facility, Crombie is entitled to borrow a maximum of 70% of the fair market value of assets 
subject to a first security position and 60% of the excess fair market value over first mortgage financing of assets subject to a second security position 
or a negative pledge. The terms of the revolving credit facility also require that Crombie must maintain certain covenants: 

•  annualized net operating income for  the prescribed properties must  be  a  minimum  of  1.3 times  the  coverage  of  the related  annualized debt 

service requirements; 

•  annualized net operating income on all properties must be a minimum of 1.4 times the coverage of all annualized debt service requirements; 

•  access to the revolving credit facility is limited by the amount utilized under the facility and the amount of any outstanding letters of credit not to 

exceed the borrowing base security provided by Crombie; and 

•  annual cash distributions to Unitholders are limited to 100% of funds from operations. 

As at December 31, 2021, Crombie is in compliance with all externally imposed capital requirements and all covenants relating to its debt facilities.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

123

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21) LEASE LIABILITIES 
Crombie’s future minimum lease payments as a lessee are as follows: 

Future minimum lease payments

Finance charges

Present value of lease payments

Total

$  154,240

(118,888)

$  35,352

2022

3,007

(2,075)

932

$

$

2023

2,937

(2,049)

888

$

$

2024

2,807

(2,027)

780

$

$

2025

2,758

(2,008)

750

$

$

2026

Thereafter 

2,639

$  140,092 

(1,991)

(108,738) 

648

$

31,354 

$

$

Twelve months ending December 31, 

Lease liabilities are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as follows: 

Non-current

Current

Total

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

34,420

932

35,352

$

$

29,242 

672 

29,914 

Some of Crombie’s lease agreements contain contingent rent clauses. Contingent rental payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of 
comprehensive income as required when contingent criteria are met. The lease agreements contain renewal options and purchase options. For the 
year ended December 31, 2021, minimum lease payments of $2,901 were paid by Crombie. 

22) COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES 
There are various claims and litigation in which Crombie is involved, arising out of the ordinary course of business operations. In the opinion of 
management, any liability that would arise from such contingencies in excess of existing accruals would not have a significant adverse effect on these 
financial statements. 

Crombie obtains letters of credit to support its obligations with respect to construction work on its investment properties and satisfying mortgage 
financing requirements. As at December 31, 2021, Crombie has a total of $3,003 in outstanding letters of credit related to: 

Construction work being performed on investment properties

Mortgage lenders primarily to satisfy mortgage financings on redevelopment properties

Total outstanding letters of credit

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020 

$

$

3,003

—

3,003

$

$

3,740 

1,840 

5,580 

As at December 31, 2021, Crombie had signed construction contracts totalling $359,285 of which $264,927 has been paid. This includes contracts 
signed within joint ventures at Crombie’s ownership percentage. 

Crombie has 100% guarantees on mortgages related to properties in which it has less than a 100% interest. The mortgages payable related to these 
guarantees are secured by specific charges against the properties. As at December 31, 2021, Crombie has provided guarantees of approximately 
$128,973 (December 31, 2020 – $140,577) on mortgages in excess of their ownership interest in the properties. Responsibility for ongoing payments 
of principal and interest on these mortgages remains with the joint owners of the properties. The mortgages have a weighted average term to 
maturity of 3.0 years. 

Under the terms of head leases with certain of Crombie’s joint operation partners, Crombie guarantees its joint operation partners their portion of any 
uncollected rent receivable from the sub-tenant. 

As at December 31, 2021, Crombie has committed to contributing $2,120 to 1700 East Broadway Limited Partnership as part of the ongoing 
predevelopment work in the joint venture. 

124

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 
(a)  On January 6, 2022, Crombie acquired a 100% interest in a retail property from a subsidiary of Empire totalling 31,000 square feet for $3,300, 

excluding closing and transaction costs. 

(b)  On January 7, 2022, Crombie acquired a 100% interest in a retail property from a subsidiary of Empire totalling 44,000 square feet for $2,567, 

excluding closing and transaction costs. 

