The adoption of a hybrid work model by many companies would have the effect of reducing, compared to the pre-pandemic level, traffic by 19 to 25%, and consumer spending by a maximum of 14% in the center- city of Montreal, at least in the short term, foresees an analysis by the firm PwC Canada.
“It’s huge,” reacted, in view of the loss of goodwill, the president and chief executive officer of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM), Michel Leblanc, at a press conference.
The analysis carried out on behalf of the CCMM was unveiled on Friday, as the end of compulsory teleworking in Quebec, scheduled for February 28, approaches. She estimates that the decline in the number of workers who visit this major financial center in the country on a daily basis will be gradually offset “by the creation of new jobs generated by the favorable economic situation and business growth”.
The decrease in expenses could also be mitigated “if workers maintain their level of expenses by concentrating them on the few days of presence in the city center”. The reduction in consumption also takes into account a drop in the number of residents, students and tourists.
The shock
The estimates put forward are based in particular on a survey conducted by the firm Léger among 1,079 managers and employees whose workplace is on the island of Montreal. He shows a clear preference for a presence of one to three days a week at the office. Only 19% of downtown workers want to return to their workplace full time.
The analysis proposes actions to limit the “shock” of this loss of traffic in the heart of the Quebec metropolis and prevent it from falling “into a spiral of devitalization”. It is particularly suggested to improve the cultural and entertainment offers and to increase the mix of uses by promoting the construction of housing complexes and a diversification of the type of businesses.
According to Mr. Leblanc, decision makers must promote the perception of a downtown where it is pleasant to spend time even after work. The arrival of employees a few days a week is similar to business trips that combine meetings and activities, he illustrated.
“It won’t be every week, every day. But if we are in this state of mind that downtown Montreal is a work destination, but pleasant on all other facets, we will then increase the interest in coming there and reduce the 25 %. And we are going to increase the expense, so the 14% will perhaps become a 10% drop, “said Mr. Leblanc.
A “Mini Marshall Plan”
The study entitled “Reviving downtown Montreal in a profoundly changing environment” also addresses the issue of e-commerce. Mr. Leblanc wants an initiative to make life easier for entrepreneurs and merchants who want to relaunch business projects.
He called for the implementation of a “mini Marshall plan”, referring to the American aid program for the reconstruction and revival of European cities devastated by the Second World War.
“Downtown Montreal was not bombed, but when you look at the commercial fabric, there are a lot of holes. In the coming year, we will need a mini-Marshall plan to help resume business projects. […] It takes a strategy for us so that this space in the city center which is currently extremely fragile does not keep storefronts barricaded for a very long time, ”he declared, calling on Quebec and Ottawa to intervene.
Mr. Leblanc asks the various levels of government to provide more financial support for the holding of major events attracting tourists from abroad