Toronto Braces for Increased Traffic Congestion as Office Return Mandates Loom
Toronto is anticipating a potential surge in traffic congestion this fall as more companies implement return-to-office mandates, according to recent commentary. Experts warn this could strain an already burdened public transportation system and possibly hinder the economic benefits employers hope to achieve with increased in-person work.Richard Gherson, speaking on the issue, highlighted the potential for disruption. He stated the return to office policies will “put pressure on an already bad situation,” and bring renewed focus to the city’s ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion. Gherson expressed concern that the influx of commuters could overwhelm the system, ultimately undermining the productivity gains companies are seeking. “That’s the real concern, that the whole effort hear on the part of these employers to have more productive businesses… isn’t going to be undermined as employees just can’t get there,” he said.
However, the return of office workers is viewed positively by downtown business owners, who have been struggling since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gherson described the increased foot traffic as a “bit of a godsend” for Toronto’s core, benefiting businesses reliant on office worker patronage. He also noted the positive impact on property values, explaining that increased occupancy combats declining building values and supports property tax revenues. Declining occupancy leads to higher vacancy levels, which negatively impacts building values and, later, property tax revenues.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade presented an action plan to address congestion to the city in February, and the municipality adopted all five of its recommendations. These included establishing a construction planning office to better coordinate lane closures, raising the threshold for allowable lane closures due to construction, and fostering accountability for gridlock within City Hall.
Jennifer Keesmaat emphasized the importance of rebuilding confidence in public transit to encourage ridership.She pointed out that service levels were reduced during the pandemic and public safety concerns have arisen. Keesmaat stated municipalities need to prioritize messaging around transit and together improve service quality.
Keesmaat further noted that the infrastructure to improve transit operations already exists, citing the implementation of automatic train control during her time as chief planner in 2012, designed to allow for more frequent train service. She expressed frustration that this capacity is currently not being fully utilized.