(c)  On January 14, 2022, Crombie declared distributions of 7.417 cents per Unit for the period from January 1, 2022 to and including January 31, 2022. 

The distributions were paid on February 15, 2022, to Unitholders of record as of January 31, 2022. 

(d)  On January 25, 2022, Crombie acquired the remaining 50% interest in a retail-related industrial property from a subsidiary of Empire totalling 

235,000 square feet for $38,050, excluding closing and transaction costs. 

(e)  On January 27, 2022, Crombie acquired a 100% interest in five retail properties from a subsidiary of Empire totalling 184,000 square feet for 

$34,035, excluding closing and transaction costs. 

(f)  On January 28, 2022, Crombie acquired a 100% interest in one retail property totalling 31,000 square feet for $2,000, excluding closing and 

transaction costs. 

(g)  On January 31, 2022, Crombie closed on an offering, on a bought deal basis, of $117,000 of Units at a price of $17.45 per Unit to a syndicate of 
underwriters co-led by Scotiabank and BMO Capital Markets. In addition, a subsidiary of Empire purchased, on a private placement basis, 
$83,000 of Class B LP Units of a subsidiary of Crombie, together with the attached Special Voting Units of Crombie, at a price per Class B Unit. 
After the closing of the public offering and the private placement, Empire continues to hold a 41.5% economic and voting interest in Crombie. 

(h)  On February 15, 2022, Crombie declared distributions of 7.417 cents per Unit for the period from February 1, 2022 to and including 

February 28, 2022. The distributions will be paid on March 15, 2022, to Unitholders of record as of February 28, 2022. 

24) SEGMENT DISCLOSURE 
Crombie owns and operates primarily retail, retail-related industrial, office, and mixed-use real estate assets located in Canada. Management, 
in measuring Crombie’s performance or making operating decisions, does not distinguish or group its operations on a geographical or other basis. 
Accordingly, Crombie has a single reportable segment. 

25) INDEMNITIES 
Crombie has agreed to indemnify its trustees and officers, and particular employees, in accordance with Crombie’s policies. Crombie maintains 
insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims.

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

125

PROPERTY PORTFOLIO 

Property

Location

Description 

Actual GLA 
(rounded) 

Committed 
(%) 

Property

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR 
Random Square 
Conception Bay Plaza
2A Commerce Street
71 Grandview Boulevard
21 Cromer Avenue
69 Blockhouse Road
10 Elizabeth Avenue
45 Ropewalk Lane
Avalon Mall
Hamlyn Road Plaza 
Kenmount Woodgate
Topsail Road Plaza
Torbay Road Plaza

Clarenville
Conception Bay
Deer Lake
Grand Bank
Grand Falls
Placentia
St. John’s
St. John’s
St. John’s
St. John’s
St. John’s
St. John’s
St. John’s

Retail – Enclosed 
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Enclosed
Retail – Plaza
Commercial
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

108,000
65,000
29,000
19,000
3,000
2,000
80,000
6,000
596,000
38,000
85,000
158,000
139,000
1,328,000

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 
400 University Avenue
Kinlock Plaza

Charlottetown
Stratford

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

NOVA SCOTIA 
Amherst Centre 
Amherst Plaza
151 Church Street
Hemlock Square
Mill Cove Plaza
2 Forest Hills Parkway
Dartmouth Crossing 

Cineplex

Amherst 
Amherst 
Antigonish
Bedford 
Bedford
Cole Harbour

Retail – Enclosed 
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

Dartmouth
Dartmouth 
Dartmouth
Dartmouth

Panavista Drive
Penhorn Plaza 
Russell Lake 
Elmsdale Shopping Centre  Elmsdale
Fall River 
Fall River Plaza
Halifax 
North & Windsor Street
Halifax
Park West Centre
Halifax
Queen Street Plaza
Downsview Mall
Lower Sackville
Lower Sackville
Downsview Plaza
Aberdeen Business Centre  New Glasgow 
New Glasgow
Highland Square Mall
New Glasgow
West Side Plaza
New Minas
County Fair Mall
New Waterford
75 Emerald Street
Pictou 
Blink Bonnie Plaza
Port Hawkesbury  Retail – Freestanding
622 Reeves Street
22579 Highway 7
Retail – Freestanding
Sheet Harbour
279, 289 & 303 Herring 

