(Ottawa) Businesses in downtown Ottawa are already looking forward to the return to the office of federal officials. With the implementation of a hybrid work system for these workers, merchants hope to see an increase in traffic in their stores.
“Personally, I’m just happy to see more people around. I feel like we’re finally going back to our old reality,” said Kyle Macleod, manager of Manhattan’s cafe.
The Treasury Board’s decision to move to a hybrid mode means civil servants will be back to work in person two to three days a week from early next year. The plan to return to the office must be staggered until March.
Departments may have made their own arrangements for a hybrid work model during the pandemic, but Treasury Board will now apply a common policy.
Reaction from officials was mixed, with unions raising concerns about communication and logistics. The national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Chris Aylward, notably denounced the fact that there was “absolutely no consultation” during the process that led to this decision.
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said the government has communicated the decision to the unions and that the employer has the right to decide where to work.
Good news
News of the public servants’ return to office, however, received a warmer reception from the City of Ottawa and the business community. They are already seeing positive effects for local businesses and for public transit ridership.
Mr Macleod does not know when he will receive more customers at his café, however, as the return will be gradual. He nevertheless believes that a return of civil servants is important to maintain the development of the city center of the federal capital.
“I don’t think people realize that if nobody comes downtown, we won’t need them anymore,” he said. And so the city center would become a ghost town. »
In a press release on Thursday, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said it was “essential” for the local economy to get clarity from the federal government on the future of his offices.
Meanwhile, Sparks Street Business Improvement Area Chairman Kevin McHale said business owners are “cautiously optimistic.”
“There is a climate of uncertainty in the city center,” he said in an interview.
According to him, the traffic of passers-by on Sparks Street means everything to merchants. However, many business owners are eager to know what the federal government plans to do with its office space and whether it plans to downsize.
“The next question is, what will occupancy look like in downtown buildings? The more information we have, the easier it is for our members. »