September: 100% of workers expected back
The Chamber of Commerce says it expects 100% of downtown workers from pre‑pandemic times to be back at the office by September. Evidently the Chamber has no concern for the notion that working from home (at least part of the time, if your job allows for that) is good for the environment.
Kevin 23:01 on 2022-03-31 Permalink
Nobody expects everyone to return to the office all the time. Not even the Chamber is that delusional.
I spoke to a CEO yesterday who said any time he hears a company wants people back in the office, he reaches out so he can hire.
The Chamber would be better off telling real estate companies to transform their towers into residential space, like the European cities they claim to admire.
DeWolf 08:56 on 2022-04-01 Permalink
This is a strange bit of posturing on the part of the Chamber of Commerce, especially since its own study suggests a permanent 25% reduction in the number of downtown office workers (which is mentioned in another La Presse story today).
If it is only 25%, that will actually be offset by downtown population growth. According to the latest census, downtown Montreal’s population grew by 24% from 2016 to 2021, the second-fastest rate in Canada, and there are even more housing units under construction or slated to begin construction over the next five years. By 2025 the downtown population will be 50% larger than it was in 2016. That won’t quite replace all the missing office workers in terms of sheer numbers, but it will make for a more sustainable economy, since a downtown resident spends more money downtown than a 9-5 office worker.
As for office tower conversions, there are already a few of these projects, like the Tour Fides (under construction) and Encore on René-Lévesque (completed in 2019). But there are still enough empty lots, parking lots and small buildings that can be easily demolished that office tower conversions aren’t that attractive for developers. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing demolitions instead, especially those dumpy office blocks along President Kennedy. That’s a good location but new towers but the existing buildings aren’t particularly attractive for condo conversions.