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Commercial
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Commercial
Retail – Enclosed 
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Enclosed 
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

Cove Road
293 Foord Street
Prince Street Plaza 
Sydney Shopping Centre 
39 Pitt Street
North Shore Centre
70 Marketway Lane
Fundy Trail Centre 
Tantallon Plaza

Spryfield 
Stellarton
Sydney 
Sydney 
Sydney Mines
Tatamagouche
Timberlea
Truro 
Upper Tantallon

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail - Freestanding
Retail – Plaza 
Retail – Plaza

Scotia Square Properties 
Barrington Place 
Barrington Tower 
Brunswick Place
CIBC Building 
Cogswell Tower 
Duke Tower 
Scotia Square 
Scotia Square Parkade

Halifax 
Halifax 
Halifax
Halifax
Halifax 
Halifax
Halifax 
Halifax 

NEW BRUNSWICK 
850 Saint Peters Avenue
477 Paul Street
501 Regis Street 
580 Victoria Street
Brookside Mall
Uptown Centre
Grand Bay Plaza
1234 Main Street
Elmwood Drive
Mountain Road Plaza
Northwest Centre
Vaughan Harvey Plaza
273 Pleasant Street
Riverview – Findlay 

Boulevard

Riverview Place 
Fairvale Plaza
107 Catherwood Street

Bathurst 
Dieppe
Dieppe 
Edmundston 
Fredericton
Fredericton
Grand Bay
Moncton
Moncton 
Moncton
Moncton 
Moncton 
Newcastle

Riverview 
Riverview 
Rothesay
Saint John

Commercial
Office 
Commercial
Office 
Office 
Office 
Commercial
Commercial

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Office 
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

Retail – Plaza
Commercial
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

126

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

5,000
86,000
91,000

228,000
25,000
6,000
184,000
150,000
22,000

45,000
5,000
145,000
34,000
147,000
101,000
50,000
143,000
55,000
79,000
226,000
321,000
200,000
71,000
241,000
3,000
51,000
34,000
1,000

73,000
24,000
71,000
190,000
18,000
17,000
41,000
127,000
157,000

191,000
186,000
251,000
207,000
204,000
217,000
196,000
–
4,737,000

18,000
52,000
25,000
42,000
43,000
262,000
26,000
140,000
95,000
17,000
52,000
103,000
20,000

66,000
149,000
52,000
5,000

Loch Lomond Place
Charlotte Mall 
426 du Moulin Street

QUÉBEC 
1500 rue de Bretagne 
1020 boulevard 

Monseigneur-de-Laval 

Beauport Plaza
50 rue Bourgeoys
3260 boulevard Lapiniere 

& 3305 Broadway
645 boulevard Thibeau

80-90 boulevard d’Anjou 
Marché St-Charles-
de-Drummond
1205 rue de Neuville
1248 boulevard de 
la Verendrye Est 

1298 rue de la Digue 
2195 chemin Ridge
Centre Lavaltrie
Marché Lavaltrie
5555 boulevard 
des Grandins
5005 boulevard 
de l’Ormiere

714 boulevard Saint-

Laurent Ouest

1450 & 1454 rue Royale
551 avenue du Phare Est
20-70 boulevard Sir 

Location

Saint John 
St. Stephen
Tracadie 

Description

Commercial
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

Actual GLA 
(rounded) 

Committed 
(%)

