Weekly newsletter: January 16, 2023

It’s Blue Monday. Statistically, it’s the most depressing day of the year... Coincidentally, it’s the coldest day of the year so far as well.

I know some federal public service employees return to their offices this week, and I do empathise with their situation. Personally, I enjoy "going" to work (I’m less productive at home), but I hope the federal government rethinks its blanket hybrid work policy.

During the campaign, many residents told me how they enjoy working at home, especially the increased productivity and improved work-life balance. Local businesses have also enjoyed the boost in business, and Barrhaven has enjoyed the boost in life.

For almost three years, we have re-shaped our lives around new work arrangements and lifestyles. Do we want to spend hours commuting to the office again just to attend virtual meetings?

I recognise that hybrid work will temporarily revitalise downtown businesses, but reverting to a partial pre-pandemic state won’t address long-standing issues that existed before the pandemic, like the state of Sparks Street.

The post-pandemic reality represents a real opportunity to meaningfully revitalise the downtown by repurposing empty towers into much needed housing and bring 24/7 life to businesses and to downtown.

Downtown has so much potential, with the new Ādisōke central library, a possible arena, and the ongoing LeBreton flats redevelopment. That level of potential won't be realised through short-term solutions held together by tape.

-Wilson