Workers unsure about new campaign to keep them downtown after hours
Ottawa city officials are launching a communications campaign to encourage federal workers to stay downtown after hours to manage traffic congestion. The plan includes increased transit services and fines, though workers remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures.
Why it matters
As cities struggle with post-pandemic office occupancy, local governments are experimenting with urban planning and behavioral nudges to revitalize downtown cores.
"In the summer? Probably," said the federal public servant on Monday afternoon. "In the winter, hell no!"
Obeidallah is among the target audience for an impending city communications strategy aimed at hyping up the downtown in the hope workers won't all leave for home at the same time.
So far, the idea is getting mixed reviews.
Last week, city council unanimously passed a $29-million transportation plan, with the goal of making it easier for everyone to get around now that public servants are back in the office an extra day each week .
With students also headed back to class in the fall, the city is forecasting an additional 65,000 weekly trips to the downtown core.
"This, and other factors, will lead to an increase in demand on the transportation network, requiring co-ordinated measures to maintain mobility, network reliability, and access to key destinations," according to the plan's report.
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