188,000
116,000
40,000
1,511,000

50.1 
97.8 
83.7 
89.0 

Baie Comeau 

Retail – Freestanding

50,000

100.0 

Baie Saint Paul
Beauport 
Bromptonville

Retail – Plaza 
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

65,000
78,000
7,000

100.0 
97.0 
37.7 

Retail – Plaza

48,000

96.2 

Brossard 
Cap-de-la-
Madeleine
Chateauguay

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

49,000
58,000

48,000
31,000

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

Drummondville
Gatineau

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

Gatineau
Havre-Saint-

Pierre
Huntingdon
Lavaltrie
Lavaltrie

Retail – Plaza

71,000

96.2 

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

26,000
19,000
43,000
52,000

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
97.8 

Lebourgneuf

Retail – Freestanding

6,000

100.0 

Les Saules 

Retail – Plaza

70,000

100.0 

Louiseville
Malartic
Matane

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

3,000
29,000
3,000

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

Wilfrid Laurier

McMasterville

Retail – Plaza

55,000

98.6 

631-665 boulevard Saint 

Jean-Baptiste

Mercier
Marché St-Augustin
Mirabel 
1 avenue Westminster Nord  Montreal
3964 rue Notre-Dame 

Ouest

5651 rue de Verdun
Pointe-Claire
Paspebiac Plaza
395 avenue Sirois
375 boulevard Jessop
254 boulevard de 
l’Hotel de Ville

680 avenue Chausse
Carrefour Bourgeois
Saint-Apollinaire Plaza
867-871 rue Principale
8980 boulevard Lacroix

Montreal
Montreal
Montreal
Paspebiac
Rimouski
Rimouski

Rivière-du-Loup
Rouyn-Noranda
Saint-Amable
Saint-Apollinaire 
Saint-Donat
Saint-Georges-
de-Beauce 

131-A avenue Sainte-Cecile  Saint-Pie
Saint-Romuald Plaza
10505 boulevard 
Sainte-Anne 

Saint-Romuald 
Sainte-Anne-de-

Beaupré
Shawinigan
Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke 
Sorel-Tracy

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Industrial
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

1440-1510 rue Trudel
2959 rue King Ouest
3950 rue King Ouest
411 boulevard Poliquin
1101 boulevard de 
la Piniere Ouest

ONTARIO 
977 Golf Links Road
409 Bayfield Street
680 Longworth Avenue
20 Melbourne Drive
Brampton Mall
Brampton Plaza 
Burlington Plaza 
Milltowne Plaza
142 Dundas Street
807 King Street
215 Park Avenue West
77 Coldwater Road
Village Centre
15 Lindsay Street
417 Scott Street
44 Livingston Avenue 
Grimsby Centre
188 Highland Street
Havelock Centre
400 First Avenue South
London Pine Valley
5931 Kalar Road

Terrebonne

Industrial

Ancaster
Barrie
Bowmanville
Bradford 
Brampton
Brampton 
Burlington 
Burlington 
Cambridge
Cambridge
Chatham
Coldwater
Dorchester
Fenelon Falls
Fort Frances
Grimbsy
Grimsby
Haliburton
Havelock
Kenora
London
Niagara Falls

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

58,000
38,000
10,000

41,000
6,000
155,000
73,000
11,000
41,000

72,000
5,000
64,000
62,000
34,000

5,000
14,000
76,000

4,000
67,000
13,000
6,000
40,000

235,000
1,941,000

32,000
24,000
42,000
4,000
103,000
38,000
70,000
11,000
4,000
9,000
5,000
15,000
32,000
4,000
43,000
36,000
29,000
24,000
2,000
4,000
39,000
6,000

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
91.7 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
97.5 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
98.9 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
99.0 
100.0 
57.2 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0

95.9 
84.4 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
94.5 
80.6 
100.0 
97.5 
60.8 
91.5 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

83.2 
100.0 
100.0 
96.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
98.9 
98.0 
99.3 
100.0 
100.0 
96.8 
100.0 
98.5 
97.5 
100.0 
100.0 
95.7 
59.3 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
97.9 
97.9 

96.1 
99.7 
95.9 
85.5 
92.1 
92.2 
89.2 
0.0 
94.3 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
93.3 
100.0 
89.3 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

94.8 
82.1 
100.0 
100.0 

Property

Location

Description

Actual GLA 
(rounded) 

Committed 
(%)

Property

Location

Description

Actual GLA 
(rounded) 

Committed 
(%)

