Post Covid: The Future of Downtown

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The speeches are free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.

Post Covid: The Future of Downtown

The COVID 19 pandemic dealt a staggering blow to our downtowns. In the spring, offices and businesses were closed entirely. Organizations continued to operate with employees working remotely. Some businesses failed entirely. Even as offices have reopened, most people continue to work from home. Walking through an office building now can be an eerie experience. The lack of foot traffic is also devastating in downtown restaurants and coffee shops.

We are looking for answers. After COVID, will downtowns bounce back?  To what extent?  And how long will it take?  How much commercial space will be vacant?  What are other possible uses for this space?

In short, our cities will recover. But how? And when?

These are the questions facing this panel of experts from business, labour, and academia.

Panelists:

Mark Garner

Chief Operating Officer, Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area

William Logar

Executive Vice President, Asset Management, KingSett Capital

Mike Yorke

President, Director of Public Affairs and Innovation, Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario

Moderator:

Mary W. Rowe

President and Chief Executive Officer, The Canadian Urban Institute