(Montreal) 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 downtown Montreal, at least in the short term, foresees an analysis by the firm PwC Canada.
Posted at 2:25 p.m.
“It’s huge,” reacted to the loss of traffic, the president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM), Michel Leblanc, at a press conference on Friday.
The analysis carried out on behalf of the CCMM was unveiled as the end of mandatory teleworking in Quebec, scheduled for February 28, approaches.
She estimates that the decline in the number of workers who frequent this important financial center in the country on a daily basis will be gradually compensated “by the creation of new jobs generated by the economic momentum and the growth of businesses”.
While the decrease in expenses could 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 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.
Avoid devitalization
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 units 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 spending, so the 14% will perhaps become a 10% reduction.
Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
A “mini-Marshall plan”
The study entitled ” Reviving downtown Montreal in an environment undergoing profound change also addresses the issue of online 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 recovery 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. We will need in the next year a mini Marshall plan to help the resumption of 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 large-scale events attracting tourists from abroad.
At his side, the Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal region, Chantal Rouleau, indicated that funding for major festivals will be maintained, without making a commitment for additional assistance.
The PwC study also makes recommendations on site management plans and public transport accessibility to enhance the downtown experience.
Proposals also target employers to facilitate the transition to the hybrid work model.
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This article was produced with the financial support of the Facebook and The Canadian Press News Fellowships.