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Plaza 
Nepean
Village Square Mall 
North Bay
Algonquin Avenue Mall
Orangeville
500 Riddell Road 
5150 Innes Road
Orleans 
Taunton and Wilson Plaza  Oshawa
Parry Sound
25 Pine Drive
Scarborough
3130 Danforth Avenue
Scarborough
McCowan Square
St. Catharines
Mountain Locks Plaza
Stittsville 
Stittsville Corner 
Stoney Creek
Stoney Creek Plaza
Thornbury
105 Arthur Street West
Toronto
1099 Broadview Avenue
3362-3370 Yonge Street
Toronto
The Queensway Commons  Toronto 
The Queensway Commons 

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

Spoke

8265 Huntington Road
385 Springbank Avenue 

Toronto
Vaughan

Industrial
Industrial

North

Woodstock 

Retail – Plaza

East St. Paul
Neepawa
Selkirk
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg 
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg 
Winnipeg

Winnipeg
Winnipeg 

Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

Moose Jaw 
North Battleford
Prince Albert
Regina
Regina
Regina
Saskatoon
Saskatoon 

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail - Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

MANITOBA 
3156 Bird’s Hill Road East
498 Mountain Avenue 
318 Manitoba Avenue
2 Alpine Ave
285 Marion Street
731 Henderson Highway
469-499 River Avenue
594 Mountain Avenue 
600 Sargent Avenue
654 Kildare Avenue
655 Osborne Street
920 Jefferson Avenue
1305-1321 Pembina 

Highway

2155 Pembina Highway 
3381  & 3393 Portage 

Avenue

Kildonan Green
River East Plaza

SASKATCHEWAN 
200 1st Avenue NW
9801 Territorial Drive
2895 2nd Avenue West
2231 East Quance Street
2915 13th Avenue
4250 Albert Street 
1860 McOrmond Drive 
River City Centre

ALBERTA 
318 Marten Street
5700 50th Street 
Beaumont Shopping 

Centre

550 Cassils Road & 654 

64,000
92,000
163,000
5,000
65,000
107,000
46,000
3,000
61,000
85,000
111,000
12,000
40,000
15,000
29,000
36,000

17,000
793,000

55,000
2,375,000

4,000
2,000
5,000
57,000
38,000
24,000
59,000
18,000
33,000
43,000
20,000
56,000

38,000
46,000

55,000
74,000
84,000
656,000

39,000
30,000
56,000
19,000
20,000
41,000
58,000
160,000
423,000

100.0 
100.0 
97.4 
100.0 
100.0 
98.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
98.7 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

97.8 
98.3 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
96.6 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
99.7 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
95.0 
98.1 

100.0 
100.0 

Banff
Beaumont

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

19,000
21,000

Beaumont 

Retail – Plaza

58,000

100.0 

4th Street West

Brooks

Retail – Plaza

61,000

100.0 

55 Castleridge 
Boulevard NE

Calgary
99 Crowfoot Crescent NW  Calgary
110-620 McKenzie Towne 

Gate SE

Calgary 
410 10 Street NW
Calgary
Calgary
511 17 Avenue SE
504 & 524 Elbow Drive SW  Calgary
813 11 Avenue SW 
Calgary
850 Saddletowne Circle NE  Calgary
1818 Centre Street NE & 

Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary
Calgary 
Calgary
Canmore

134 17 Avenue NE
2425 34 Street SW
3550 32 Avenue NE 
5048 16 Avenue NW
5607 4 Street NW 
South Trail Plaza
Strathcona Square
1200 Railway Avenue
135 Chestermere 
Station Way

304 5 Avenue West
17th Street & 23rd Avenue 
400 & 500 Manning 
Crossing North
2304 109 Street NW
2534 Guardian Road NW

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

6,000
75,000

9,000
38,000
42,000
29,000
40,000
6,000

36,000
48,000
69,000
21,000
50,000
79,000
81,000
53,000

43,000
54,000
52,000

49,000
48,000
49,000

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
98.6 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

Chestermere
Cochrane
Edmonton

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton 

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

5119 167 Avenue NW
5309 Ellerslie Road
8118 118 Avenue NW
8204 109 Street NW 
9611 167 Avenue NW 
10907 82 Avenue NW
12950 137 Avenue NW
13550 Victoria Trail
Millwood Commons
Namao Centre 
304 54 Street
9601 Franklin Avenue
Clearwater Landing
8100-8300 100 Street
9925 114 Avenue
Leduc Centre
1760 23 Street
2750 Fairway Plaza 

Road South
West Lethbridge 
Towne Centre

Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton 
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton 
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edson
Fort McMurray 
Fort McMurray
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie
Leduc
Lethbridge

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding 
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding

30,000
50,000
22,000
34,000
37,000
21,000
55,000
37,000
29,000
34,000
33,000
4,000
143,000
67,000
71,000
138,000
45,000

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
97.6 
100.0 
100.0 
81.6 
95.1 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

Lethbridge 

Retail – Plaza

7,000

100.0 

Lethbridge

615 Division Avenue South  Medicine Hat
410 & 610 Big Rock Lane
Gaetz South Plaza
260199 High Plains 

Okotoks
Red Deer

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

104,000
43,000
5,000
74,000

Boulevard
688 Wye Road
1109 James Mowatt 

Trail SW 

94 McLeod Avenue
395 St. Albert Trail
4607 50 Street
100 Ranch Market
4202 South Park Drive

Rocky View
Sherwood Park

Industrial
Retail – Freestanding

655,000
23,000

Southbrook
Spruce Grove
St. Albert 
Stettler
Strathmore
Stony Plain

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

23,000
6,000
53,000
31,000
35,000
5,000
3,050,000

100 Mile House

BRITISH COLUMBIA 
575 Alder Avenue
4454 East Hastings Street  Burnaby
Burnaby
Burnaby Heights
Castlegar 
1721 Columbia Avenue
Chilliwack
45850 Yale Road 
1551 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay
Crown Isle Shopping 

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

Centre

Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza

Courtenay
Cranbrook
934 Baker Street 
Cranbrook
1200 Baker Street
Dawson Creek
11200 8 Street 
Fort St. John
9123 100 Street 
750 Fortune Drive
Kamloops
945 Columbia Street West  Kamloops 
Kelowna
294 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna 
697 Bernard Avenue 
Langford
Belmont Market
Langley
20871 Fraser Highway 
27566 Fraser Highway 
Langley
32520 Lougheed Highway  Mission
New Westminster  Retail – Freestanding
800 McBride Boulevard 
Retail – Freestanding 
1170 27 Street East
North Vancouver 
Retail – Freestanding
1175 Mount Seymour Road  North Vancouver 
Retail – Plaza
Penticton
801-1301 Main Street 
Port Coquitlam
Retail – Freestanding
2850 Shaughnessy Street 
Prince Rupert
Retail – Plaza
200 2 Avenue West
Retail – Freestanding
Quesnel
445 Reid Street
Retail – Freestanding
6140 Blundell Road
Richmond
Retail – Freestanding
3664 Yellowhead Highway  Smithers 
Retail – Plaza
7450 120 Street
8860 152 Street
Retail – Freestanding
10355 King George 

Surrey
Surrey

Boulevard

4655 Lakelse Avenue
1599 2nd Avenue
990 King Edward 
Avenue West

1641 & 1653 Davie Street
1766 Robson Street
1780 East Broadway
2733 West Broadway
3410 Kingsway 
8475 Granville Street
3417 30 Avenue
4300 32 Street
451 Oliver Street

Surrey
Terrace
Trail

Vancouver
Vancouver 
Vancouver
Vancouver 
Vancouver 
Vancouver 
Vancouver
Vernon
Vernon
Williams Lake

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza

Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Plaza
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding
Retail – Freestanding

8,000
4,000
61,000
3,000
6,000
54,000

109,000
9,000
48,000
5,000
67,000
55,000
5,000
19,000
30,000
143,000
48,000
45,000
57,000
43,000
37,000
36,000
59,000
49,000
50,000
3,000
28,000
5,000
60,000
56,000

62,000
43,000
32,000

28,000
54,000
42,000
42,000
55,000
51,000
24,000
29,000
56,000
29,000
1,749,000

99.1 
100.0 
100.0 
97.8 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
98.9 

26.6 
100.0 
96.7 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

99.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
92.1 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
98.8 

17,861,000

96.2

Proven Stability and Sustainable Growth

127

UNITHOLDERS’ INFORMATION 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

J. Michael Knowlton 
Independent Trustee and Chair 

John Eby 
Independent Trustee 

Donald E. Clow 
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer 

CROMBIE REIT 

Head Office: 
610 East River Road, Suite 200 
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, B2H 3S2 

Telephone: (902) 755-8100 

Fax: (902) 755-6477 

Internet: www.crombie.ca 

Paul V. Beesley 
Independent Trustee 

Jane Craighead 
Independent Trustee 

James M. Dickson 
Independent Trustee 

Barbara Palk 
Independent Trustee 

Jason P. Shannon 
Independent Trustee 

Jana Sobey 
Independent Trustee 

Paul D. Sobey 
Independent Trustee 

Michael Vels 
Trustee 

Karen Weaver 
Independent Trustee 

OFFICERS 

J. Michael Knowlton 
Chair 

Donald E. Clow 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Clinton D. Keay 
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 

Glenn R. Hynes 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 

Cheryl Fraser 
Chief Talent Officer and Vice President Communications 

John Barnoski 
Executive Vice President Corporate Development 

Trevor Lee 
Senior Vice President Construction and Development 

Arie Bitton 
Senior Vice President Leasing and Operations 

Fred Santini 
General Counsel 

128

CROMBIE REIT Annual Report 2021

INVESTOR RELATIONS AND INQUIRIES 

Unitholders, analysts, and investors should direct their financial 
inquiries or requests to: 

Clinton D. Keay, CPA, CA 
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 

Email: investing@crombie.ca 

Communication regarding investor records, including changes of 
address or ownership, lost certificates or tax forms, should be directed 
to the company’s transfer agent and registrar, TSX Trust Company. 

UNIT SYMBOL 

REIT Trust Units – CRR.UN 

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING 

Toronto Stock Exchange 

TRANSFER AGENT 

TSX Trust Company 
Investor Correspondence 
P.O. Box 700 
Montreal, Quebec, H3B 3K3 

Telephone: (800) 387-0825 
Email: inquiries@astfinancial.com 
Website: www.astfinancial.com/ca 

COUNSEL 

Stewart McKelvey 
Halifax, Nova Scotia 

AUDITORS 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP 
Halifax, Nova Scotia 

MULTIPLE MAILINGS 

If you have more than one account, you may receive a separate 
mailing for each. 

If this occurs, please contact TSX Trust Company at (800) 387-0825 
or (416) 682-3860 to eliminate multiple mailings.

Tenant Profile
Tenant Profile 

Bronte Village 
Oakville, Ontario 

Tenants by 
Industry 
(% of AMR) 

Crombie develops and owns a high-quality, resilient, and diversified 
portfolio backed by a solid group of national and regional tenants, 
that deliver consistent long-term earnings and cash flow stability. 

58.6% 

Necessity-Based Retailers1

3.4% 

Value-Focused Retailers

6.2% 

Office & Hotel Tenants

5.7% 

Retail-Related Industrial Tenants

4.7% 

Medical, Professional &  
Personal Services 

4.1% 

Restaurants – Quick Service & Cafe

3.9% 

Bank and Financial Services

3.5% 

Apparel & Accessories

3.1% 

1.9% 

Entertainment, Sporting Goods 
& Stationary Retailers 

Home Improvement, Furniture  
& Auto Supplies 

1.9% 

Restaurants – Full Service

1.6% 

Other

1.4% 

Fitness Facilities & Supplements

1  Necessity-based retailers include tenants that provide essential products and services, and predominantly fall into the 
following categories: grocery, pharmacy, liquor, cannabis, convenience store, gasoline, and pet supplies.

Crombie REIT 

crombie.ca